EDU 214
Early Field Experience
This is an experiential course designed to acquaint the prospective teacher candidate with the reality of classroom teaching. Students must have blocks of time available in their weekly schedules for required visitation to assigned schools; class meetings on campus; class assignments and readings pertinent to the classroom observation; and participation experience.
Prerequisite: EDU 345 or 360
EDU 230 Communications Skills for Teachers
Teacher certification candidates will develop and refine oral communication skills with a focus on delivering instructional presentations, conducting parent-teacher conferences and developing persuasive discussions. Teacher certification candidates will also develop proficiency in written English language usage with a focus on written communication with parents, administrators and community agencies/businesses.
Prerequisite: ENG 102
EDU 248
N-6 Art and Music Curriculum and Methods
This course is an introduction to art and music in the N-6 classroom and includes a study of curriculum and applicable teaching techniques. It includes study of art techniques, media, instructional ideas and teaching methods appropriate for classroom use. Candidates learn to use singing, rhythmic activities, musical instruments and bodily movement in the context of N-6 instruction. Teacher candidates develop an understanding of how to use art, music and movement as tools for N-6 learning.
EDU 301
Educational Psychology
Topics in this course include current psychological approaches to child and adolescent growth and maturation; practical application of the accepted principles of integrated learning and learning theory; the use of instruments for evaluation of intelligence, personality and social development and adjustment; and statistics and application of educational research. The presentation is aimed at helping future teachers understand behavior and the nature of learning.
Prerequisite: PSY 100
EDU 302
Foundations of Early Childhood Education
An introduction to early childhood education, this course focuses on analysis of children's needs; planning a balanced program; reporting to parents; and nurturing the young child's social experiences, self discipline, independence and creativity. Students develop teaching and communications skills appropriate for early childhood education. Students will arrange play experiences, organize physical space for early childhood learning and develop a case study.
EDU 303
The American Education System
This is a comprehensive introduction to the American system of education, encompassing European and American educational history and philosophy; political and social factors which impact education; school finance; school law; curriculum; tools of teaching; teacher selection and training; and current education problems.
ART/EDU 337
Teaching Arts in the Elementary School
This course engages art education candidates in developing an understanding of the philosophy and principles of art education in the elementary school curriculum. Students study classroom problems and procedures in various teaching situations. Emphasis is placed upon application, observation and evaluation of teaching at the elementary level. This course is a pre-student teaching experience in which each student prepares lessons for N-7 instruction. Activities include field trips, observations and classroom presentations.
ART/EDU 338
Teaching Arts in the Secondary School
This course engages art education candidates in the investigation of the concepts and values of art theory and practice as related to the secondary curriculum. Students study classroom problems and procedures in various teaching situations. Emphasis is placed upon application, observation and evaluation of teaching as related to the adolescent in the secondary school. This course is a pre-student teaching experience in which each student prepares lessons for secondary art instruction. Activities include field trips, observations and classroom presentations.
EDU 345
Secondary Methods of Instruction I
This is an introduction to methods of instruction and assessment for the secondary (7-12) classroom. Teacher certification candidates will develop techniques for managing a positive, high engagement classroom. Candidates will build a familiarity with PA standards for their content subject as a foundation for lesson and unit planning. Candidates will teach demonstration lessons to their peers. Field observations are a required element of this course.
EDU 346
Secondary Methods of Instruction II
Secondary teacher certification candidates will continue to develop management, instruction and assessment techniques specific to their content subject. Candidates will plan lessons that utilize discussion and writing as tools for learning and developing understanding. Candidates will develop strategies for supporting the reading of their content texts and for developing research skills. Candidates will develop familiarity with the professional organizations and publications of their certification field. Field work is a required element of this course.
Prerequisites: EDU 214, EDU 345, EDU 350, SPE 215
EDU 350
Instructional Technology
This course prepares the future teacher to use the computer in the classroom. It takes the student beyond simple word processing into using technology for presentations; preparing publications and instructional materials, creating databases, using the Internet to support instruction and evaluating instructional software. Using the PA Technology Standards, teacher candidates become familiar with K-6 technology curriculum. The content of the course continually changes to meet the ongoing growth in this field.
