Courses

EDUC 205 Foundations of Education

Introduction to the American educational system. Explores the philosophical, sociological, historical, and political roots of schools today. Attention also given to the legal status of teachers and students, including federal and state laws and regulations, school as an organization/culture, and contemporary issues in education.

Prerequisite(s): School of Arts and Sciences students only.

Unit(s): 1

EDUC 207 Diverse Learners and Environments

Introduction to the wide range of diversity that exists across today's general school population and examination of the increased professional demands that inclusion makes upon teachers. Exploration of physical, social, emotional, intellectual development, individual learning styles, and prior learning as well as language, culture, family and community values, and how they influence student learning. Study of differentiated instructional approaches to learning and performance while focusing on the strengths and needs of diverse learners. Field experience in public school settings is required.

Prerequisite(s): School of Arts and Sciences students only.

Unit(s): 1

EDUC 250 Introduction to Instructional Technology

Theory and pedagogy of using technology for instruction in all areas of the preK-12 curriculum. Develops the understanding and skills necessary to confidently plan for, implement, and evaluate effective integration of technology across the curriculum, as well as the use of technology to enhance personal productivity.

Unit(s): .5

EDUC 306 Integrated Curriculum Methods

Introduces use of appropriate methods and assessments to help learners develop knowledge and basic skills, sustain intellectual curiosity, and problem solve. Examines selection of strategies and procedures to enhance classroom instruction and support learners in achievement of the Virginia Standards of Learning. Explores curriculum integration and subject-specific methodology in science and social studies.

Prerequisite(s): Education 205 or 207.

Unit(s): 1

EDUC 310 Emergent Literacy

Focuses on the developmental reading skills of emergent and beginning readers. Instructional focus will be placed upon teaching strategies and activities for teaching readiness, word attack skills, beginning comprehension skills, as well as early literacy assessment and intervention for at-risk learners. Requires concurrent registration in Education 365, Elementary Reading Practicum.

Prerequisite(s): Education 250.

Unit(s): 1

EDUC 311 Instructional Level Literacy

Focuses on how students comprehend and learn with text. Participants will read, discuss, view and use instructional strategies that promote understanding of narrative and expository texts used in sciences, social sciences and humanities.

Prerequisite(s): Education 310.

Unit(s): 1

EDUC 312-313-314 Independent Study in Education

Special projects and practical experience in educational programs.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.

Unit(s): .25-1

EDUC 327 Foundations of Math Instruction

In-depth examination of fundamental mathematical concepts and methods of teaching elementary math for understanding. Course content emphasizes and integrates state and national curriculum standards, problem-solving approaches, use of manipulatives and technology, current research and learning theory. Requires concurrent registration in Education 366, Elementary Mathematics Practicum.

Prerequisite(s): Education 250.

Unit(s): 1

EDUC 342 Secondary Curriculum Methods

Process of establishing appropriate goals and objectives for instruction in middle and secondary schools targeting diverse learners. Use of objectives in planning of instruction and assessment, with attention to design of traditional and alternative assessment theories and practices. Development of wide variety of teaching methods addressing the needs of gifted, general, and special education students.

Prerequisite(s): Education 250.

Unit(s): 1

EDUC 352 Content Area Literacy

Reading and critical thinking in middle and secondary school content areas. Specific strategies are explored that enhance comprehension, concept development and vocabulary knowledge. Effects of text organization and relationship between reading and writing are examined for all content areas.

Prerequisite(s): Education 250.

Unit(s): 1

EDUC 365 Elementary Reading Practicum

Weekly field experience under the guidance of a classroom teacher focused on the teaching of reading in the early elementary grades. Practicum will include classroom observations; collaboration with practicing teachers; gradually increased instructional responsibility; and the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of self-constructed lessons.

Prerequisite(s): Education 310 (corequisite).

Unit(s): .5

EDUC 366 Elementary Mathematics Practicum

Weekly field experience under the guidance of a classroom teacher focused on the teaching of mathematics in the upper elementary grades. Practicum will include classroom observations; collaboration with practicing teachers; gradually increased instructional responsibility; and the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of self-constructed lessons.

Prerequisite(s): Education 327 (corequisite).

Unit(s): .5

EDUC 367 Middle School Practicum

Weekly field experience under the guidance of a classroom teacher focused on the teaching of subject-specific content in the middle school grades. Practicum will include classroom observations; collaboration with practicing teachers; gradually increased instructional responsibility; and the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of self-constructed lessons.

Unit(s): .5

EDUC 368 Secondary School Practicum

Weekly field experience under the guidance of a classroom teacher, focused on the teaching of subject-specific content in the secondary grades. Practicum will include classroom observations, collaboration with practicing teachers, gradually increased instructional responsibility, and the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of self-constructed lessons.

Unit(s): .5

EDUC 375 Classroom and Behavior Management

Introduction to learning and curriculum theories and analysis of how they contribute to the understanding and application of classroom management techniques. Emphasis on individual interventions, including techniques to promote educational well-being, maximize learning time, increase motivation, and address inappropriate behavior. Examination of approaches based on theory and practice to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Prerequisite(s): Education 327 or 342.

Unit(s): 1

EDUC 451 Survey of Children's Literature

Survey of modern and traditional literature with emphasis on evaluative criteria used in selecting books based on school and recreational needs and interests of children. Features storytelling, creative dramatics, and ways of integrating books into curriculum.

Unit(s): 1

EDUC 475 Student Teaching, Elementary Education (preK-6)

Involves working directly with students in classroom on full-time basis under direction of cooperating teacher and University supervisor; student assumes full teacher responsibility for all instructional periods and school activities. Weekly seminar. Graded pass/fail; however, a comprehensive evaluation is completed for each student teacher.

Prerequisite(s): Department approval.

Unit(s): 3

EDUC 477 Student Teaching, Secondary Education (6-12)

(See description under Education 475.)

Prerequisite(s): Department approval.

Unit(s): 3

EDUC 478 Student Teaching, Comprehensive Endorsement (preK-12)

(See description under Education 475.)

Prerequisite(s): Department approval.

Unit(s): 3

EDUC 485 Student Teaching Seminar

Weekly seminar for student teachers. Provides a forum for discussion and examination of critical issues related to students' teaching responsibilities and competence. Also provides guidance in the preparation of the Teacher Work Sample.

Prerequisite(s): Education 475, 477, or 478 (corequisite).

Unit(s): .5