Education Courses
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS (EDUC)
EDUC 1199 Foundation in Education.
(3) Fall and Spring
An introduction to teaching and learning. This course addresses teacher behavior,
teacher roles, teacher ethics and experiences, historical perspectives, philosophical
foundations, approaches to curriculum development, the politics of education, school
governance, school funding and legal issues, school environments, and living and
learning in a diverse society. This course is a prerequisite for admission to the
Education program and includes an initial school visitation experience.
Prerequisite: criminal background check
MATH 3101 Fundamentals of Mathematics I for Teachers.
(3) Spring
A study of topics in mathematics designed for future elementary and middle school
teachers who are not pursuing a concentration in Mathematics. Topics include problem
solving, number systems and the relationships between these systems, understanding
multiplication and division, including why standard computational algorithms work,
properties of arithmetic, and applications of elementary mathematics. The NCTM
and Georgia Performance Standards are used to frame the course.
Prerequisite: MATH 1101 or higher
MATH 3102 Fundamentals of Mathematics II for Teachers.
(3) Fall
A study of topics in mathematics designed for future elementary and middle school
teachers who are not pursuing a concentration in Mathematics. Topics include numbers
and operations, algebra, geometry, data analysis, statistics, probability, and
measurement. Technology is used when appropriate. The NCTM and Georgia Performance
Standards are used to frame the course.
Prerequisite: MATH 1101 or higher
EDUC 3317 Science Methods.
(3) Fall
This course addresses science content, process skills, attitudes, and real-world
applications that are developmentally appropriate for science instruction. Effective
teaching strategies that incorporate integrated and interdisciplinary approaches,
technology, literature, multicultural education, and the Georgia Performance Standards
are combined with theories of learning. Field experience required.
EDUC 3319 Math Methods.
(3) Spring
The Math Methods course focuses on a constructivist approach to teaching and learning
with emphasis on problem-solving, NCTM standards, and Georgia Performance Standards.
The course stresses mental mathematical exercises and activities with manipulatives
that promote mathematical confidence in children. There is an extensive field experience
that involves a semester relationship with exemplary math teachers. Coursework
involves implementation of the tenets that underlie the conceptual framework of
the Department of Education.
EDUC 3342 Child Development Practicum.
(3) Fall
A study of the principles of growth and development from conception through twelve
(12) years of age. Specific attention will be given to the influences of family
on physical maturation, cognitive development, social skills, and personality development.
Major contributions from the leading authorities in the field are emphasized during
the study of each area of development. A nursery and preschool field experience
is required.
EDUC 3354 Theories of Reading Instruction.
(3) Fall
Different theories of reading instruction are the focus for this course. Special
emphasis is on children's literature and its role in successful reading programs.
Other topics include the reading process, principles of reading instruction, and
emergent literacy. IRA standards and Georgia Performance Standards provide a basis
for lesson plans and field experiences in local schools.
EDUC 3355 Fundamentals of Reading Instruction.
(3) Spring
A study of word recognition strategies with emphasis on phonics. Teaching techniques
for vocabulary and comprehension, reading in content areas, and interrelatedness
of reading and writing are also addressed. Standards from IRA and Georgia Performance
Standards are used in combination with various approaches to effective instruction
in planning effective lessons for experiences in local schools.
EDUC 3356 Integrating Specialty Areas into Classroom Instruction
(3) Fall
This course teaches the Early Childhood Certification candidate how to integrate
the arts, health, and physical education into instruction. Through collaboration
with college faculty, elementary classroom teachers, and specialty area teachers,
candidates will understand and use the content, functions, and achievements of
dance, music, theater, and the several visual arts as primary media for communication,
inquiry, and insight among elementary students; use the major concepts in the subject
matter of health education to create opportunities for student development and
practice of skills that contribute to good health; and know, understand, and use
human movement and physical activity as central elements to foster active, healthy
life styles, and enhanced quality of life for elementary students.
EDUC 4356 Diagnosis and Remediation of Problems in Reading.
(3) Fall
The focus of this course is the identification and correction of reading problems
in elementary school students. Special attention is given to testing and teaching
materials for corrective work, including reading inventories, formal and informal
assessment, and computer programs. A variety of assessment techniques, IRA standards,
Georgia Performance Standards, and technology are incorporated throughout the course.
EDUC 4360 Curriculum and Accountability in Elementary Grades.
(3) Fall
This course addresses the practical aspects of curriculum development, along with
the role of preparation and its contribution to successful classroom management.
A variety of assessment techniques, use of the Georgia Performance Standards, differentiated
instruction, and classroom management are among other key areas that are studied.
Co-requisite: EDUC 4480 Senior Seminar.
EDUC 4449 Classroom Technology for Elementary Grades.
(3) Fall
A course offered to Early Childhood and Middle Grades Education majors during
the Fall and Spring semesters. This course meets the expected performances found
in the Georgia Technology Standards for Educators. It is designed to teach (a)
Global Communication Skills, (b) Application Skills, and (c) Integrative Strategies.
All students are responsible for designing a professional Web site and electronic
portfolio that contains evidence of their expertise in classroom technology. The
evidence must be aligned with the Georgia Technology Standards.
EDUC 4456 Language Arts Methods.
(3) Spring
This course provides a thematic approach to methods for teaching language arts
in the elementary grades. Major topics include oral and written language, reading
and writing workshops, spelling, and grammar. Georgia Performance Standards, NCTE,
and IRA standards are used in developing instructional resources and units. Field
experience is required.
EDUC 4457 Social Studies Methods.
(3) Spring
The interdisciplinary nature of social studies is the focus for the study of curriculum,
methods, technology, and professional sources. Emphasis is on planning for and
developing resources for instruction, including the development of a unit with
emphasis on the NCSS standards and Georgia Performance Standards for a chosen grade
level. This course includes a field experience component.
EDUC 4459 Special Needs and Exceptional Children.
(3) Spring
A study of identification and diagnostic techniques for teachers related to areas
of exceptionality among students and of alternative styles of teaching to meet
special needs. The introduction to the Student Support Team (SST) process and the
writing of eligibility reports and Individual Education Plans (IEP) are explored.
The psychological and behavioral characteristics of exceptional children are studied.
The importance of transition and other forms found within the exceptional children's
categories is identified. Weekly field experience in the exceptional children's
areas will be provided.
EDUC 4460 Diversity in the Elementary Classroom.
(3) Interim
This course addresses a variety of issues in diversity, including psychological,
physiological, and social conditions of different students. Various issues of equality
and equal opportunity are also examined, as well as strategies for working with
children at risk. This course includes a field experience in diverse school settings
outside of Troup County.
EDUC 4480 Senior Seminar.
(3) Fall
This course is designed to explore current issues in early childhood education.
Teacher candidates choose topics, examine research, and present information in
a workshop format. Another focus of the course is classroom management, lesson
presentations, and peer critiques. In addition, teacher candidates have the opportunity
to discuss field experiences in connection with the conceptual framework and national
and state standards.
EDUC 4490E Early Childhood Student Teaching.
(12) Fall and Spring
This course provides a full-day teaching experience for a minimum of thirteen
(13) weeks. Pre-service teachers are assigned to diverse public schools and gradually
assume responsibility for working with groups and individuals. They participate
in classroom teaching and observation, planning and evaluation conferences, and
other school-related experiences, with guidance provided by the cooperating teacher
and College supervisor, gradually assuming total responsibility for the class.