SPCH 400, TOPICS: STAGECRAFT; 2 CREDITS
A survey of stagecraft theory and practice, especially in educational settings with limited resources. Topics include audience analysis, script selection and editing, set design and construction, costuming, lighting, and cast management. Prerequisite: Teacher certification or permission of instructor.
EDUC 400, TOPICS: KINDERGARTEN DEVELOPMENT &
ADMINISTRATION; 3 CREDITS
Study of the development and administration of a kindergarten program. Includes analysis of research and the application of current theory. Through reading and discussion, students will develop a philosophically based vision and mission that provides direction to administration, curriculum, and method. Methods will be developed that include a combination of child-centered and teacher-directed learning experiences. Special emphasis will be given to the project approach. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
EDUC 400, TOPICS: SCIENCE OF SOUND & MUSIC FOR K-12
TEACHERS; 3,1 CREDITS
Exploration of the nature of sound including waves and vibrations, interference, resonance, and the nature of musical sounds. Areas covered include the physics of the voice, hearing, speech, and musical instruments. The use of sound in medicine and industrial noise pollution will be explored. Teachers will individualize their experience to fit their classroom needs and collaboratively develop classroom projects designed to enhance student interest and learning. An optional extra credit (3+1=4) will be available for teachers who desire cooperative assistance and participation with the instructor in follow-up activities during the school year.
EDUC 474, WORKSHOP: ADVANCED COOPERATIVE LEARNING, K-12; 2 CREDITS
Emphasizes the philosophical and theoretical bases for cooperative learning. Builds on the practics offered at an introductory level by providing an expanded repertoire of tools and techniques and training teachers as facilitators. Prerequisites: Teacher certification and an introductory course in cooperative learning.
EDUC 474, WORKSHOP: USING NCTM STANDARDS TO MOTIVATE
MATHEMATICS CLASSES; 2 CREDITS
Develops an understanding of the *NCTM Standards and provides practice in instructional and assessment strategies that are congruent with the standards. Teachers will develop balanced sample lesson plans for K-3, 4-6, 7-8, and 9-12 grade levels and explore how to utilize mathematics in problem solving, communications, reasoning, and making mathematical connections. Initiates the acquisition of supplementary resources needed for implementation.
*National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
EDUC 500, TOPICS: CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN THE SCHOOLS;
A survey of character development theory and practice in public and private schools from the colonial times to the present. These approaches will be correlated with their contemporary developmental theories. The primary purpose of this course is the construction of a theory-based plan for character education. Prerequisite: Teacher certification/experience.
EDUC 500, TOPICS: DEVELOPING CHILDREN'S SPIRITUALITY; 2 CREDITS
Study of strategies and materials for discovering, nurturing, and developing spiritual growth in elementary students. Prerequisite: Teacher certification or permission of instructor.
EDUC 500, TOPICS: PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT; 2 CREDITS
Alternative approaches to performance assessment; evaluating student progress in both applied and content knowledge using traditional and non-traditional assessment tools. Issues of practicality, reliability, validity, and interpretation will be examined. Prerequisite: Teacher certification/experience.
SPED 500, TOPICS: DISABILITY LAWS & EDUCATION; 2 CREDITS
Explanation of the legal rights and protection of children with disabilities. Reviews the qualification requirements, interpretations, differences in existing laws, and decisions from several pertinent court cases. Three laws will be studied: The Disabilities Education Act of 1990 (IDEA); Section 504; and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Issues of importance to schools and regular classroom teachers include accommodations and modification, least restrictive environments, rights and responsibilities, assessment, policies and procedures, practicality, and concerns about the moral and ethical requirements and implications.
ENGL 500, WRITING WORKSHOP: THINKING & WRITING WITH
COMPUTERS; 3 CREDITS
Current theory and practice in the teaching of writing with special emphasis on the use of technology as it supports the writing process. In hands-on practice, first-time and experienced computer users will work with their writing in a computer lab setting. Their own writing, readings, and discussions will provide the basis for exploring relevant topics such as the issue of computer access, taking the fear out of technology, the use of e-mail, the quality of Internet resources, creating productive Internet research assignments for any grade level, and the use of on-line peer conferencing. A formal application and permission of the instructor are required.