Learning Environment & Collaborations
This course is required for all students pursuing an elementary education major. It introduces students to different theoretical perspectives associated with students’ behavior in the classroom. This course provides opportunities for students to learn professional collaboration skills and to work on a team to solve problems presented in a variety of situations. The course examines the roles and responsibilities of teachers in creating and managing a classroom environment that supports the academic, emotional, and behavioral needs of all students. In addition, the course explores current ethical and legal standards which frame the use of evidence-based practices designed to establish a collaborative, positive learning environment for all students in an inclusive classroom.
Children’s & Young Adult Literature
This course is a survey and analysis of literacy materials for children and young adults. This course will provide a broad understanding of the history and genres of literature for children and young adults. It will further introduce students to the process of evaluating and choosing quality literature.
Curriculum & Instruction in Visual Arts
Collaboration between elementary teachers that are specialists (physical education, art, music, theater, and dance) and generalists is essential for establishing a learning environment that reinforces and deepens the growth and development of the whole child. This course introduces students preparing to become general elementary classroom teachers to a) the content standards and curriculum essentials in the visual and performing arts (music, theater, and dance), b) the important connections between expressions of art and culture, and c) how the creation and/or performance of art can lead to more meaningful learning.
Multicultural Education
This course introduces students to the diversity of cultures prevalent in K-12 U.S. schools today and the impact that this diversity has on student learning. The course examines the historic influences of cultures on education policy in the U.S., how this continues to have an impact on K-12 systems today, and global education. In addition, the course explores how different elements of culture (particularly race, religion, gender, social class, disabilities, language, and geographic region) in the K-12 classroom have influenced student learning. Most importantly, this course addresses how schools are effectively addressing the needs of multiple cultures in their classrooms and developing successful strategies to counter bullying, harassment and discrimination of all kinds. Students in the course have the opportunity to mentor students from diverse backgrounds in the community.
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