EDUC 200

I. Course Title: Exploring Education (GE)

II. Course Number: EDUC 200

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description:

This course explores education in the United States from early childhood through high school. The course introduces philosophical questions of education and explores them through sociocultural perspectives, curriculum and instruction, and the practice of schooling. The roles, responsibilities, and professional dispositions required by teachers will be examined.

Note(s): General Education and Applied Learning designated course. This course includes 15 hours of experience in the field outside of scheduled class time.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

The primary purposes of the course are for students to develop an understanding of teaching and learning, examine their own beliefs as learners and future professional educators, study the contexts of schooling, explore strategies that promote professional reflection and inquiry into teaching, and engage in structured pre-professional field experiences to observe teachers, learners, and instruction.

The content of the course is situated within three primary content areas: sociocultural perspectives of learning; teaching and learning in schools; and curriculum and instruction. In addition, the course includes 15 hours of pre-professional field experience in local school settings. Topics and experiences that may be used to achieve the purposes of the course include:

1. Sociocultural Perspectives of Learning

a. Introduction to sociocultural learning theorists
b. Exploration of learning as a function of cultural beliefs, attitudes, and values
c. Exploration of schools as a part of the community

2. Teaching and Learning in Schools

a. Overview of the roles of the teacher and the learner
b. Introduction to theories and theorists considered foundational to education in the U.S.
c. Introduction to learner development and differences
d. Introduction to the science of learning
e. Examination of the match between personal beliefs, characteristics, knowledge, skills, aspirations, and qualities required in teaching

3. Curriculum and Instruction

a. Define common terms, such as “curriculum” and “instruction”
b. Introduction to the structure of education (e.g., lesson planning, assessment plans, standardization and privatization).

4. Pre-professional Field Experiences

a. 15 hours of observation and volunteering with local school partners (or, non-local, arranged partnerships)
b. Facilitated reflection on pre-professional experiences

VII. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

The course includes, but is not limited to lecture, discussion, group activities, and school-based field experiences. Students will engage in observations of learning environments and in conversations with practicing teachers by reflecting on the course experiences through projects, class participation, and structured reflections.

VIII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

The goals and objectives of the course are to provide opportunities for students to 1) explore learning, teaching, and the roles of educators, and 2) enhance their own development as a potential educator.

Students will:

Articulate and evaluate assumptions and beliefs about learning, teaching, students, and education.
Describe the various influences on learning and teaching, including sociocultural contexts, the structure of US schools, and learning science.
Participate in, observe, and reflect upon a variety of educational settings.
Self-assess dispositions related to effective teaching and develop personal goals for growth

IX. Assessment Measures:

Sources of assessment data may include, but are not limited to evaluations of students' participation in class activities; projects; and field assignments.

Other Course Information:

This course may be taken as an elective by students across the university who wish to explore the teaching profession, or as part of a program of study for students who have declared an education major. It provides an opportunity for students to take part in early pre-professional field experiences.

Review and Approval

04/12/2006 Reviewed Rachel Janney

August 2020

March 01, 2021