EDME 408: Approaches to Teaching

Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education Program and a minimum 2.5 GPA

Credit Hours: (3) Two hours lecture; two hours laboratory

In this course the pre-service teacher studies the teaching/learning processes through examining models of teaching. Teacher decision-making in planning is a primary focus as students learn how to plan, how to accommodate diverse learning styles and how to evaluate learning.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

1. Personal reflections

(a) Memories of being taught
(b) What made a difference
(c) Self as a learner

2. Observations of teaching

(a) What is the purpose of the lesson?
(b) How is it organized and conducted?
(c) How do students respond?
(d) How is student learning evaluated?

3. Approaches to teaching

(a) Teacher directed
(b) Student centered
(c) Content centered
(d) Thematic/interdisciplinary teaching

4. Decision Making

(a) Collecting student data to guide planning
(b) What to teach?

• Why is it important?
• How to make it relevant.

(c) Identifying resources
(d) Planning models and processes
(e) Assessing learning and using evaluation to inform planning
(f) Planning for special needs students

5. Instruction

(a) Identifying differences in learning styles
(b) Examining alternative instructional strategies
(c) Utilizing multiple resources to promote visual, auditory and tactile/kinesthetic learning
(d) Foster independent, lifelong learning

6. Instructional Technology

(a) Demonstrating skills in planning and using: filmstrip/slide projectors, videos/televisions, film projectors, overhead and opaque projectors, transparency production, laminating and lettering equipment, computer and related equipment (CD Rom and video discs), and networking
(b) Utilizing word processing programs

• Selecting computer assisted instructional materials
• Using software for classroom management (grading)

(c) Collaborating with the media specialist as a member of the instructional team

7. Professionalism

(a) Professional organizations/standards/journals
(b) NEA Code of Ethics

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

EDME 408 incorporates a variety of teaching strategies including lecture, discussion, cooperative learning and inquiry. Students read widely from multiple sources and conduct observations and field inquiry. Student plan lessons and do micro teaching. Student complete the self-paced modules and are evaluated on their skills in using instructional technology. Computer instruction is integrated with writing lessons and using varied instructional materials including computer software.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:

(1) Use a variety of instructional technology tools, including computers and computer networks, to enhance the effectiveness of instruction.
(2) Identify approaches to teaching and select appropriate approaches for learners and content.
(3) Gather and use information about students to promote learning.
(4) Make decisions about planning that involve what to teach, why to teach it and how to make it relevant to students.
(5) Select a wide range of materials and resources to be utilized in the classroom.
(6) Write lesson plans that have clear objectives and include opportunities for active student learning.
(7) Plan multiple ways to assess student performance and use assessment information in decision making and planning.
(8) Practice reflection and self evaluation.
(9) Draw from a knowledge of professional organizations and their standards.

Assessment Measures

(1) Class attendance and participation. Given the interactive nature of the class and its correlation with field experiences,students will make peer evaluations in regard to attendance and contributions to the group.
(2) Writing Tasks. Students will keep written reflections on their experiences and/or readings. These will be evaluated in terms of their promptness, relevance and inquiry nature.
(3) Lesson plans. Students will write unit and/or daily lesson plans and include these in their professional portfolio. These will be evaluated in terms of their content, thoroughness, relevance and choice of materials.
(4) Instructional technology. Students will demonstrate successful completion of the self-paced modules. They will integrate technology in their planning of instruction.

Other Course Information

(1) Students will demonstrate their knowledge and skill in using instructional technology as a component of instruction.

Approval and Subsequent Reviews
August 14, 2006 Reviewed Dr. Elizabeth D. Dore, Coordinator