Advanced Methods in the Elementary Grades

Course Description

Advanced study of methods for teaching, integrating, differentiating, and assessing a specific discipline in the elementary education curriculum. Content area will coincide with team focus. Prerequisite: Satisfactory standing in Elementary Teacher Education or dual major in Elementary and Special Education.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Identify diverse students’ learning strengths, needs, readiness, interests, and backgrounds, based on an understanding of issues relevant to child/adolescent development, learning theory, motivation, and differentiation.

  • Implement differentiated assessment strategies appropriate to diverse students, including pre-assessment, summative, formative, reflective/self, authentic, mastery, and performance assessment.

  • Collaborate with appropriate colleagues (special educators, social workers, co-teachers, peers, content specialists…) in developing a unit plan.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure

Percentage/Points

edTPA Context for Learning

10%

edTPA Task 1—Lesson Plan(s)/Commentary

20%

edTPA Task 2—Video/Commentary

20%

edTPA Task 3—Assessment/Commentary

20%

Final Portfolio Submission to Pearson

10%

Preparation & Participation

20%

Attendance/Participation:

Participate in class discussion (based on thoughtful responses to course readings/tasks).

Perform Quick Writes, Journal Responses, and smaller activities/projects.

Respond to other students’ comments in a constructive manner, without dominating.

Produce professional quality work.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required for purchase.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.