Dr. Dixie L. Smith
220 Heckert-Wells
Extension 4741; dsmith@pittstate.edu
BIOL/CHEM 479
Time:
Room:
Office Hours
Techniques of Teaching Science Syllabus for Spring Semester 2010
MWF 11-11:50 AM / by appointment
HW 216 / 218
220 HW Hall
Monday
10 – 11 AM; 2 – 3 PM
Wednesday
10 – 11 AM; 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Thursday
10-12 Noon; 2 – 3 PM
Friday
10 – 11 AM
Other hours available by appointment
Purpose of the Course:
The purpose of this course is
1. to provide pre-service science teachers a forum for discussion of professional issues;
2. to provide opportunities to practice and demonstrate skills associated with successful
secondary high-school classrooms;
3. to broaden pre-service knowledge of science in society through reading, professional
activities, and interaction.
Instructional Strategies:
The daily format will be primarily small group discussion, although field trips, laboratory, and
technological activities will also be utilized. The professor will evaluate discussions based on the
students’ active and thoughtful participation. Rubrics will be provided for lesson plans and
classroom assignments.
Textbooks: To Be Discussed
Attendance:
In General: Attendance in Techniques is considered an indication of
professionalism. Although I will be flexible regarding absences and nonattendance, frequent absence will negatively impact your final grade in the course.
Students that miss more than 4 class sessions must consult with Dr. Smith
as to the difficulty with attendance, and should expect to have the overall
grade reduced by one letter grade. Students must remember that one of the
most positive aspects of this class is the interaction with other aspiring teachers
that is facilitated via discussion and activities. You will lose those opportunities
when you are not present, and there is no way to make them up.
Tests / Grading:
Your final grade will be based on the level of professionalism that you have shown throughout
the semester (attendance and discussion), your completion of a variety of activities (see
assignment list in Angel) submitted electronically, and 2-3 exams and/or projects.
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The assignments listed will comprise at least 400 points, and they will be submitted
electronically. Assignments in their final versions will be presented electronically during finals
week (or burned on a CD, optionally), and will contain a record of the activities you have done,
followed by reaction papers that you write following each activity. It is expected that the work
presented in your portfolio will fulfill at least 80% of the requirements outlined in rubrics and
assignment sheets per each topic. Failure to do satisfactory (80%) work will be resolved in a
personal interview, and arrangements made to redo work if needed.
Practical Classroom Experience
For six weeks during October and November you will be required to work in an area classroom
of your choosing. Details will be announced ASAP.
Additional Professional Activities:
Students will join or attend one of several professional activities, that may include judging
a Science Fair(s), participating in KABT fall meeting, KESTA fall field trip, NSTA meetings,
KATS Camp (Spring) or the KS Jr. Academy of Science (Spring). A reflection paper addressing
this/these activities will be included in the electronic portfolio.
Finals Week: TBA. All assignments due in final form, and Final Essay Due (May be
administered on-line.)
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