EDUC 441

EDUC 441: Field Experience for Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: Admission in the Teacher Education program

Co-requisites: EDET 445, EDRD 416, EDUC 440 and EDSP 362

This field experience is taken in conjunction with EDUC 440 Teaching Grades 6-8 (science, mathematics, social science, and English). It is intended for the pre-service content area teacher to learn the early adolescent culture and to develop and practice skills appropriate for these learners. Pass/Fail

Detailed Description of Content of Course

This field experience is taken in conjunction with EDUC 440 - Teaching Grades 6-12 (Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and English). It is intended for the pre-service content area teacher to learn the secondary adolescent culture, and to develop and practice skills appropriate for these learners.

Note(s): Pass/Fail

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

EDUC 441 is a clinical experience which involves the students in a grade 6-8 placement appropriate to their major. Students will be working with their supervising teacher to develop lesson plans and to deliver instruction specific to their content area. They will implement the theories and research studied in their methods class (EDUC 440).

1. Early Adolescent Learners

a. Construct a profile of an early adolescent learner.
b. Interview three early adolescent teachers.

2. Daily Lesson Planning

            a. Develop lesson plans incorporating Virginia SOL's and national standards.
            b. Incorporate planning for diversity.
            c. Teach lessons.
            d. Evaluate student learning.

3. Construct Interdisciplinary Instructional Units

            a. Develop examples.
            b. Teach all or part of the unit.
            c. Evaluate.

4. Delivering Instruction

a. Teach lessons based on different models of instruction. (ie: Inquiry, role playing, concept attainment, direct instruction, simulations, advance organizer
b. Provide written and oral reflections on strengths and weaknesses of each model.

5. Working With Teams

            a. Define the nature of collaboration and teaming.
            b. Practice team building skills.
            c. Work with teams of middle school teachers.

6. Technology

a. Implement technology in instruction, information management, and assessment.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Having successfully completed this course, the student will:

respond appropriately to the developmental stages of students.
plan and develop teaching units which reflect Virginia Standards of Learning and national standards in science, mathematics, social sciences and English.
choose from a variety of materials and utilize appropriate technology in the planning and implementation of lessons.
utilize appropriate pedagogies in an effective manner for their students.
design and assess authentic activities .
utilize information on how individuals construct knowledge in planning, designing and assessing instruction.
develop effective lessons for diverse learners.
develop interdisciplinary lessons.

Assessment Measures

Supervising teachers and professors will evaluate students as they carry out their professional duties.
Reflective Journal: Students will keep a journal throughout the semester recording their insights, struggles, successes, failures, perceptions and feelings.
Students will develop lesson plans based on a unit plan developed in a concurrent class, which they will teach during the semester.
Other types of activities appropriate to the specific content areas.

Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

February 1999 Revised