Education Courses

For related courses, see descriptions under Early Childhood.

ED 102
Foundations of Education
This course provides an overview of the historical foundations of American education from its philosophical roots to its role in the 21st Century. The course explores the role of education in pre-colonial America, during colonization, and its importance in the development of our democracy. The impact of the Depression and World War on education will be discussed. The course covers the battle for equality in education and the legislation that accompanied that struggle. We will study the impact of politics on American schools, and education’s importance to democracy in the 21st century. The students will discuss licensing requirements, the moral and legal responsibilities of teachers, employment trends for teachers, teachers’ unions, and important professional organizations. During several of the sessions students will visit and observe in a variety of educational settings, and in a variety of grade levels. Fall. Group: II

ED 117
The Teacher as Portrayed in Film and Literature
How do authors and filmmakers present the roles and the duties, challenges and commitments of teachers? Is a teacher only in the classroom, or can a teacher be a parent, a coach, a counselor, or a boss? In this course we will examine “the teacher” from different perspectives. Students will read selections from varied literature sources, discuss soulful and inspiring stories, read articles from journals and newspapers and review films and film clips.
Offered selectively. Group: II

ED 205
Teaching and Assessment of Reading and Language Arts
This course will explore the basic concepts of literacy development, the stages of reading and writing development and techniques of instruction. Students will learn many approaches to reading instruction. They will examine the role of phonics, basal readers, literature-based curriculum, word identification, whole language, vocabulary, and comprehension, in the development of literacy. A variety of Language Arts experiences, storytelling, and creative writing will be discussed. Students will also explore many different types of learning styles and design instruction that can be adapted for a diverse group of learners including English Language Learners. Diagnostic tools and classroom techniques for assessing decoding, encoding, and fluency are presented. Students are required to spend the equivalent of one hour per week in classrooms observing and assisting classroom teachers in the teaching of reading and language arts. Students will also explore the role of literature in the acquisition of literacy.
Fall. Prerequisites: CC 110 and/or permission of the instructor. Group: II.

ED/CS 206
Exploring Technology in the Classroom
This course equips pre-service teachers with the necessary skills to develop instructional practices that will allow them to incorporate technologies successfully into the classroom to enhance the teaching and learning process. Participants will examine software tools, curriculum software, internet resources and computer-based projects.
Spring 2012 and alternate years.
Group: II or III

ED/MU 210
Music and Movement for Children
Appropriate for education students as well as for other students with an interest in music, this course is designed to give students knowledge about music that will be useful to them in working with children. Basic skills of singing, playing the recorder, and sight-reading will be introduced. Also students will learn singing and movement games that develop children’s musical and rhythmic sensibilities.
Fall.
Group: II or IV

ECE/ED 212
Picture Books, Literature for Young Children
See course descriptions under Early Childhood

ECE 214
Curriculum, Environments and Program Planning for Infants and Toddlers
See course descriptions under Early Childhood

ECE/ED 215
Curriculum Methods, Management, and Program Planning and Materials for Early Childhood
See course descriptions under Early Childhood

ED 224
Methods of Math and Science in Elementary Education
This course addresses the teaching of developmentally appropriate math and science concepts for the classroom. Students explore a variety of techniques to teach mathematical and science concepts. The use of manipulatives to expand children’s understanding of number, and the use of experimentation to encourage inquiry and understanding of science are some of the methods used. A variety of math and science curriculum materials will be presented as well as the curriculum requirements put forth in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The use of children’s literature and technology are addressed as a means to help children construct knowledge about math and science. Students will be required to spend the equivalent of one hour per week in classrooms observing and assisting classroom teachers in the teaching of math and science.
Offered selectively
Prerequisites: ED 205 and a Quantitative Reasoning course.
Group: II.

ECE/ED 228
Recreation, Coaching, and After School Programs for Children
See course descriptions under Early Childhood

ECE/ED 234
Teaching of Math and Science for Young Children
See course descriptions under Early Childhood

ED 242
Multicultural Education
Students in this course will examine the philosophical and pedagogical foundations of multicultural education. Concepts such as culture, race, ethnicity, perception, assimilation, pluralism, and intercultural communication in educational settings will be addressed. Students will examine regional, national, and global multicultural values and goals and their influence on schools and communities. Students will learn strategies that will help them to address diversity in a variety of settings to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Offered selectively
Group II

ECE/ ED 250
Policy and Program Issues in Child Care
See course descriptions under Early Childhood

ECE 309
Health, Nutrition, and the Safety of Young Children
See course descriptions under Early Childhood

ECE /ED 311
Parent, Child, Teacher, Health and Community
See course descriptions under Early Childhood

ED 327
Curriculum Design: The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks
The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks are statewide guidelines for learning, teaching and assessment. This course will be an in-depth examination of these frameworks as they relate to the classroom teacher. The guiding principles and the learning strands will be addressed and studied in each content area. Students will create learning experiences and develop curriculum units in Social Studies and the Arts. Students will also have workshops addressing the Health and Physical Education Frameworks and classroom management strategies. Students will examine assessment strategies. The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks will be explored as well as the curriculum standards of other states. Students will learn how curriculum is created, developed and assessed. Students will spend a minimum of 10 hours observing and assisting in a pre-practicum placement.
Offered selectively
Prerequisites: ED 102, ED 205, or permission of the instructor. Group: II.

ED 333
Special Education, Assessment, and the Inclusionary Classroom
The inclusive classroom creates an environment that supports the learning needs of all children. Teachers must develop pedagogy appropriate to all learners. This course addresses learning styles and teaching strategies for a diverse group of learners. Students are provided with skills to meet the needs of exceptional children and approaches to special education. The course covers identification of learning styles and the identification of physical, social, emotional, cognitive and sensory handicaps. Students will discuss the identification, assessment and accommodations for students with disabilities and those who are gifted. Legislation that governs the education of the exceptional child will be examined. Preparation, implementation, and evaluation of Individualized Education Programs will be addressed.
Spring.
Prerequisites: ED 102. Group: II.

ECE/ED 350
Child Care Administration
See course descriptions under Early Childhood

ED 355
Diagnostic and Remedial Reading
Students will examine ways to evaluate children’s literacy skills. Tests developed by teachers and instruments used in schools will be discussed. Students will discuss the impact of a linguistically diverse group of children on assessment. Students will learn about the diagnosis and assessment of reading skills using standardized, criterion-reference, and informal assessment instruments. Basic statistics will be taught, as well as ways to use test information to develop instruction and write up Individual Educational Programs.
Offered selectively
Prerequisite: ED 205,
ED 333. Group: II

ECE/ED 395
Practicum in Child Care/Early Education and Care/Student Teaching
See course descriptions under Early Childhood

ED 492
Internship for Non-Licensure Students (12 credits)
This internship is designed for students who are not seeking Massachusetts teacher licensure. Students may be placed in a variety of educational settings, including YMCA or Boys and Girls Club activity settings, preschools, after-school programs, and urban recreational sites. Students should meet with the Coordinator of the Liberal Studies Program and/or their advisor one semester prior to placement.
Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite: Permission of Director of Education Programs
Group II