M.Ed. Gordon Course Descriptions

EDU520 Teaching Strategies (3) (field experience)

            Course Description:

Instruction in parameters of teaching, including classroom management, instruction, motivation and curriculum. Students learn and demonstrate understanding of strategies in classroom. Major emphasis to plan thematic unit or other appropriate unit of study incorporating objectives, lessons and evaluation. Students consider needs of all students, taking into account such factors as multiple intelligence theory, learning style and exceptionality. Requires field experience in classroom setting, arranged according to guidelines set for individual students by graduate program.

EDU522 Integrating Content in the Classroom: Literature & Language Arts, (2)

            Course Description:

Explores teaching theory and practices needed for effective instruction of English language arts. Participants become familiar with curriculum standards and instructional practices in teaching language arts. Students develop methods and practices in teaching writing and in integrating literature in elementary classroom.

EDU523 Integrating History in the Classroom (2)

            Course Description:

Prepares elementary teachers to educate young citizens in today’s fast-changing, culturally diverse world. Offers highly effective methods in fueling students’ interest through brain-based learning, standards-based learning, and differentiated instruction. Focuses on research and understanding of founding documents in American history.

EDU524 Integrating Science in the Classroom (2)

            Course Description:

Prepares elementary teachers to educate students in scientific theory, principles of scientific inquiry, and relevant practices for effective instruction in scientific methods.

EDU533 Foundations of Reading (3) (field experience)

Course Description:

Based on findings of scientifically based reading research. Consideration of teaching theories, methods, strategies and materials for teaching literacy viewed in light of current reading research. Each of five components of reading as identified by the National Reading Panel (2000) examined through the study of the reading process.

EDU564 Introduction to Exceptionality (3)

Course Description

Basic special education for pre-K through grade 12 teachers. Provides participants general understanding of special education federal and state law, procedures and responsibilities. Covers impact of child with disabilities on family and culture of family. Introduces strategies for working and collaborating with parents and other professionals as well as discovering resources of services for family by other agencies. Analysis of issues and in-depth look at most frequent types of disabilities encountered in classroom. Identifies ways to design or modify curriculum for children with disabilities in general education classroom when universally designed plans do not meet these students’ needs.

EDU575 Classroom Management and Organization (3)

Course Description:

Provides ideas, techniques and skills to improve performance of professional educators. Explores discipline theories and practical ideas, effective teaching strategies, classroom organizational models and other issues related to teaching and learning.

EDU580 Methods and Practice in Early Childhood Education (3)

Course Description:

Emphasizes teaching methods appropriate for preschool through grade 2 and early childhood curriculum. Interdisciplinary teaching unit developed to meet needs of students with and without disabilities in early childhood classroom. Significant documented field experience.

EDU614 Integrating Technology for All Students (3)

Course Description:

Explores and gains working knowledge of current instructional technologies. Class demonstrations and hands-on exercises focus on systems and tools K-12 teachers may find in their districts and schools, as well as those technology resources available at Gordon College. Become familiar with web 2.0 tools and current hardware and software platforms. Assists teachers in computer technology for students with special needs in general or specific settings. Overview of appropriate adaptive software as well as tools to evaluate and use computer technology for individualizing instruction.

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