Course Syllabus

Integrating the Content Areas II:  Practice

 EDU 4233 ~ summer 2008

 

Instructor: Mrs. Beth Davidson, M.ED.

Office: College Union, Room 207

Work Phone: 425-3267    Home Phone: 267-6901    School of Education: 425-3388

E-mail: davidson-b@lambuth.edu

Office Hours: MWF 11:00-1:30

                      TR 10:45-12:00

 

Class Meets: TR 10:50-12:05   College Union Room #217(always bring a jacket).

 

Required Text: 

Drake, Susan. Burns, Rebecca. (2004). Meeting Standards Through Integrated

Curriculum. (1st Edition) Merrill/Prentice Hall

            Peltzer, Dave.  A Child Called It

            Aldridge, Jerry and Goldman, Renitta. (2007). Current Issues and Trends in Education

(2nd Edition) Allyn and Bacon.

 

Supplemental Sources:  Research articles

 

Course Description:

This course is designed to provide practice of learned theory in regard to literacy and integrating the content areas as well as practice with materials to help children appreciate multicultural perspectives.  Teaching hours in the school system are required.

 

STANDARDS:

English Language Arts

  Standard 1:  Reading:  Candidates know, understand, and use appropriate practices for promoting and 

 developing beginning literacy skills, for integrating reading instruction across all subject matter areas, and

 for enabling all children to become proficient and motivated readers.

    Supporting Explanation:  Candidates know what is necessary for all children to learn to read, and they

    implement a balanced reading program.  Teacher candidates understand that children learn to read

    within the context of every subject and that explicit instruction in reading is needed throughout the

   elementary and middle grades.

1.1     Candidates understand how phonemes (speech sounds) are connected to print.

1.3     Candidates develop reading fluency in students at a rate that supports text comprehension.

1.4     Candidates understand the need for developing prior knowledge such as background information and vocabulary as aids to comprehension.

1.5     Candidates apply active comprehension strategies to help students to construct meaning from text.

1.6     Candidates understand the importance of developing and maintaining in students a motivation to read.

1.7     Candidates know and use the skills necessary for informational reading (reading to learn).

1.8     Candidates know and apply research-based teaching practices that enable children to become proficient and motivated readers.

1.9     Candidates know the Tennessee reading curriculum standards and incorporate that knowledge into their instruction.

1.10    Candidates develop expertise in explicit approaches to support student acquisition of phonemic awareness, fluency, reading comprehension, and study skills.

1.11    Candidates know how children develop literacy skills before formal instruction and how instruction should proceed in order to help all children learn to read and write.

1.12    Candidates provide experiences enabling children with diverse cultural and language backgrounds to become competent, independent readers.

 

1.13    Candidates know that assessments are used for a variety of purposes, including diagnosing of strengths and weaknesses (for planning, grouping, and designing individual programs), monitoring students’ progress and evaluating achievement.

1.14    Candidates understand the reciprocal nature of literacy elements:  reading, writing, and language elements.

  Standard 2:  Writing:  Candidates know, understand, and use the writing process for communication,

 expression, and reflection in all subject areas, for a variety of purposes, in a range of modes, and for

 multiple audiences.

    Supporting Explanation:  Candidates demonstrate a broad understanding of the uses of writing to

    communicate, to promote the dissemination of information, to generate, develop, and refine ideas, and to

    express individual voice.

2.1     Candidates understand and apply knowledge of the writing process.

2.2     Candidates know the state writing curriculum standards and incorporate that knowledge into their instruction.

2.3     Candidates write frequently for multiple purposes and in practical, occupational, personal, and academic modes.

2.4     Candidates evaluate written products and assess students’ progress both holistically and through the analysis of discrete elements.

2.6     Candidates acknowledge and respect the effect of cultural diversity and linguistic differences in the writing of students whose first language is not English.

2.7     Candidates understand the interactive relationship of language arts.

2.8     Candidates promote the integrating of literacy skills across all subject areas.

  Standard 3:  Elements of Language:  Candidates know and understand basic English usage, mechanics,

  spelling, grammar, and sentence structure as tools to facilitate the writing process.

    Supporting Explanation:  Candidates understand and use the rules and conventions governing the

   structure and syntax of language as prerequisites to effective communication and as markers of literacy.

3.1     Candidates recognize that effective instruction in the elements of language in integrated with and applied to the writing process.

3.2     Candidates demonstrate understanding of the parts of speech and their functions in sentences.

3.3     Candidates apply the standard rules of capitalization and punctuation, as well as legible handwriting, in written communication.

3.4     Candidates display a knowledge of the emerging stages of accurate spelling, including temporary spelling, and of phonemic awareness and structural analysis of words.

3.5     Candidates translate the knowledge of structure and mechanics into proofreading and editing of written language in all disciplines.

3.6     Candidates construct simple, compound, and complex sentences, using correct word order, subject-verb agreement, and correctly placed modifiers.

3.7     Candidates model effective oral and written communication skills.

3.8     Candidates design instruction appropriate to students of diverse backgrounds.

Mathematics

Standard 1:  Mathematical Processes:  Candidates demonstrate an understanding of effective instructional strategies that integrate mathematics content and processes.

