I. Course Title: Early Field Experiences in Teaching Science Grades 6-12
II. Course Number: EDUC 648
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Prerequisites: Admission into the Teacher Education Program
V. Course Description:
This field experience is taken in conjunction with the methods course EDUC 558 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.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
This is a clinical, field-based course. Students will spend 15-20 hours per week at their school placement site. 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:
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.
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:
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
March 01, 2021