Childhood Education- EDCH

EDCH 502 Emergent Literacy 3 Credits

This introductory course focuses on the importance of literacy and the teaching skills needed to become a proficient teacher of reading. Meeting the needs of diverse learners (diverse in interest, needs, ability, etc.) with appropriate materials, activities and instructional approaches will be an ongoing discussion woven through the course content. All language processes will be addressed with an appreciation that they are interrelated and support each other. Students will create materials for reading instruction that reflect knowledge of 'best practice' as concluded from research and described in course readings.

EDCH 509 Literacy and the Arts in the Elementary Classroom 3 Credits

Strategies for effective literacy instruction with diverse populations of students will be examined for efficacy. These strategies include research-based approaches with demonstrated success for use with students with disabilities, English Language Learners, Gifted and Talented students and any other students with identified special and/or unique educational needs. Students will examine the qualities that make a successful match with students' needs in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening, as well as how to incorporate differentiated instruction based on those needs in a classroom context. Multicultural literature and literature that deals with specific disabilities will be examined for applications in the curriculum.

Offered: every spring.

EDCH 540 Learning and Development Birth to Grade 6 3 Credits

The application to classroom practice of the principles of effective learning and the role of motivation and a consideration of motivation and self-worth will be studied for children from Birth to Grade 6. Candidates will critically review basic brain and nerve structure and function as it applies to learning and teaching. Attention will be directed toward the constructs of intelligence, creativity, meta-cognition, transfer of learning and learning styles. specific theories including those of Skinner, Piaget, Vygotsky and Covington will be analyzed and critiqued. Classroom management options will be considered.

Offered: once a year.

EDCH 571 Student Teaching Childhood 6-12 Credits

Student Teaching, Childhood.

Offered: occasionally.

EDCH 593 Student Teaching: Childhood 9 Credits

Requires two supervised teaching placements in schools appropriate to certification level and includes experience in high-needs schools or schools serving socio-economically disadvantaged students. Some school districts may require tuberculosis or other health tests.

Prerequisite: required coursework and an overall QPA of 3.0.

Offered: occasionally.

EDCH 599 Independent Study 3 Credits

Independent studies require an application and approval by the associate dean.

Prerequisite: permission of the instructor, department chair, & associate dean.