I. Course Title: Early Field Experiences in Teaching Science Grades 6-12 (WI)
II. Course Number: EDUC 448
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Corequisites: EDUC 458
V. Course Description:
This field experience is taken in conjunction with the methods course EDUC 458 Methods
for Science Instruction Grades 6-12. The purpose of early field experiences is to
provide teacher candidates with real-world perspectives of teaching, learning, and
school community while integrating educational theories with practice. Early field
experiences in science provide teacher candidates with opportunities to understand
the principles of learning, the application of skills in science-specific methodology,
effective communication with and among students, the selection and use of materials/technologies,
and the evaluation of student performance. Teacher candidates observe, perform non-instructional
tasks, and engage in some closely supervised delivery of instruction. Through regularly
scheduled seminar sessions, teacher candidates use an academic lens to reflect upon
their observations and contributions within the classroom while considering the early
field experience’s impact on their future teaching.
Note(s): Graded A-F (+/-).
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
During this clinical experience, candidates are placed in a middle/secondary (grades 6-12) science classroom with a certified cooperating teacher. The semester begins with the candidate completing observations of both the teacher and the students, learning about the school culture, and assisting the teacher as needed with day-to-day classroom tasks. As the semester progresses the candidate is given additional instructional responsibilities with students – individually and in small and large groups. The candidate also takes pedagogy classes and completes assignments in their classroom setting throughout the semester, culminating in a multi-day, candidate designed instructional sequence. During this time, the candidate teaches and assesses an instructional unit of study that they have planned. Candidates’ practices will utilize the Virginia Department of Education standards and the National Research Council’s Framework for K-12 Science Education for planning and instruction.
Weekly seminars are scheduled to enhance the professional development of candidates enrolled in this field experience and include, but are not limited to the following topics:
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
EDUC 448 is a clinical experience which involves the students in a 6-12 science classroom placement. Students work with approved clinical faculty teachers and university supervisors. The experience begins with observation and culminates in the teaching of a student-designed instructional unit which is based on the Virginia Standards of Learning and the National Research Council’s Framework for K-12 Science Education. Weekly seminar meetings focus on classroom management, preparation for teaching diverse learners, and the professional development of teacher candidates.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
Goal 1: Understand how to effectively implement the instruction and assessment cycle.
Teacher candidates will be able to…
Goal 2: Engage with science practices as a way to develop scientific curiosity and problem solving.
Teacher candidates will be able to…
Goal 3: Meet the diverse needs of learners to engage them in scientific thinking and activities.
Teacher candidates will be able to…
Goal 4: Communication & reflection
Teacher candidates will be able to…
VIII. Assessment Measures:
Assessment of teaching in the early field experience is both formative and summative and is collaboratively completed by the by the classroom teacher and University faculty. Evaluation is based upon the INTASC Standards for Beginning Teachers which are embedded in the Teacher Candidate Evaluation forms. Assessments will include but are not limited to:
Review and Approval
August 2020
March 01, 2021