Course Descriptions
EDUC 6610 Teacher as Professional (3 sem. cr.)
This course explores what it means to be a professional in today’s diverse and changing educational landscape. Teachers examine their values, beliefs, vision, and mission. They explore their role in the larger context of the teaching profession, the importance of collaboration in a professional learning community, and the need to advocate for students, educators, and the field of education itself. Teachers learn how a professional stance influences student learning. They also serve as a driver of their own professional growth and development.
EDUC 6640 Designing Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (3 sem. cr.)
This course examines classroom curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the context of standards and accountability. The importance of alignment of these components and resulting impact on student learning is emphasized. Teachers explore learning theory, learner variables, and the need for differentiation to meet diverse learning needs. Multiple purposes and methods of assessment as well as effective approaches to grading and reporting are discussed. Using their state or district standards, teachers engage in a process for designing standards-driven classroom curriculum, instruction, and assessment that will meet the diverse learning needs of their students.
EDUC 6650 Enhancing Learning Through Linguistic and Cultural Diversity (3 sem. cr.)
This course explores teachers’ views on the value of linguistic and cultural diversity and the powerful learning opportunities it affords today’s classrooms and schools. Teachers examine their attitudes, beliefs, and biases regarding linguistically and culturally diverse students, families, and communities, and learn approaches for working together to ensure high levels of learning for all students. Strategies for ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning experiences are presented. Effective practices such as cultural responsiveness, anti-bias curriculum, differentiated instruction, and developing academic vocabulary are explored.
This course provides a structured approach to the practice of action research. Educators learn how to address relevant problems, become involved in collaborative inquiry, and use data and research to inform their practice, improve student academic success, and contribute to positive change in their classroom and school environments. Educators will engage in reflective practices as they collect and analyze student data and develop and implement data-informed decisions/actions to improve student learning and enhance their professional growth.
SCIE 6660 The Nature of Science (3 sem. cr.)
Investigate the nature and history of science and the role science plays in 21st-century life. Discover unifying themes across all areas of science such as scientific inquiry, systems and energy, models and scale, constancy and change, ecology and the environment, and form and function. Explore environmental science and apply the scientific tools of inquiry, discovery, hypothesis, and theory to facilitate your own learning in science and to foster engaging and motivating scientific learning in your students.
SCIE 6661 Exploring the Physical World (3 sem. cr.)
Examine various physical phenomena (e.g., light, sound, heat, magnetism, and motion). Engage in authentic, active learning experiences that advance your knowledge about these phenomena and model creative teaching approaches that you can use to engage your students in powerful learning about the physical sciences. The practical application of theories and concepts will be emphasized.
EDUC 6653 Introduction to Educational Research (3 sem. cr.)
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the basic fundamentals and principles of research. The research process is explored with the underlying assumption that educational research can improve classroom practice. Course participants are expected to develop knowledge and skills in the use of theoretical frameworks; quantitative, qualitative, and action research methodologies; critiquing and evaluating research; and compliance with ethical responsibilities of the researcher.
SCIE 6662 Investigating the Living World (3 sem. cr.)
Take a journey of discovery and explore the components of the living world, including plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms as well as their ecology. Learn about the controversy that persists in the scientific community about what makes an organism alive and discover how organisms interact with each other and their environments. Use inquiry methods to develop learning experiences to engage your own students in exploring these ideas in the classroom.
SCIE 6663 Exploring the Earth and Beyond (3 sem. cr.)
Investigate timeless questions about how the Earth fits into time and space. Explorations will span from ocean depths to the breadth of the universe. Examine earthly and other-world phenomena, such as weather, climate, volcanoes, earthquakes, planetary systems, and supernovae, and explore the similarities and differences between our world and other worlds. Transferring this scientific knowledge to classroom instruction will be emphasized.
EDUC 6657 Creating an Effective Classroom Learning Environment (3 sem. cr.)
This course helps teachers create safe, supportive, and respectful learning environments that promote social-emotional development, self-responsibility, and character in order to optimize learning for all students. Teachers learn how to foster a sense of community in the classroom and develop positive relationships with and among students. Skills and strategies for managing dynamic and flexible classroom structures and for teaching conflict resolution are presented. The course also provides strategies for building positive relationships and engaging in effective communication and problem-solving with parents and families.
SCIE 6664 Looking Into the Future of Science and Education (3 sem. cr.)
Take a future-focused view of science while developing your skills in science education. Trends, issues, challenges, and opportunities related to science and its role in schools, society, and the workplace will be explored. Topics include genetic engineering, biotechnologies, environmental issues, such as climate change and global warming, and the call for education in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Engage in professional discourse to grapple with uncertainties and learn how scientific principles can be used to advocate for authentic social change.
