Course: Overview
Calendar Description:
The full course includes the following:
- A study of teaching and learning in the Primary and Junior Divisions, relevant to selected models of instruction.
- An introduction to the role of educational media in the teaching/learning process (OCUP), stressing the unique characteristics of various media, the principles of effective preparation and application of teacher materials.
- A study of computers in an educational setting leading to basic skills in the operation of a microcomputer.
Introduction:
Students will be expected to continue to examine strategies for planning effective programming, familiarize themselves with various models of classroom management, continue the development of their awareness of the importance of effective communication, and explore additional methods of teaching and assessing.
During this course, students will be expected to research and present information on a model of management, prepare a long range plan, and develop a personal management plan for their individual classrooms utilizing the information presented in the seminars. Both the long range plan and the management plan will be added to their professional portfolios.
Required Texts:
Evertson, Carolyn M., Emmer, Edmund T., and Worsham, Murray E. (2005), Classroom Management for Elementary Teachers (7th Edition). Pearson Education Canada Inc. Toronto, ON.
Schwartz, Susan, and Pollischuke, Mindy (2005). Creating the Dynamic Classroom: A Handbook for Teachers. Pearson Education Canada Inc., Toronto, ON.
Practice Teaching Handbook (2005-2006). Nipissing University- Faculty of Education: Brantford Concurrent Program.
Evaluation:
During this course, students will be expected to complete the following assignments:
- Analysis of a Taped Lesson: Students will be asked to tape themselves during a lesson and analyse the effectiveness of the communication in terms of voice, language, questioning, and responding to students. A template will be provided for the analysis.
Value: 30 % - Long Range Plan: Students will be asked to develop a long range plan for the year in a subject area in one of the Primary or Junior grades using the Ministry guidelines, OCUP, and/or course profiles. Sample organizers will be provided.
Value: 20 % - Management Seminar and Management Plan: Students will work with classmates, in small groups, to research and present information of one of the management models listed. The schedule is noted above. Each group will have a maximum of 30 minutes to present their summary of the ideas presented by each theorist/researcher. A one-page summary of the major points of the model is to be distributed by the group to classmates at the conclusion of each presentation. These presentations will provide ideas for a specific management plan to be submitted individually.
Total Value: 40 % - Learning Logs: Students will be expected to write logs at the conclusion of each Methods class in which they will summarize learning from that class, reflect on the content, and attempt to apply it to their classroom experiences. Logs are to be hand written and should not exceed one page in length. They will be assessed on the basis of content, writing skills, amount of thought demonstrated, and how well the ideas have been applied to teaching.
Value: 10 %
Late Assignments
All assignments must be completed in order for course success and each must be submitted in class to the professor on the indicated due date. Extensions of Deadlines must be requested in writing at least 2 days prior to the due date and will only be granted in extenuating circumstances. Late assignments will lose 10% daily for each day late with no maximum. All assignments must be submitted by Dec. 5 at the latest.
Attendance:
Nipissing University Academic Calendar states that students are to be present for 80% of the class time. Students are not to miss more than 2 classes. Three late arrivals in class will constitute one absence for attendance purposes.
Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism
Although there should be no need for a discussion of academic dishonesty in a course at this level, I am obliged to make explicit Nipissing University's Policy on Academic Dishonesty (see Nipissing University Calendar, 2005-2006).