Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education Online

In this course, teacher candidates prepare to understand the social, physical, emotional, and intellectual growth and development of children as related to learning and motivation in the elementary classroom. Teacher candidates explore philosophies and theories of child development and make connections between and among the key topics of development, learning and motivation, and social and cultural diversity. Learning environments and resources (including technology) that support the developmental needs of elementary children are identified and analyzed. In addition, teacher candidates explore the importance of family and community connections to support children’s learning; develop strategies for engaging families in the learning process of their children; and consider the role of children’s interests and personal experiences when planning instruction. Teacher candidates identify typical and atypical developmental patterns; analyze effectiveness of instructional strategies; and consider the role of specialists in supporting children's growth and development.

To help ensure high levels of learning and achievement for all students, today’s educators must be knowledgeable about learners and learning and well-versed in effective teaching and assessment practices. In this course, education professionals examine the interrelationships between assessment, teaching, and learning as well as effective practices for applying and integrating these critical components in the K–6 classroom. They gain a historical perspective on the standards and accountability movement and examine standards in their state or local setting. They also explore learning theory in the context of today's challenging educational goals and standards. In this course, education professionals learn and apply research-based practices in effective assessment, curriculum design, and instruction. Through on-site experiences and Virtual Field Experiences, they critically analyze and implement teaching and learning principles and practices that help ensure awareness of the individual and collective needs of students. This course requires a 15-hour field experience at a school approved by Walden University.

Lifelong learning and professionalism are key components of effective teaching. As teacher candidates begin their professional program of study, they review the program requirements including field experience responsibilities and major assessments. Teacher candidates study the dimensions of teacher professionalism through the eyes of social change. After reviewing the code of ethics from a practitioner viewpoint, historical theorists, court cases, and trends in education, candidates focus on what is required to be successful in 21st century schools. This includes an analysis of multiple technological frameworks, and candidates use these frameworks in multiple ways throughout the course. Through readings, voices from the field, virtual field experiences, and reflective experiences, each candidate begins to consider his/her personal philosophy.

The dynamics of today’s classroom are unique and challenging for teachers and learners. Education professionals in this course explore and analyze issues, complexities, and responsibilities associated with the field of education in the 21st century, including providing equal educational opportunities for all learners, regardless of their abilities and differences. They examine many factors influence learning, including individual experiences, abilities, talents, prior learning, language, culture, and family and community values. Education professionals study special education laws and policies; language diversity; and multiple intelligences. They also address learning theory, diverse learning styles, and practical instructional strategies, and they acquire theoretical and practical knowledge about today’s classroom as well as the family and community contexts that influence children's learning and development.

This coherent and rigorous approach to teaching and learning K–6 mathematics focuses on conceptual understanding, procedural skills, and application of mathematical knowledge. Coursework also focuses on helping teacher candidates promote problem-solving and communication skills as the core for teaching numbers and operations, algebra, data analysis, probability, measurement, geometry, and the use of manipulatives across math strands. Themes threaded throughout the course include technology, real-world applications, integrating math with other content areas, and building on the strengths and overcoming the challenges of diverse learners. This course includes 15 hours of field experience.