Teaching and Learning : Teacher-Student Interactions
4cr., Advanced, Liberal
A. PURPOSE
Achieve familiarity with the ways in which psychological and social factors affect
classroom learning. Analysis and application of concepts. Learn objective child
observation and gain insight into one's own teaching behavior. Become aware of
teacher expectation effects, classroom motivation, peer interactions, and how
knowledge is constructed.
B. LEARNING ACTIVITIES
The learning activities are designed to increase awareness of the crucial and
varied influences of interactions between teacher and student on student
learning. There are three major sources of learning: observation and reflection,
textbook, and research. Each of the three will form a basis for discussion.
1. Observation and Reflection. a) Report and reflection on your own teaching
experience or interview with teachers (following handout to be distributed). b)
Classroom observation (Case Study for Self Study, as described in textbook
chapter 2).
2. Textbook. Read textbook and keep a journal. Answer in writing three
questions/suggestions for each chapter.
Good, T.L. and Brophy, J.E. (2003). Looking in classrooms (9th ed.). NY:
HarperCollins.
3. Research:
There will be three activities that draw on prior research. They will require library
visits, use of Empire State College's virtual library, and interviews with people in
education. a) Library search and book review. b) Synopsis of article in a
professional journal accessed through the college's virtual library. c) Research
project on selected topic.
Independent study is based on ongoing student activity and is built around
periodic meetings with the faculty member. A minimum of five student-mentor
meetings are required. The student must submit work throughout the term in
order to earn credit.
C. METHOD AND CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
Evaluation will be based on 1a (reflection), 1b (observation), 2 (discussion and
journal), 3a (book review), 3b (journal article synopsis), and 3c (project).