EDU 360
Mathematics: N-6 Methods and Content
This is a study of the instructional methodology, content and curriculum of the N-6 mathematics classroom. Using the PA Standards for Mathematics, teacher candidates will develop instructional strategies, assessment tools and management skills. Methodology focus includes direct instruction, guided discovery and problem-based Instruction. Participants will become familiar with materials and manipulatives for elementary and early childhood math instruction. Teacher candidates will also demonstrate understanding of the content of the N-6 math curriculum, the International Math and Science Studies and the NCTM Standards. Students will develop an understanding of lesson and unit planning.
EDU 362
Science: N-6 Methods and Content
This is a study of the instructional methodology, content, and curriculum of the N-6 science classroom. Using the PA Standards for Science & Technology and Environmental Science, teacher candidates will develop instructional strategies, assessment tools and management skills. Methodology focus includes direct instruction, guided inquiry, guided discovery and problem-based instruction. Participants will become familiar with materials and manipulatives for elementary and early childhood science instruction. Teacher candidates will also demonstrate understanding of the content of N-6 science curriculum, the International Math and Science Studies and the NCTS Standards. Students will develop competency in lesson and unit planning.
EDU 365
Social Studies: N-6 Methods and Content
This is a study of the instructional methodology, content and curriculum of the N-6 social studies classroom. Using the PA Standards for Civics and Government, History, Geography and Economics, teacher candidates develop instructional strategies, assessment tools and management skills. Methodology focus includes the direct instruction model, cooperative learning, role play/drama, simulation and effective questioning. Participants will become familiar with materials for elementary and early childhood social studies instruction. Teacher candidates will also demonstrate understanding of the content of N-6 civics and social science curriculum, and develop an understanding of the reflective action plan.
EDU 374
N-12 Language Arts
This is a study of language development from birth to adolescence. Emphasis is placed on the development of theoretical conceptualizations, practical methods of teaching, tools to assess student learning, and strategies to design appropriate language arts instruction. An integrated approach to instruction is explored, planning writing instruction within the context of a thematic unit. Classroom observations are required to connect course learning to the reality of instructional application.
Prerequisites: EDU 360 and 365
EDU 375
N-6 Developmental Reading
This course introduces students to the theoretical principles and instructional and assessment practices guiding comprehensive K-6 reading instruction. Students read and evaluate children's literature for use in elementary classroom reading programs and develop teaching techniques and activities designed to foster understanding of and appreciation for literature. Course activities include field experiences in N-6 classrooms. Teacher candidates develop and practice teaching techniques, discuss current issues in reading instruction, administer reading assessments, and plan reading instruction.
Prerequisites: EDU 350, 360 and 365
EDU 395
N-6 Methods and Techniques of Instruction
This is a survey course of the various teaching methods and techniques used from nursery school through sixth grade. The techniques can be used in all subjects. Students are introduced to curricular, unit, and lesson planning, assessment, and classroom management. Students are expected to demonstrate their instructional competence by teaching demonstration lessons and planning an instructional unit.
EDU 402
Professional Seminar in Early Childhood/ Elementary Education
This is a study of the research and materials for various models of teaching with the intent of securing objective feedback for making a sophisticated analysis of curriculum impact, teaching methods and teacher/student interaction. Teacher candidates prepare for the professional interview, compiling a portfolio and a credential file. (Student Teaching EDU 409/410 is required to be taken concurrently.)
