KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY
Department of Elementary Education
COURSE TITLE
ELU 571 - Application of Current Elementary Educational Topics
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is the second in a two course sequence that will enable the student to
produce a summative project. In this course the students will select and explore
in depth one of the current topics discussed in the prerequisite course. The
results of this investigation will be used as a vehicle for the development and
implementation of a project that will provide a practical application of a current
topic in elementary education. (Prerequisite course ED 569-Current Topics in
Education) 3 s.h., 3 c.h.
RATIONALE
This course has been developed in order to provide a summative experience for
elementary education masters candidates. It will provide a practical application
of a current topic in the field of elementary education. This course will allow for
the continuation of the survey of pertinent topics that was started in the
prerequisite course. Due to a continued demand for qualified staff in elementary
education who can assume leadership roles, this course was developed to
enable a graduate student to demonstrate knowledge of research in the field by
making a major presentation, publishing an article, preparing educational
materials, providing professional development, or designing another project that
will demonstrate leadership skills. This experience will increase the students'
leadership abilities, improve their peer training skills, and enable them to produce
training materials for elementary teachers or pre-service elementary education
candidates.
ASSESSMENT
The culminating project is the summative assessment.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The student will be able to:
A.
B.
List the current topics identified in the prerequisite course and conduct
a needs assessment of the selected population in regard to these topics.
Analyze data from the needs assessment and select an appropriate topic
for project, presentation, publication, or other means.
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C.
Produce a conceptual outline of the topic.
D.
Enumerate and demonstrate the attitudes and behaviors proven to be
effective in facilitating educational change.
Identify the modes appropriate for in-service, pre-service or conference
presentations, or other projects.
Identify the advantages and disadvantages related to each mode of
presentation, or other project.
Select the appropriate mode of presentation noting the contingencies
listed in the previous objectives.
Develop differentiated experiences and appropriate materials for the
selected mode of presentation, or project.
Prepare a proposal and seek approval for the presentation or project from
the appropriate agency or organization.
Implement the selected mode of presentation or project.
Evaluate the selected mode of presentation or project.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Note: The nature of this course does not lend itself to the typical group meeting
process usually used at the university level. Due to the individual nature of the
presentations and projects being prepared during this course, the professor will
meet with individuals or small groups of individuals (those with common
concerns, needs, interests, or questions) as the successful completion of the
presentation or project requires.
Session 1 Large Group Meeting - All students registered for the course
will be in attendance.
I.
General explanation of semester
A.
Meeting Times
B.
Course Requirements
C.
Individual Conferences
D.
Product Required
II.
Explanation of acceptable projects
A.
Presentations
1.
Local, state, or national conferences
2.
Professional development workshop
3.
Workshop for teacher education students
4.
Community organizations
5.
Graduate education course
6.
Other (approved by faculty)
B.
Preparing and teaching a course
1.
Intermediate Unit Professional Development course
2.
Graduate Course
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3.
C.
D.
Special Summer Course for teachers through school
district
4.
Other (approved by faculty)
Publishing
1.
Education article in journal
2.
Education Activities in magazine
3.
Phi Delta Kappa Fastback
4.
Self-Published - booklet/pamphlet
5.
Other (approved by faculty)
Preparing special materials
1.
Computer program preparation
2.
Video tape
3.
Sound/Slide show
4.
Unique curriculum
5.
Other (approved by faculty)
Session 2
Individual meeting professor to discuss project
A.
Type
B.
Topic
C.
Timeline
D.
Audience
E.
Procedure
Sessions 3 - 15
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
Individual meetings with professor to discuss progress
Special total group meetings to allow those doing
presentations to be observed by class and received
feedback prior to final project
Special individual conferences with professor to acquire
needed assistance with project
Faculty member will attend as many presentations as
possible for a summative evaluation
Those presentations not attended by faculty member will
be video taped by student for later viewing in order to
complete summative evaluation
Students will prepare written evaluation including results of
participant evaluation, agency evaluation, and self
evaluation
Students will assemble a professional portfolio to document
effectiveness in teaching, scholarship, and professional
service to the community to demonstrate Kutztown
University’s model of “Teacher as a life long learner”.
A “library” copy of the final project will be submitted during
the scheduled exam time.
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