Watson School of Education
Department of Elementary, Middle Level and Literacy Education
EDN 413: Classroom Management Seminar (K-6) (1)
Course Description:
Corequisites: EDN 410 and EDN 411. This course is designed to assist student interns
in establishing and maintaining positive elementary classroom climates for diverse
learners. It will provide interns a forum for discussion by examining the practices and
philosophies of current classroom teachers. Additionally, the seminar will rely heavily on
the intern’s field placement experiences. A survey of K-6 management techniques,
grounded in current teaching practice, will be shared.
Conceptual Framework:
The Watson School of Education strives to develop highly competent professionals to
serve in educational leadership roles. EDN 413, Classroom Management Seminar (K6), supports this framework through discussions, class activities, and field experiences.
Students have the opportunity to develop the following competencies:
 Informed data driven decision making
 Reflective practice
 Commitment to ethical and professional standards
 Knowledge in academic content and pedagogy
 Ability to meet needs of diverse learners
 Knowledge and use of appropriate communication strategies
Individual student growth in these areas will result in educational practice that positively
impacts learning.
Course Objectives:
1. Develop an understanding of the complexities of establishing and maintaining a
classroom environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship
with caring adults.
2. Compare and contrast models of management as they are implemented in
contemporary elementary schools.
3. Embrace diversity in the school community and world and reflect this notion in
the classroom environment.
4. Establish collaborative, positive relationships with students and families as a
means for contributing to academic and social success.
5. Adapt the teaching and learning environment for the benefit of students with
special needs.
Required Text:
Charney, R.S. (2002). Teaching children to care: Classroom Management for ethical
and academic growth, K-8, ISBN 978-1-892989-08-6
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Course Requirement:
Teacher candidates enrolled in EDN 413 are required to attend the first four days of
school in an elementary school of their choice. This includes the two days of teacher
workdays prior to K-6 student arrival in fall, and the first two days of K-6 student arrival.
Teacher candidates will receive notification of this requirement upon admittance to the
Watson School of Education in the EDN 300 course, Elementary Programs and
Practices.
Expectations:
Attendance. Because the instructor(s) and local elementary teachers will model various
practices advocated for classroom use, and because peer interaction is an important
component of learning in this course, promptness and active participation is expected at
every class.
Effort. Successful completion of EDN 413 requires active class participation, thoughtful
completion of assignments, and careful consideration of materials presented. Written
reflections will be collected and assessed at the conclusion of each seminar.
Grading:
Course grades will be assigned based on performance of three aspects.
First Days of School Assignment Completion 30%
Written Reflections
40%
Seminar Participation and Discussion
30%
Tentative Schedule
Class
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Topics Covered
Creating a supportive learning community
 Structuring the first week of school
 Engage in discussion of video clips showing a range of grade levels
for beginning the school year
Discuss student perception of “first days of school” visits.
Question-answer sharing time for interns’ class-specific questions.
Written reflection/synthesis due at conclusion of seminar.
Building Relationships and Community with Students
 How do I establish positive relationships?
 What are strategies for involving the family?
 How do I listen to students?
How is this approach different than others?
Question-answer sharing time for interns’ class-specific questions.
Written reflection/synthesis due at conclusion of seminar.
Working with Families
 Examine assumptions of the “good parent”
 Successful Open House
 Communication issues, challenges, and successes
 Family conferences and active listening
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 Handling homework and projects
 Working with volunteers
Question-answer sharing time for interns’ class-specific questions.
Written reflection/synthesis due at conclusion of seminar.
Active Learning Strategies through Group Work
 Teachers model for interns ways to design group work to engage all
students and discuss implications for classroom management.
 Potential pitfalls of group work to be avoided and know how to
structure effectively for maximum student participation
 Brainstorming, brainwriting, fishbowls, inside-outside circles,
cooperative groups, etc.
Question-answer sharing time for interns’ class- specific questions.
Written reflection/synthesis due at conclusion of seminar.
Behavior Plans and Documentation
 Hear from different teachers/schools with differing behavior
management plans to see how various philosophies are enacted.
These plans are related to models in the literature.
 Teachers share individual and/or school plans to manage, document,
and improve the classroom learning environment.
 Democratic Classrooms
What do they look like?
How are they established/ maintained?
 Response to Intervention Model
How do you collaborate with special ed teachers?
What do all the acronyms mean?
 How to implement strategies to improve behaviors and optimize the
learning environment
Question-answer sharing time for interns’ class-specific questions.
Written reflection/synthesis due at conclusion of seminar.
Open Forum
 Panel discussion by teachers, driven by intern questions (to be
prepared prior to date).
 Break-out sessions- interns work with teachers/instructors to seek
feedback about their individual situations.
Written reflection/synthesis due at conclusion of seminar.
Disability Services:
If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing accommodations of any type
in order to participate in this class, you must notify Disability Services (962-7555),
provide the necessary documentation of the disability and arrange for the appropriate
authorized accommodations. Once these accommodations are approved, please
identify yourself to me so that the accommodations can be implemented.
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Academic Honor Code:
Adherence to standards of professional conduct is expected in EDN 413. Please
familiarize yourself with the requirements of the UNCW Academic Honor Code and the
Watson School of Education Standards of Professional Conduct.
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