EDU 2650 Critical Examination of Issues in Education
(formerly EDU 3650)
Writing-Intensive Course
The course is designed to provide early childhood (Birth-Grade 2), elementary, (Childhood 1-6), secondary (7-12), and special education teacher candidates with a framework for critical examination of current issues affecting the modern classroom. Teacher candidates will learn to analyze and evaluate contemporary educational issues and research ideas based upon the knowledge gained in the course. The teacher candidate will acquire pedagogical knowledge, understanding and skills that include: Autism Spectrum Disorder; the impact of culture; heritage; socioeconomic level; personal health and safety; nutrition; past or present abusive or dangerous environments and how they impact the learners and the classroom. They will learn the skills in applying that understanding to create a safe and nurturing learning environment that is free of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and that fosters the health and learning of all students, and the development of sense of community and respect for one another. Tolerance, character, values, gender equity, prevention of school violence and multicultural issues as they pertain to learners from diverse backgrounds will be examined. They will also learn the importance of productive relationships and interactions among the school, home and community for enhancing student learning, including service learning and skill in fostering effective relationships and interactions to support student growth and learning. Teacher candidates will learn means for identifying and reporting suspected child abuse and maltreatment (including at least two clock hours of training regarding the identification and reporting of suspected child abuse or maltreatment, in accordance with the requirements of section 3004 of the Education Law.) The course provides an overview of education as an evolving system, an area of study and a field for professional growth. Topics will integrate information concerning learning and evaluative activities appropriate for use with students from Birth-Grade 2/Childhood 1-6, and Adolescence 7-12. Open to majors and non-majors.
Prerequisite
Sophomore-level or higher
Distribution
Education