COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
EDU – Education
EDU 133 – Child and Adolescent Development: 3 credits
This course examines the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and adolescents through consideration of the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to children and youth. Special attention will be given to leading theories of development and their implications in the K-12 classroom.
EDU 223 – Field Experience (Stage 2): 0 credits
The aim of the field experience program at the University of Valley Forge is to provide education students with a progression of opportunities to apply theory to practice in an authentic educational setting. The purpose of the Stage 2 (sophomore) field experience is to foster observation and reflection; however, students will participate in class activities and, under the supervision of the cooperating teacher, may assist in the everyday events of the classroom. A university supervisor will periodically visit the student at the field experience site to ensure that a productive experience is taking place. Students will maintain a log that documents the hours spent at the field experience.
Prerequisite: EDU 113
EDU 163 – Principles of Adolescent Education: 3 credits
A study of the social, philosophical, and historical foundations of education with special emphasis on the application to contemporary educational settings and issues. The course requires a practicum and a practicum journal.
EDU 340 – Methods of Teaching ELD: 3 credits
This course will prepare students to teach English learners in ELD classes and in mainstream content area classes in public and private schools in the United States and to teach ELD classes in a foreign country. Included are theories of second language acquisition, program models for ELs, curriculum development, and lesson planning using variety of methods to integrate the teaching of English listening, speaking, reading and writing with content area objectives. Special attention will be given to the social/emotional trauma that ELD students and families may experience as recent immigrants.
Prerequisite: CMS 233
EDU 353 – Teaching Social Studies: 3 credits
This course teaches students to build science instruction that is based on strategies that involve first-hand exploration and investigation, and inquiry skills. Students will learn questioning strategies for inquiry instruction and how to plan multidisciplinary units that meet the needs of diverse learners and that address state and national standards. Practical application of concepts will be demonstrated through STEM, biological, earth, and physical science labs.
Co-requisite field experience and a $45 lab fee are required.
Prerequisite: HIS 233 or 243, POL 203 (MLE students only).
Co-requisite: EDU 383
EDU 354 – Reading & Writing Across the Curriculum: 3 credits
This course examines research and practice in the areas of literacy, cognition and learning, the writing-thinking connection, and the use of technology in literacy learning for students in the middle through secondary level. Through this course students will apply PA Common Core standards to instruction and authentic assessment techniques in reading and writing in the English/ Language Arts and content areas for middle level through secondary grades. Students will explore methods for integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening processes into the teaching of subject matter across the curriculum. Students will practice instruction of discrete skills in usage and mechanics as part of the Six Traits of effective writing.
Prerequisite: ENG 123
EDU 363 – Teaching Science: 3 credits
This course teaches students to build science instruction that is based on strategies that involve first-hand exploration and exploration and investigation, and inquiry skills. Students will learn questioning strategies for inquiry instruction and how to plan multi-displinary units that meet the needs of diverse learners and that address state and national standards. Practical applications of concepts will be demonstrated through STEM, biological, earth, and physical science labs.
Co-requisite field experience and a $45 lab fee are required.
Prerequisites: CMS 233, SCI 113, 143, 311 and 341.
Co-requisite: EDU 383
EDU 373 – Language & Literacy Development: 3 credits
The purpose of this course is to provide the preservice teacher with a scientifically-based foundation in the cognitive, socio-cultural, linguistic, and motivational influences on language and literacy development. This course focuses on the fundamental principles and concepts of how to explicitly teach phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The preservice teachers will study the Science of Reading to gain an understanding of how reading develops and how effective methods and strategies are used to teach literacy skills to children.
Prerequisites: CMS 233
EDU 383 – Field Experience: 0.5 credit
The aim of the field experience program at the University of Valley Forge is to provide education students with a progression of opportunities to apply theory to practice in an authentic educational setting. During the two semesters prior to student teaching, students participate in a Stage 3 field experience in a local PK-12 classroom at a grade level appropriate to their certification. Students are concurrently registered for specific methods courses to support learning derived from field experiences. Students in SPE dual certification program must be placed in an inclusive classroom and monitored by both the classroom teacher and a special education specialist.
EDU 413 – Multicultural Education: 3 credits
This course explores what it means to be an effective teacher in a society that is increasingly diverse. We will focus on the skills and dispositions teachers need to provide high quality instruction for all students, regardless of their class, race, ethnicity, gender, or religion.
EDU 423 – Differentiated Reading Instruction: 3 credits
This course is designed to help develop an understanding of and plan instruction for those students with varying levels of ability and developmental need. A variety of assessment procedures, strategies and techniques for teaching reading, as well as remediate programs will be examined as a means to differentiate and teach reading to these different levels. Students will learn to tailor instruction and remedial minor reading problems identified through assessment. An emphasis will be placed on reading in the content areas where many of these difficulties present themselves. This course includes a related Field Experience.
Prerequisites: CMS 233 and EDU 373
Co-requisite: EDU 383
EDU 433 – Teaching Mathematics: 3 credits
This course is designed to prepare students to use a problem-solving approach to effectively teach elementary mathematics. Students will learn to plan and assess lessons that are developmentally appropriate and that address state and national content and process standards. Topics include: lesson and unit planning, appropriate use of technology, state and national standards, assessment, mathematics/literature connections, and meeting needs of diverse learners.
Prerequisites: CMS 233 and successful completion of MTH 133 and MTH 233.
Co-requisite: EDU 383
EDU 443 – Classroom Management: 3 credits
This course examines evidenced-based classroom management models and the way classroom environments influence learning. Course content will emphasize the “Big Five” strategies—rules, routines, praise, misbehavior, and engagement—through various assignments, including the construction of a classroom management plan and participation in a co-requisite field experience. Topics include establishing effective classroom rules and procedures, professionalism, relationships and communication with stakeholders, and helping students contribute to a positive and inclusive learning environment. Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on learning will also be examined through coursework and training. Students are required to join the professional teacher organization of their choice. Fees for those organizations vary.
Note: This is a senior level practicum course designed to be taken just prior to the student teaching experience. All lower level education courses should be completed before taking this course.
Co-requisite: EDU 383
EDU 453 – Assessment & Measurement: 3 credits
This is an introductory overview of the policies and procedures used in the measurement and assessment of educational performance. This course provides the foundation of basic measurement concepts as well as hands-on experience with assessment tools. The primary focus of the course is on measurement and assessment strategies for all learners including the use of standardized, informal, and curriculum-based procedures. Attention is also given to the diagnosis and program planning of students with exceptional learning needs. The field experience portion of this course is designed to provide students with school- based experiences relevant to academic assessment methods and procedures of all learners.
Prerequisite: PSY 383
Co-requisite: EDU 383
Student Teaching Fee: $625
EDU 466 – Student Teaching: 12 credits
Practical teaching experience in area schools giving the student opportunities to practice many facets of education by working with small groups and in regular classroom assignments. Placements will be made for the student’s final semester. EDU 466 Student Teaching must be taken concurrently with EDU 471 Student Teaching Seminar. ALL academic work must be completed. A student teaching fee will be applied. Students in SPE dual certification program must be placed in an inclusive classroom and monitored by both the classroom teacher and a special education specialist.
Student Teaching Fee: $625
EDU 471 – Student Teaching Seminar: 1 credit
This seminar course will consist of small group interactions to review experiences during student teaching placements. The course will also support students in applying for PDE teaching certification, constructing a cover letter and resume, completing a professional portfolio, navigating websites for job search, writing and implementing a Teacher Work Sample, and reviewing standards of ethical behavior according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.