  Supporting Explanation:   Candidates develop the mathematical processes of problem solving, reasoning,  

  communication, connections, and representation and plan effective instructional activities to develop

  these processes in students.  In addition, they integrate appropriate reading strategies and appropriate

  technologies into their instructional practices to support conceptual and process development.

1.4     Candidates demonstrate an understanding of how mathematical concepts are related and how they are connected to other disciplines and the real world.

Science

  Standard 1:  Elements of Effective Science Instruction:  Candidates demonstrate understanding of science

  and technology in daily life through the use of inquiry-based, open-minded, and materials-based

  investigation, incorporating habits of mind and pedagogical techniques required to deliver the content in a

  safe environment.

    Supporting Explanation:  Candidates know, understand and use strategies and pedagogy to enhance

    science instruction for all students.

1.4     Candidates show the interrelationships among the various science disciplines, literacy, mathematics, and social sciences.

1.6     Candidates foster the creation of a classroom culture that supports higher levels of questioning, collaborative learning, real world connections and sense-making.

1.7     Candidates plan lessons and units that incorporate a learning cycle-engagement, exploration, explanation, extension and evaluation – and safe management of materials.

Social Studies

  Standard 1:  Social Studies Process:  Candidates use effective instructional strategies that integrate social

  studies content and knowledge.

    Supporting Explanation:  Candidates recognize how culture; economics; geography; governance and

    civics; history; and individuals, groups and interactions impact the various elements of the Tennessee

    curriculum:  local communities, world communities, American history from its beginning to the present

    and early world civilizations.  Candidates understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to

    encourage the development of critical thinking, problem solving and performance skills in students.

1.1     Candidates assist students in acquiring information through locating, gathering, observing, comprehending, organizing, and processing information from a variety of primary and secondary sources.

1.3  Candidates model the problem solving process involving comprehension, analysis, and data

        interpretation that lead to a solution or conclusion

1.4     Candidates use communication to convey ideas through individual expression, group dialogue, cultural communities, and global networks using oral, written, symbolic, visual and technological means.

 

 

~ Course Policies ~

 

Attendance and Tardy Policies

You are expected to be present for every class meeting. Students should attend classes to actively participate in group discussions and collaborative assignments. Two unexcused absences (no phone call or written notice to me), will automatically lower your overall grade by one letter.   Excused absences are those excused by Lambuth University for school-related events or illness. Two class tardies equal one absence.

 

Teacher Resources

You may borrow any of my classroom resources.  These resources will be checked out and returned to me the following class period (time is negotiable).  Any materials not returned or replaced will result in an incomplete in the class until the materials are returned or replaced.

 

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is copying from another’s published or unpublished works without permission, or using another’s words without giving credit to the author.  Plagiarism is illegal by the State’s standards, and unethical according to the academic standards of Lambuth University.  Copying and/or any indication that a student has not done his / her own work in class, on papers, reports, and presentations will merit an automatic F on the assignment for both the person who copies and the person from whom the work is copied.

 

 

Cheating

Cheating in any form will mean an automatic “0” on the assignment/exam, and the Academic Dean will be informed.  A second incidence of cheating will result in a failure in this course.  Dishonesty about observation hour totals, ‘faking’ visits, or using another’s observation log as your own will be treated as a cheating offense.

 

 

Confidentiality

The student will protect the right to privacy of all children and families observed in the classroom or elsewhere.  No reference should be made to them in any way that would identify them to another.  All information about students, their families, or problems are confidential and not to be revealed to anyone without the written consent of the parent.  Any reference to children must be altered to prevent identification should someone other than the university supervisor read your logs and evaluations.  Use first names only.

 

American Disabilities Act: Lambuth University is committed to making every reasonable accommodation to assist any student with a documented disability meet the requirements expected of all students enrolled in this course. Students who have special needs or disabilities that may affect their ability to access information and/or material presented in this course should contact the instructor.

 

Liability Insurance: Each student taking this course will be required to carry liability insurance or individual protection during observation and other work in the schools. Liability insurance can be obtained at a minimum cost through membership in the Student Tennessee Education (STEA). Cost is $35.00.

 

Assignment Due Dates: All assignments are due on the day designated by your instructor. A ten percent (10%) reduction per day will be taken from your score for each day late. No credit will be given for any assignment that is a week overdue.

 

Please silence all cell phones and beepers during class.

 

All papers should be typed with a cover sheet and neatly

 presented to the professor unless otherwise indicated.

