EDU 201 A: Introduction to Education Syllabus

 

Course Description

Introduction to Education is a general survey course in which students explore the historical, philosophical, sociological, and psychological foundations of education.  They will also use technology tools, including basic computer skills—Windows, Internet, word processing, and presentation skills—in ways that  are integrated in contemporary learning environments.

Instruction Methods

While lecture and discussion will be the primary methods, student involvement in the learning experience will be facilitated through field experience, technology tools applications, guest speakers, teamwork, interviews, solo presentations, video presentations,  and research-based projects.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to do the following:

1.      Articulate personal reasons for choosing a career in education.

2.      Describe the evolution of American education.

3.      Explain the various philosophies of education.

4.      Articulate a personal philosophy of education.

5.      Discuss contemporary issues in education.

6.      Understand effective verbal and non-verbal and media communication techniques and use them to support all student learning.

7.      Understand how cultural and gender differences can affect communication in the classroom

8.      Relate the school field experience to expectations and outlook for a career in education.

9.      Apply computers and related technologies to support instruction in appropriate grade levels and subject areas

10.  Apply technology tools to enhance professional growth and productivity; use technology in communicating, collaborating, conducting research, and solving problems; promote equitable, ethical, and legal use of technology resources.

11.  Use access to the Internet for capturing and incorporating information

12.  Use computer-based tools to create presentations

13.  Perform basic operating systems tasks, software functions, and minor troubleshooting on the most current and available systems.

14.  Work with software program menus to load and install programs, open and close application programs, and create and edit documents.

Specific Course Requirements

Requirements for this course are as follows:

1.      To summarize and react to two journal articles concerning issues and trends in education.  Each review should be at least two double-spaced, typewritten pages. 

2.      To communicate with peers and the instructor by email, discussion groups and/or online chat through WebCT

3.      To conduct twelve hours of classroom observations.

4.      To design at least three projects using MicroSoft Word and/or Publisher

5.      To compose a philosophy of education.

6.      To use a PowerPoint presentation as part a mini-teaching demonstration

7.      To construct a working portfolio.

8.      To write three tests as well as the final examination.

9.      To attend class on time and participate regularly.

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Texts

.Kauchak, D. & Eggen P. (2005).  Introduction to Teaching (2^nd ed.).  Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice-Hall.            ISBN 0-131-13771-9

Shelly, G. & Cashman, T., et. al. (2005) Teachers Discovering and Integrating Microsoft Office: Essential Concepts and Techniques, (2^nd ed.). Ashburton, Devon, UK:Course Technology. ISBN 0-619-25516-1

Shelly, G. & Cashman, T., et. al.  (2004).  Microsoft Office Publisher 2003: Introductory Concepts and Techniques. Ashburton, Devon, UK: Course Technology.                 ISBN 0-619-20030-8

Recommended Text

 Ryan, K. & Cooper. J. M. (2007).  Kaleidoscope: Readings in Education. (11^th ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.

          ISBN 0-618-64362-1

Hardware Requirements

None.  Although students will be expected to use computers to complete some assignments and to communicate by e-mail, Columbia State has computer labs at every site and center.  The computers in the labs have production software (i.e.. Microsoft Office) and afford Internet access to all currently enrolled students.

Assessment and Grading

Grading Procedures

Evaluation for a final grade will be based on a variety of assessments made throughout the semester.  All student work--class activities, assignments, and examinations--will be tallied to determine the final letter grade.

Grading Scale

The final grade will be based on the following standards:

Grades are not mailed to students. Students must access grades through Web for Students at www.columbiastate.edu .  The official grades will be posted five (5) working days after grades are required in the Records Office. Students who need official copies of grades must request it in writing from Records. Call the transcript information line at 931-540-2550 for detailed instructions. Students may print a copy of their grades from Web for Students, but it is not an official copy.

Course Ground Rules

       Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students are encouraged to register with the Office of Counseling Services (931) 540-2572 for possible assistance with accommodations. Students are to assume responsibility for voluntarily and confidentially providing appropriate documentation regarding the nature and extent of any disability. Students requesting special accommodations should contact the Office of Counseling Services at the beginning of the semester.

               Attendance

Because the majority of learning occurs in the normal interchange of classroom activities, students are expected to attend class regularly and on time.  Absenteeism is interpreted as students’ failure to participate in the classroom learning experience; therefore, students should attend class and be on time for each class meeting (Please see the current Columbia State catalog for affirmation of this policy). Attendance is taken at the beginning of each instructional period, and two late arrivals to or early departures from class will constitute one absence.

Excessive absences may result in failure, for there is NO provision for make-up of class sessions. Make sure you work closely with your instructor should the need for an absence occur.

                Classroom

Students are on the honor system in this class. Plagiarism and cheating on papers and examinations will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action as described in the college catalog and the student handbook. No food, beverages, or tobacco products will be allowed in the classroom.

Students must silence beepers and cell phones during class time. Leaving class to answer calls is not permitted unless prior consent is granted by the instructor.

The children of students are not permitted in the classroom at any time, nor are they permitted to be left unattended at any time in any campus building.

Disruptive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated during class.  Violators will be asked to leave the classroom immediately.

In the event of any type of emergency in this class, please follow the instructor's directions.  Emergency exit information is located on the classroom wall.  Please familiarize yourself with exits and safest places in the building.

Guidelines for Communications

                     E-mail

Remember, without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording e-mails.

Use standard fonts.

Do not send large attachments without permission.

Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless it is necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.

Respect the privacy of other class members.

          Absence

Should it be necessary to be absent from class for any reason, contact the instructor no later than day of the absence. Class notes should be obtained from a peer in the class.

      Grading Concerns

A student who questions an error in grading should contact the instructor for re-evaluation and/or explanations. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with his/her progress and class materials. Notes on missed class lectures can be obtained from other students in the class. The instructor will be available to clarify any questions the student may have concerning the notes or assignments.

Drop or Withdraw

Course Design

Web Resources

Companion Website to Introduction to Teaching

APA Style Essentials by Douglas Degelman, Ph.D. and Martin Lorenzo Harris, Ph.D.

APA Sample Paper

 Columbia State Sexual Harassment Training

Library

http://www.columbiastate.edu/library

Final Examination

To be posted