Elementary Methods

Course Syllabus: Fall 2007

EDU4333

 

 

Instructor: Mrs. Beth Davidson, M.Ed.

Office: College Union, Room 207

Work Phone: 425-3267     Home Phone: 267-6901     E-mail: davidson-b@lamuth.edu

Office Hours: MWF 9:00-11:00

                       TR 12:30-2:30

 

Class Meets: MWF 11:00-11:50 / College Union, Room #217 (bring a jacket)

 

 

Required Text: 

Gary Borich (2007). Effective Teaching Methods. 6th Edition- Merrill-Prentice-Hall, United States.

 

 

Course Description:

This course explores methods and materials appropriate to the elementary age child.  It is designed to create curriculum, activities and lessons that meet the developmental needs of a diverse classroom.  Practice is seen and experienced through active field observations.  Theory is learned through case study review, observations, and prior knowledge.

 

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.

1.6   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.

  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 language is not English

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.

3.3   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.

1.5   Candidates use a variety of manipulatives and other models to represent mathematical concepts, operations and relations.

  Standard 6:  Data Analysis and Probability

    Supporting Explanation:  Candidates apply basic statistical and probability concepts in order

    to organize and analyze data and to make predictions and conjectures.

6.1   Candidates formulate questions that can be addressed with data and collect, organize and display relevant data to answer questions.

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.

1.3   Candidates select and use a variety of scientific instruments for measurement and observation including computers, calculators and probe ware.

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

1.5   Candidates demonstrate an understanding of assessment as ongoing and continuous and use a variety of assessment techniques that indicate what students know, understand and are able to do.

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.

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

Standard 2:  Culture:  Candidates understand and demonstrate appreciation of the variety of human cultures.  Candidates recognize the contributions of individuals and people of various ethnic, racial, religious and socioeconomic groups to the development of communities and civilizations.

    Supporting Explanation:  Candidates explore different elements of societies to help develop

    their students’ appreciation of and respect for the variety of human cultures.  Candidates

    recognize the contributions of individuals and people of various ethnic, racial, religious, and

    socioeconomic groups to the development of communities and civilizations.

2.1   Candidates explore different elements of societies to help develop their students’ appreciation of and respect for the variety of human cultures.

2.2   Candidates recognize the contributions of individuals and people of various ethnic, racial, religious and socioeconomic groups to the development of communities and civilizations.

Standard 5:  Governance and Civics:  Candidates understand the concepts of governance and civics

    Supporting Explanation:  Candidates convey the structure and purpose of governance in a

    democracy in language that is meaningful and appropriate for students.  Candidates

    demonstrate an understanding of  individual rights and responsibilities, including ethical

   behaviors, and the role of citizens.

5.2   Candidates demonstrate an understanding of individual rights and responsibilities, including ethical behaviors, and the role of citizens within their community, nation, and world.

Standard 7:  Individuals, Groups, and Interactions:  Candidates understand that personal development and identity are shaped by factors including culture, groups, and institutions and highlight the exploration, identification, and analysis of how individuals and groups work independently and cooperatively.

    Supporting Explanation:  Candidates describe the responsibilities that individuals have both to

    themselves and the group to which they belong.  Candidates convey how interactions between

    individuals and groups can influence communities and the individuals therein.  Candidates  

    assist students in understanding how groups can impact change at the local, state, national,

    and international levels

7.1   Candidates describe the responsibilities that individuals have both to themselves and the group to which they belong.

 

 

~ Course Policies  ~

 

Attendance

Students should attend classes to actively participate in group discussion and collaborative assignments.  After two unexcused absences, the final grade will be lowered by one grade level.  Three tardies equal one unexcused absence. Excused absences are those excused by Lambuth University for school-related events or illnesses.

 

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.

 

Academic Dishonesty

Cheating in any form will mean automatic “0” on the assignment/exam, and the Academic Dean will be informed.  A second incidence of cheating will result the failure of this course.  Dishonesty about observation hour totals, ‘faking’ visits, or using another’s 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 n the classroom or elsewhere.  No reference should be made to them in any way that would identify them to another person.  All information about students, their families, or problems are confidential and are not to be revealed to anyone without the consent of the parent.  Please 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 for individual protection during observations and other work in school or clinics.  Liability insurance may be obtained at minimum cost through membership in the Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA).  This must be done prior to your receiving your observation placement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Assignments

Class Participation   ____/50

Observations   ____/150

Lesson Plan   ____/100

Activities File   ____/300

Teacher as a _____ poster   ____/100

Test #1   ____/100, Test #2   ____/100, Test #3   ____/100

 

 

 

 

Course Requirements:

1.       Class Participation (50 points). Materials and activities presented in this course are designed to enhance your development as an educational leader.  Students pursuing the teaching profession are mature enough to take the responsibility of facilitating the acceptable completion of course requirements and for judging the role of class attendance in meeting this goal.

 

2.       Observations (150 points). EDU4333 requires 10 observation hours in an elementary (K-6) classroom.  As you observe, you are to complete the observation packet located in the Teacher Education Program Handbook.  You will need to make copies of this packet because you will use this same observation packet in other classes. We will sign up for placements on the second day of class.  If you do not sign up for a placement on this day, do not expect to be placed in a school prior to mid-term.  Observation packets are due Wednesday, November 28th.  Other criteria for completing your observation requirements will be given.

