EDUC 115 - Introduction to Education

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course investigates the professional demands and opportunities that characterize the contemporary teaching profession. Key historical, sociological, and philosophical aspects of American education are examined along with an overview of school governance, law, and finance. Effective models of instruction for diverse learners, including English Learners (EL), aligned with curriculum, lesson planning, and assessment are also reviewed. In addition, classroom management models and current trends in education are discussed. 

Text
Sadker, D., & Zittleman, K. (2021). Teachers, Schools, and Society. (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. 

Objectives
 

The student will be able to: 

A. Cite key historical, political, economic, and social events influencing the development of the American educational system. 

B. Identify the professional demands, standards, organizations, and opportunities that characterize the contemporary profession of teaching.   

C. Analyze philosophies of education as intellectual foundations of current educational practices. 

D. Evaluate classroom management policies, school discipline policies, and effective models of instruction including lesson planning and the use of technology associated to best practices in teaching.  

E. Summarize the major features of curriculum and the social forces that influence curriculum development. 

F. Describe student diversity associated with culture, English Learners (EL), gender, and exceptionalities 

G. Classify assessment and evaluation practices utilized by teachers in today’s classroom environment.    

H. List key stakeholders attached to school governance, organization, and finance in American education.   

I. Apply legal provisions related to the rights of students and teachers in the school setting. 

J. Specify current trends in American education and their impact on the teaching and learning process.  

Content
A. Historical roots in American education and school reform 

B. Educational philosophies and theories 

C. Classroom management and discipline 

D. Effective models of instruction 

E. Technology in education 

F. Student diversity and student exceptionalities 

G. Organization of American schools and curriculum 

H. School governance, finance, law, and ethics in education 

I. Current trends in education 

J. Danielson framework 

K. Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators  

Student Evaluation
A. Exams, quizzes, assignments 

B. Exams and quizzes 

C. Philosophy of education assignment 

D. Exams, quizzes, assignments 

E. Exams and quizzes 

F. Exams, quizzes, assignments 

G. Exams, quizzes, assignments 

H. Exams, quizzes, assignments 

I. Exams, quizzes, assignments 

J. Exams and quizzes  Bibliography
Chartrock, R. K. (2004). Educational foundations: An anthology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.  

Dewey, J. (1916). Democracy and education: An introduction to the philosophy of education. New York, NY: Macmillan. 

Graves, A., & Echevarria, J. L. (2010). Sheltered content instruction: Teaching English Language learners with diverse abilities. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. 

Marzano, R. J., Pickering, D., & Pollock, J. E. (2001). Classroom instruction that works: Research-based strategies for increasing student achievement. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. 

Stellman, L., & Lawlor, J. C. (2008). Teachers and the law. Boston MA: Pearson. 

Urban, W. J., & Wagoner, J. L. (2010). American education: A history. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. 

Wong, H., & Wong, R. (2009). The first days of school: How to be an effective teacher. Sunnyvale, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.