Prerequisite: Admission into the Professional Semester for Elementary Education or Early Childhood/Elementary
EDU 403
Professional Seminar in Secondary Education
This is a study of secondary management, instruction and assessment strategies with the intent of securing objective feedback on practicum teaching. Student teachers and college faculty will collaborate to analyze curriculum impact, teaching methods, and teacher/student interaction. Teacher certification candidates prepare for the professional interview, compiling a portfolio and resume. This course will be completed during the professional semester.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Professional Semester for Secondary Education Programs
EDU 407/408
Student Teaching - Secondary
(2 course units) A full-time secondary (7-12) teaching experience, under the direction of a cooperating teacher and a college supervisor. Conducted in cooperation with neighboring local school districts, this experience provides opportunity for gradual assumption of full instructional responsibility during two placements.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Professional Semester for Secondary Education Certification
EDU 409/410
Student Teaching-Early Childhood/Elementary
(2 course units) Supervised practicum in teaching at the early childhood and elementary levels, this experience provides opportunities for gradual assumption of full instructional responsibility during two placements. Daily, full-day for one semester, student teaching is under the guidance of classroom cooperating teachers and a college supervisor.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Professional Semester for Elementary or Early Childhood/Elementary Education Certification
EDU 411/412
Student Teaching - Art Education
(2 course units) Supervised teaching practicum in art education at the elementary and secondary levels, this experience provides opportunities for gradual assumption of full instructional responsibility during two placements - one elementary and one secondary. Daily, full-day for one semester, student teaching is under the guidance of classroom cooperating teachers and a college supervisor.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Professional Semester for K-12 Art Certification
SPE 215
Introduction to Special Education
This course focuses on teaching methods for children of different abilities, cultures and backgrounds; characteristics of exceptional children; awareness, appreciation and acceptance of cultures; the role of individualization, problem solving, technology, decision-making, and parental and community involvement in meeting the needs of a diverse population. The course helps future teachers understand how to adapt instruction to meet the needs of a diverse classroom of students. Lab work is required with this course for any special education co-concentrators. The lab consists of 75 hours of work in special education classrooms. (25 hours in a mild disability classroom; 25 hours in a moderate disability classroom; and 25 hours in a severe disability classroom.)
SPE 310
Psychology of the Different Child
Biopsychosocial transactional and ecological systems approaches are applied to understand the development of an individual's personality and identity formation from infancy through 21 years of age. How a child adjusts to and copes with stressors, the impact of that adjustment on one's personality and identity development and the influence of gender, ethnicity and class factors are evaluated critically. Specifically, how an individual's personality and identity influence his or her quality of life in family and peer relationships, the school environment, the community and society-at-large is considered. In addition, how children with special needs/exceptionalities, their families and society adapt to these conditions is part of the critique.
Prerequisite: SPE 215
SPE 315
Development and Education of the Different Child
A study of the development and education of the different child from infancy through adolescence, this course focuses on application of developmental and curricular concepts to instruction. The course equips future teachers with tools to understand and teach students with diverse backgrounds and abilities, and provides appropriate support for academic, social, emotional and physical development. Course requirements include field experience in a special education classroom completing a child study paper.
Prerequisite: SPE 215
SPE 320
Assessment, Methodology and Professional Standards in Special Education - Part I
Designed to introduce the student to assessment and intervention techniques, special education methodologies and professional standards, this course is the first part of a year-long course involving class meetings and field work. Guest speakers, case studies,and field trips are included in the lectures and labs.
Prerequisite: SPE 215
SPE 321
Assessment, Methodology and Professional Standards in Special Education - Part II
Designed to continue the student's work in assessment and intervention techniques, special education methodologies and professional standards, this course is the second part of a yearlong course involving class meetings and field work. Guest speakers, case studies and field trips are included in the lectures and labs.
Prerequisite: SPE 215 and SPE 320
SPE 420
Student Teaching - Special Education
Supervised practicum in teaching the elementary special education classroom, this experience provides opportunities for gradual assumption of full instructional responsibility. Daily, full-day for one half of a semester, student teaching is under the guidance of classroom cooperating teachers and a college supervisor.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Professional Semester for Special Education Certification
SPE 421
Student Teaching - Special Education
Supervised practicum in teaching the secondary special education classroom, this experience provides opportunities for gradual assumption of full instructional responsibility. Daily, full-day for one half of a semester, student teaching is under the guidance of classroom cooperating teachers and a college supervisor.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Professional Semester for Special Education Certification
SPE 423
Professional Seminar in Special Education
This is a study of the research and materials for various models of teaching with the intent of securing objective feedback for making a sophisticated analysis of curriculum impact, teaching methods and teacher/student interaction. Teacher candidates prepare for the professional interview, compiling a portfolio and a credential file. This seminar is designed for the special education certification candidate. (Student teaching is to be taken concurrently.)
Prerequisite: Admission into the Professional Semester for Special Education Certification
