EDME 659: The Middle Education Student
Credit Hours: (3)
Provides those who teach or aspire to teach in middle level education with insights into growth characteristics of early adolescents and the implications for teaching, learning and classroom management. Considers related research.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course provides graduate level students with an in-depth study of the early adolescent learner and implications for organizing responsive learning environments. Students examine current research on early adolescent development and middle school practices. Attention is given to developing and sustaining appropriate teacher/student relationships and utilizing resources for support and/or interventions.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
An inquiry approach is used to engage graduate level students in questioning and studying the middle school learner and creating educational environments that are developmentally responsive. Students use a variety of resources, including NSMA materials and Guidelines for Restructuring Middle Schools in Virginia, to examine current issues related to early adolescents. A central component will include using current research journals to identify research questions and examine the growing body of knowledge about early adolescents and teaching in the middle school.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
The goals and objectives of the course are to help the graduate level student:
1. Become more knowledgeable about the development of middle school students.
2. Understand historical views and present societal influences on middle schoolers.
3. Identify and research their own questions about middle level learners.
4. Analyze case studies of early adolescents and identify problems and alternative ways of working with the student.
5. Examine characteristics of effective middle school teachers and ways to build positive teacher/student relationships.
6. Consider the perspectives of middle level students and parents.
7. Examine appropriate discipline models to foster early adolescent development.
8. Identify effective interventions for students at-risk.
Assessment Measures
Students will be evaluated on their performance on quizzes, case study analyses, role plays and independent research project.
Other Course Information
The course will differentiate for the varying experiences and backgrounds of students as the class may have experienced middle school teachers seeking recertification and students seeking an initial teaching endorsement.
Review and Approval
August 14, 2006 Reviewed Dr. Elizabeth D. Dore, Coordinator
