Graduate Education Courses (EDU)

EDU 501. Contemporary Issues in Education (3). Contemporary issues in education will be examined against a backdrop of historical and philosophical issues addressed in American education. This is required of all master's students seeking a degree.

EDU 505. Educational Research (3). This course provides an introduction to the practice of both quantitative and qualitative inquiry in the study of educational problems. The course will cover issues and strategies involved in identifying a research question; planning and designing a study to answer that question; and analyzing, interpreting and presenting the results in a manner that contributes to the knowledge and practice in education. Students will become familiar with software available for qualitative and quantitative analyses. The major emphasis of the course is the writing of a research proposal, including the review of the literature.

EDU 511. Advanced Educational Psychology (3). This course addresses those issues which arise in the development of children and youth in the context of education. It includes learning theories, human growth and development, motivation, classroom management and discipline, testing and evaluation.

EDU 512. Educational Tests and Measurements (3). A study of educational measuring devices including test construction and standardization, as well as test data interpretation and application. Students will also examine the research about test development and the relationship between testing and student achievement.

EDU 513. Classroom Organization and Management (3). Both quantitative and qualitative research will be studied to better understand theories of effective classroom organization and management. Based on research findings and reflective inquiry, the students will refine/design their own comprehensive, proactive system of classroom organization and management.

EDU 515. Technology for Education (3). Prerequisite: Basic computer course within the past 3 years or permission of the instructor. Using current technological knowledge and equipment, students will understand the role and use of technology for instructional purposes.

EDU 520. Performance Review (3). Prerequisite: Educational Research or Performance Appraisal. Performance Review is taken during the last two semesters of a student¹s work on the Master of Education degree. Students demonstrate competencies identified by the mentoring committee. Comprehensive exams, thesis, project, or recital precede presentation of the student for graduation. Certain programs require a juried review.

EDU 521. Reflective Teaching (3). This reflective or inquiry-oriented course looks at the complicated activity of teaching and the conceptual schemata teachers must acquire. Emphasis is placed on developing teaching habits that are consciously informed actions.

EDU 522. Methods for Secondary Teaching (3). This course examines strategies, techniques, materials, and principles for effective classroom instruction. Students are required to demonstrate competency in these areas in school-based settings.

EDU 523. Human Development and Education (3). This course examines development from various theoretical perspectives and at stages relevant to all levels of formal education. A major focus is on the educational implications that flow from each developmental perspective. Students will also examine the research relevant to the issues in human development.

EDU 541C/E/M/S. Student Teaching in Early Childhood/Elementary/ Middle/Secondary (8). This laboratory course gives the student teacher experience in the school setting and an opportunity to observe and use appropriate classroom procedures under the direct supervision of an experienced teacher. This course requires satisfactory presentation of a professional portfolio and includes a seminar which meets weekly. This course does not count toward the M.Ed. degree requirements and is offered only for those seeking licensure. ($325.00 course fee)

EDU 551C/E/M/S. Internship (6). An alternative to student teaching for one semester, the full academic year internship allows the student to experience the role of the teacher under the supervision of Belmont faculty, classroom mentors, and the school principal. The internship year coincides with the probationary year of teaching. Must be taken both fall and spring semesters. ($325.00 course fee)

EDU 570M. Middle School Perspectives (3). This course emphasizes the growth and development of children in grades 5-8. It looks at appropriate curriculum and instruction for this age group as well as the methodology for teaching to meet the needs of this group. Special attention will be given to the research on middle schools and the development of research questions appropriate to this age of schooling.

Elementary Education Courses

EDU 502. Developmental Reading (3). Developmental Reading is a graduate level course, assuming previous course work in reading. The course builds on current theory and research in an effort to improve classroom instruction.

EDU 503. Whole Language Curriculum (3). Whole Language is a philosophy of teaching the language arts (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in the content areas. This course analyzes the research on Whole Language from its inception in New Zealand to present-day classrooms in the U.S. The writing process is an important component as is the ability to incorporate the Whole Language philosophy into the in-service teacher's own classroom.

EDU 504. Literature for Children and Adolescents (3). This course is a survey of classic and contemporary children¹s and adolescent literature. Various methods for using these books in the classroom are covered.

EDU 506. History of Children's Literature (3). This course will expose the student to the many touchstone pieces of children¹s literature which have become the basis of modern children¹s books. Classic pieces of literature from Aesop¹s Fables to the 19th Century will be read and discussed. A chronological history of important contributors to the discipline will also be studied.

EDU 599. Special Topics (1-3).

MTH 505. Mathematical Concepts (3). Prerequisites: Two three-hour courses in undergraduate mathematics (100 level or above) or consent of instructor. Topics include problem solving and critical thinking, theory of arithmetic, geometry, probability and statistics, applications of mathematics, and the development of teaching strategies. Course is designed for elementary school teachers.

SCI 505. Science for Elementary Education (3). This course explores selected topics in physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology and earth science. It stresses ³hands on² experiences typical of experiences that can be provided in the elementary classroom.

MUE 524. Music in Elementary Education (3). Explores the theoretical and historical content of music as it is presented through activities appropriate for the developing elementary child. A strong emphasis is placed on musical concepts and style and their translation into techniques, materials and activities usable in the elementary classroom.

ART 525. Art in Elementary Education (3). Explores the theoretical and historical content of art as it is presented through activities appropriate for the developing elementary child. A strong emphasis is placed on art concepts and style and their translation into techniques, materials, and activities usable in the elementary classroom.

ART 526. Discipline Based Art Education (3). This course is designed to acquaint the student seeking licensure in K-12 art to the concept of Discipline-Based Art Education. It will examine how the art teacher can derive content from the disciplines of art production, aesthetics, art criticism, and art history and how he/she can take this content and develop them into unified, balanced art curriculum units.

Early Childhood Courses

EDU 540. Instructional Programs in Early Childhood Education (3). This course examines various theories, philosophies, and research projects and their antecedents and how these affect current practice in Early Childhood Education.

EDU 550. Child Development (3). This course examines child development from various theoretical perspectives and makes application to children in early childhood settings.

EDU 560. Administration of Early Childhood Education Programs (3). This course addresses the supervision and management aspects of working with programs for young children: child care, preschool, kindergarten, Head Start, church programs. Personnel, fiscal, and legal considerations for starting and maintaining such programs are examined.

Gifted Courses

EDU 530. Introduction to the Gifted (3). Covers the identification of the characteristics of the gifted, their place in the school system, historical concerns, modern trends and prospects.

EDU 531. Methods of Teaching the Gifted (3). This course offers methodology and materials for the teaching of the gifted.

EDU 532. Curriculum and Instruction for the Gifted (3). This course will cover the kinds of course content such as creativity, discovery learning, and critical thinking skills which can be used with the gifted as well as different educational models.

EDU 580R. Study of the Exceptional Child (3). This course deals with the identification, characteristics and evaluation of exceptional children. Students will examine educational programs that cater to exceptional children and review research related to exceptionality.

English Education Courses

For English course listings see pages 63-65.