Course Description
The application of the principles of educational psychology (i.e., adolescent development, diversity, learning theory, motivation, and assessment) to teaching middle school students. Prerequisite: MDED major
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Explain principles of adolescent physical and brain development relevant to middle grades teaching.
- Apply theories of cognitive development and learning, including Piaget, Vygotsky, constructivism, sociocultural theory, and information processing, to instructional decisions for middle grades students.
- Analyze the social, social-emotional, and identity development of young adolescents and its effect on learning.
- Design instruction that supports student motivation using motivation theory.
- Develop differentiation strategies that address individual differences among middle grades learners, including developmental level, culture, language, and disability.
- Evaluate curricula and instructional tools for their fit with adolescent development.
- Apply assessment practices that promote active learning
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Weekly Synthesis (due weekly) | 20% |
| Weekly readings, learning tasks, and class participation (due weekly) | 20% |
| Differentiation Project/Presentation | 20% |
| Context/Culture/Learning Spaces | 20% |
| Lesson Analysis (Final) | 20% |
Attendance/Participation:
Participation/Professionalism: 100% attendance, preparation for, and participation during each class are expected and highly valued in this class.
More than one absence will affect your grade in this course because class time and required participation in discussions, demonstrations, and peer sharing cannot be made up.
Arriving late or leaving early will also affect your grade in this course.
2 absences will result in lowering the final grade by one grade letter.
3 absences will result in lowering the final grade by two grade letters.
4 absences will result in an F for the course.
3 tardies will result in one absence. Tardy includes arriving late or leaving early.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.