300

This field experience course is designed for candidates to engage in a broad review of research based theories of classroom management for creating classroom environments conducive to learning that provide equitable access to learning outcomes for all students.  During this experience, candidates will be supervised and assessed by the mentor teacher and the University supervisor so that candidates may exhibit their abilities to plan, teach and assess lessons that meet the needs of all learners both academically and behaviorally.

This course introduces candidates to the field of educational psychology and its application to the classroom for children and adolescents. Content covers theories of learning, motivation, personality, growth, development and intelligence, including the impact of cognitive, emotional, physical and sensory disabilities on learning. An emphasis on professional reflection, collaboration and communication encourages candidates to actively apply theoretical information to a variety of learning situations.

This course prepares the candidate to design and implement age appropriate inquiry lessons to teach the fundamental concepts in life, physical, earth and space science as well as physical development and health. NSES and Illinois State Standards are used, along with those of ACEI, to design a program that builds upon the candidate's relevant background knowledge, awareness of current achievement issues and knowledge of the disparate needs of all learners including English language learners, struggling learners and already proficient learners. Methods of differentiating instruction, using technology and developing assessment strategies to meet the individual needs of students are embedded throughout the course. It is recommended that this course be taken concurrently with a field experience course. Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to successfully plan and implement strategies taught in this course.

This course prepares the elementary education teacher candidate to design, implement and differentiate mathematics lessons to teach concepts in the areas of numbers and operations, geometry, measurement, algebra, data analysis and probability in grade levels 1-6.  It is recommended that this course be taken concurrently with a field experience course.

This course addresses theories and methods of reading and writing instruction for P-3 classrooms. Emphasis is placed on research-based instructional and assessment practices that support literacy development for all learners in primary settings.  Candidates will become familiar with current policies and state and professional standards for reading and will explore how these are addressed in practice through field experience assignments. 

This course focuses on research-based instructional strategies, technology, resources, national (NCSS) curriculum standards, Illinois State Standards and Common Core Standards.  The emphasis of this course is on understanding and using the interrelationships among history, geography, economics, politics, sociology, anthropology, psychology and archeology to develop in students an appreciation and responsibility toward citizenship, multiculturalism and a democratic society.  In addition, this course includes planning and organizing for instruction, material selection and evaluation in social studies and multicultural education.  Methods of differentiating instruction and assessment to meet the individual needs of all students.

This series of workshops covers topics of interest and importance to both the teacher in training and the experienced teacher. The focus of these workshops is practical applications in the classroom. Offered: Every semester.

This workshop introduces candidates to the educational, communicative and aesthetic value of dance, drama, music and the visual arts and the role the fine arts play in reflecting history and culture. Candidates actively participate in the development of a curriculum project that incorporates all of the fine arts and culminates in a performance, as well as learn strategies for promoting creative expression in the elementary classroom.