 

 

 

Grading Scale

100 -- 95% A

94-87% B

86-80% C

79-73% D

 

Class Participation ____/50

Lesson ____/100 

Examinations ___/100

Articles __/50 __/50

Journal ____ /75

Discussions ____/ 75 ____/75

Thematic Unit ___/300

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


A “C” grade indicates that a student has made substantial progress toward meeting the objectives of the course. Grades above “C” are used for those who have demonstrated some degree of superiority. The highest grade, “A”, is reserved for those who have excelled in every phase of the course. The “B” grade is for students whose work is superior but does not warrant the special distinctiveness of the “A”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

~ Course Requirements ~

 

 

  1. Participation (50 points).  Participation includes active involvement in all class or group discussions.  Discussions will require reading from the text and other outside assignments.  Attendance and completion of in-class assignments is also a part of your participation points.  Participation is evaluated on two criteria: 1) you will receive points for each day that you come to class and actively contribute to class discussion, including asking pertinent questions about the assigned readings and 2) you will receive a deduction of one letter grade for every two unexcused absences. Three tardies equals one absence. Class participation is expected and encouraged. Participation may take the form of speaking in class: commenting and questioning, active involvement in assignments, class requirements and group work. Discussions will require reading from the text and other outside assignments. In addition, a PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE is expected in all areas of the course. Attendance and completion of in-class assignments is also part of your participation points. The instructor reserves the right to deduct points from this based on classroom observations.

 

  1. Journal (75 points).  Each student will be responsible for keeping an Integrated II journal.  The instructor will assign different topics to journal.  In addition to topics, students will also submit one journal entry per chapter during the reading of “A Child Called It.”

 

  1. Mid-Term (100  points).  The mid-term 100 points each and will consist of short answer and essay questions from the text and class notes.  See syllabus schedule for the date the test.

 

  1. Discussions (75 points per discussion for a total of 150 points).  You will be responsible for reading two issues in education.  Once you have read about the issue, you will write a one page reflection on the issue.

 

  1. Integrated Unit (300 points) This will be completed in a group.  The process begun in Integrated I will be used to begin this project.  The integrated unit will be completed using FrontPage software.  See the rubric for further details.   You will present this project to the instructor at the conclusion of the course.

 

  1. Research –2 articles (100 points). Select 2 current (2000 or after) articles related to the following topics:  content integration, teaching thematically or teaching with literature, assessment and evaluation in an integrated classroom, whole language vs. phonics debate, your own choice that deals with reading or social studies.   Xerox, and briefly critique each one.  Each article must be at least three pages in length.   Each critique should consume a maximum of one page, should indicate a complete bibliographic reference (author, date, article title, journal name, volume #, and page #’s), contain an outline or summary of contents and conclude with a personal response.    Each article will be brought to class and used in our class discussion.  The critiques and copied articles will be handed in with a cover sheet, and the will be returned. 

 

Topics Covered in course

EDU 4103                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Chapter 1:  What is Integrated Curriculum?   

Chapter 2:  Why Integrate the Curriculum?

Chapter 3:  Creating the Know/Do/Be Bridge

Chapter 4:  Using the Standards to Integrate the Curriculum

Chapter 5:  Aligning Assessment and Instruction with the Know/Do/Be Bridge

Chapter 6:  A Template for Planning Interdisciplinary Curriculum/Chapter 11:  Questions and Answers


Rubric for Integrated Unit

EDU4233 – Davidson – Spring 2008

 

_____ Appearance (10 points) Logically organized, easy to manipulate, creative.

 

_____ Title Page (5 points)

 

_____ Table of Contents (5 points)

 

_____ Topic Rationale (10 points) Why is this integrated unit appropriate for the

chosen age child?  You will explain how you accomplished this and tell why it is an appropriate theme choice.

 

_____ How and When Statement (10 points) A written statement of how and when to

           use the unit – this is to be supported by theory.  Explain the time line for the unit

           within this section.

 

_____ Goals  (15 points)

 

_____  Objectives (10 points)

 

_____ Standards (10 points)

 

_____ Parent Note (15 points) A note to the parents explaining needed unit supplies,

involvement, and activities.

 

_____ Integrated Activities (90 points) Each activity from the semantic map will be

explained so that anyone could create a lesson plan from the activity.   You should have a total of 8 activities.  Research, materials list, patterns, and any other details will be provided.  Follow the lesson plan format given by the instructor. Each activity should indicate the interdisciplinary connection. ( you will receive 10 points for each activity and 10 points total for creativity)

 

_____ Integrated Learning Board (80 points) The learning board should be part of the

           integrated unit and student friendly.  A rubric is available for the board.

 

_____ Assessment and Evaluation (25 points) An authentic plan for assessment and

           evaluation that is detailed and shows how the students met the standards.

 

_____ Resource and Materials (5 points) List of resources/materials that support the

           unit.

 

_____ Book List (5 points) A list of at least 10 books and the author that could be used

to support the unit

 

_____ References (5 points) Typed pages of resources used to complete this unit.  All

information used from another author should be referenced throughout the unit. (must have at least 8 references and at least five must be internet sites)

 

 

_____  Total Score  300 points

 

Additional Comments:

 

Name:  ____________________________________

 

Learning Board

Integrated II:  EDU 4233

 

Appearance                                          1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  

 

                Appropriateness                                  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  

 

                Appealing                                             1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  

 

                Motivational                                         1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  

 

                Overall Presentation                            1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  

 

 

_______ Related to Thematic Unit (10 points)

 

_______ Complete by Due Date (5 points)

 

_______ Includes Directions (5 points)

 

_______ Grade Level Evident (5 points)

 

_______ Standards Attached (5 points)

 

 

 

 

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Points:  _____/80