EDUC 201 Foundations of Teaching and Learning
Students investigate curricular and pedagogical issues in 1-12 education. This course considers, from multiple perspectives, curriculum philosophies that empower students and enable them to maximize their potential in a positive, nurturing and supportive environment so that they can stand with courage and face the obstacles which impede our collective realization of the democratic dream. Through an examination of both curriculum and instruction theory and practice, each student will have opportunities to strengthen her/his philosophy. Presented in seminar-style, this class requires active student participation through reaction writings and dialogue on assigned readings, discussions, and formal lesson plan presentations. The overall objectives for this course are to challenge each student to: (1) understand the writings and ideas of various curricular theorists; (2) gain knowledge, comprehension, and application skills to understand traditional and non-traditional education paradigms; (3) analyze and evaluate contemporary curricular and instructional themes related to current educational trends.