I. Course Title: Methods for Teaching English in Grades 6-12
II. Course Number: EDUC 556
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Prerequisites: Admission into the Teacher Education Program
Corequisites: EDUC 646
V. Course Description:
This semester-long full-time field experience provides graduate teacher candidates extensive clinical experience in a grade level appropriate for licensure in English teaching at the middle level (grades 6-8) or secondary level (grades 6-12). Candidates design and deliver a wide variety of learning experiences in their placement with the advantage of mentorship and coaching provided by schools, licensed teachers, and university faculty. Candidates begin by observing and co-teaching with their cooperating teachers and then transition to assume full responsibility for appropriate English classes. Regularly scheduled seminars enhance professional development of the candidate and are included as a weighted percentage of the student teaching grade. This course is taught in conjunction with EDUC 646: Early Field Experiences in Teaching English Grades 6-12.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
EDUC 556 is taught primarily through discussion, case studies, practical applications, writing activities and readings. Additionally, it is taught in conjunction with an internship in an adolescent level environment. Students will be working with their supervising professor to develop lesson plans specific to their internship assignment, discussing issues related to their content area, and exploring issues which might arise while student teaching. They will examine the theories and research relevant to teaching in grades 6-12. The course format includes large and small group discussion, individual and group presentations, journal article and textbook reading, demonstration lessons, simulations, and practical applications. Because the course is taught as a co-requisite with EDUC 646, students will also develop, implement, and evaluate a multi-day, sequential instructional plan specifically for their early field experience placement.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
Goals, objectives, and assignments address the Virginia Department of Education regulations for preparing middle/secondary (grades 6-12) English educators. Candidates successfully completing this course will be able to demonstrate developing knowledge, skills, and dispositions of the following:
Goal 1: Apply theories of learning and integration to English instruction and state and national standards
Goal 2: Plan evidence-based instruction and assessments to include differentiated instruction for diverse learners and select appropriate objectives, activities and teaching materials for English instruction.
Goal 3: Evaluate and experiment with multiple strategies and a range of content materials and texts, both traditional and alternative, in order to move toward the goal of reaching all students.
Goal 4: Recognize and support the unique needs and skills of the adolescent reader and writer.
Goal 5: Demonstrate understanding of research-based literacy strategies in developing instructional tasks, activities, and/or lessons.
Goal 6: Understand how to develop effective lessons, activities, and assessments.
Goal 7: Develop skills as reflective practitioners.
Goal 8: Build a repository of rigorous, meaningful teaching strategies and material for bringing ELA content to life for diverse learners.
Goal 9: Use multimodal composition and communication technologies to facilitate reflection and instruction.
Goal 10: Teach a range of lessons, reflecting on and using feedback for continued growth, inquiry, and pedagogical skill.
VIII. Assessment Measures:
Assessments may include, but are not limited to:
Other Course Information
Co-listed with EDUC 456
Review and Approval
March 01, 2021