 

3.       Lesson Plan (100 points).  You will teach a lesson as part of your observation experience.  I will observe you and grade your lesson plan based on you following the Lambuth Lesson Plan format.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.       Activities File (300 points).  You will be responsible for completing these activities.

 

  1. You should have 1game/file folder activity per grade level (K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th). Each file should be labeled with a Tennessee State standard. You need to vary your content areas. The other activities are as follows:
  2. Writing Samples:

-          Choose a poem and write it on a piece of chart tablet in cursive. 

-          Choose a song and write it on a piece of chart tablet in manuscript.

-          Choose a word list and write it on a piece of chart tablet in D’Nealian.

  1. Create an acronym for a time when children will practice silent sustained reading.  Design a poster that displays this acronym in the room.  An example: OTTER time: Our Time To Enjoy Reading Silently.
  2. Create a Learning Board. This can be related to any subject area or for good behavior.
  3. Seasonal Activity File: Your month is _______________.

 

5.       “Teacher as a __________” poster presentation (100 points).   You are responsible for creating poster with the following statement “I am a teacher as a _____” your poster should communicate your teaching philosophy to a parent and/or student.  This is intended to be shared at the first meeting of the parents/students. The design should reflect you and your classroom. 

 

6.       Examinations (300 points): The tests will be worth 100 points and will be definitions, multiple choice, and essay.  See syllabus schedule for the dates of review and tests.

 

 

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

 

August 22         Introductory Activities / Review of Syllabus / Discussion of class projects / Sign up for observations / Sign up for learning boards

 

August 24         Me Map Presentations / Bloom’s Taxonomy

 

 

Week 1          

August 27         Howard Gardner

 

August 29         No Child Left Behind/ Lambuth University Lesson Plan

 

August 31         Teacher as a…

 

 

Week 2          

September 3      Labor Day – No Class

 

September 5      Chapter 1:  The Effective Teacher

 

September 7      Chapter 2:  Understanding Your Students

                        K & 1 Activities Due

 

Week 3          

September 10    Teaching Different Students      

 

September 12    Teaching Difference Students   

 

September 14    Chapter 3:  Goals and Objectives

 

 

Week 4          

September 17    Chapter 4:  Unit and Lesson Planning  

Learning Board #1 Due

 

September 19    Chapter 2,3,4 continued / Review for Test

                        Teacher as a…. poster presentation

 

September 21    Guest Speaker – How to Use Projects to Teach 

                       

 

Week 5          

September 24    Test #1 (Chapters 1,2,3,4)

 

September 26    Video Workshop:  Cooperative Learning and Culture

 Learning Board #2 Due

 

September 28    Elementary Methods Workshop

 

 

Week 6          

October 1         Chapter 7:  Teaching Strategies for Direct Instruction

 

October 3         Chapter 8:  Teaching Strategies for Indirect Instruction

Grades 2&3 Activities Due

 

October 5         Taking Field Trips

 

                       

Week 7

October 8         Parent/Teacher Relations Workshop

 Learning Board #3 Due

 

October 10        Parent/Teacher Relations Workshop

 

October 12        Chapter 9:  Questioning Strategies

 

 

Week 8          

October 15        Happy Fall Break!

           

October 17        Creating a Community in your Classroom

                       

October 19        Test #2 (Chapters 7,8,9)

                       

Week 9          

October 22        Guest Speaker – Using Puppets to Teach

 

October 24        Video Workshop:  Discipline and Procedures

Learning Board #4 Due

 

October 26        Elementary Methods Workshop

 

                       

Week 10

October 29        Classroom Management Workshop       

                        Grades 4, 5, and 6 Activities Due

 

October 31        Classroom Management Workshop

 

November 2      Classroom Management Workshop
 Learning Board #5 Due

 

 

Week 11

November 5      Classroom Management Workshop

           

November 7      Classroom Management Workshop

 

November 9      Classroom Management Workshop

Activities File Due

 

 

Week 12

November 12    Classroom Management Workshop

Learning Board #6 Due

 

November 14    Differentiated Instruction

 

November 16    Differentiated Instruction

 

 

Week 13

November 19         Chapter 10:  Self-Directed Learning            

 

November 21         Thanksgiving Holidays

 

November 23    Thanksgiving Holidays

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 14

November 26    Chapter  11:  Cooperative Learning and the Collaborative Process

                        Lesson Plan Deadline

           

November 28    Chapter 12:  Assessing Learners

                        Observation Packet Due

           

November 30    Constructivist Teaching Strategies

 

 

Week 15

December 3      Review for Final Exam (Chapters 10,11,12)

 

 

December 6-12 Final Examinations

Final Exam:  Monday, December 10th  at 10:30-12:30p.m.

 

 

Please Note: Although changes in the course schedule and requirements are not expected, they are occasionally necessary. The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to maintain course flow and integrity.

 

Elementary Methods

Observation Packet

            Section II

            Experiences with Children

 

Lesson Plan

Discipline Taught, Teaching Strategies, or Planning

 

Teacher as a….poster presentation

            Section III

            Number 9

            Reflective Practitioner

 

Invitation to Classroom

Section III

            Number 6

            Communication

 

Learning Board

Section III

            Number 5

            Learning Environment

 

Pictures from Activities File

Section III

            Number 5

            Learning Environment

Activities File and Learning Board

 

Activities File