INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATION PRACTICUM
CIED 1011P
University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Fall, 2004
Instructor: Mrs. Susan Riggs
Office: 201C Peabody Hall Phone: 575-5476
Office Hours: W 1:30-2:30 and by appointment
E-Mail: sriggs@uark.edu
I. Program Affiliation: Curriculum and Instruction
Course number and title: CIED 1011P Introduction to Education Practicum
Description: This 24 hour field experience is designed to give prospective teachers an
opportunity to observe and participate in a variety of school settings. It includes a variety
of field-based activities to encourage personal reflection. Special focus is given to
organization of school systems, effective classroom environment, teaching styles, and
new directions in education.
Pre-requisites: None
Corequisite: CIED 1002
II. Relationship to Knowledge Base: The Introduction to Education Practicum is an
important part of the required first professional education course (CIED 1002) and is
prerequisite to all other education courses.
III. Goals: the Introduction to Education Practicum links classroom theory with active
involvement in public school settings. The course is designed to introduce the students
to the career of teaching and to the way education occurs in the classroom. Students are
assigned to observe the educational process in different school settings, resulting in a
total of 24 hours.
IV. Competencies: Upon completion of the Introduction to Education Practicum (in
conjunction with CIED 1002), students will be able to:
*Describe the teaching/learning process based on observation and limited
participation. (SP 1,2,4,5,7)
*Recognize the practical applications of philosophical concepts. (SP 1,2,5,7)
*Reflect on personal experiences within education and recognize their influence
on perceptions of education. (SP 1,5,6)
*Delineate the predominant issues and social trends confronting contemporary
education and the educational profession, including multiculturalism. (SP 2,3,4,7)
*Discuss teaching as a profession, including professional ethics. (SP 4,6,7)
*Analyze the impact of recent research and selected trends upon the current and
future practices of educators. (SP 1,4,6)
V. Scholar-Practitioner Tenets: (See Syllabus for CIED 1002)
VI. Content: The following dimensions will be observed during the practicum:
A. Describe the classroom climate as it affects learning and student growth.
B. Describe the classroom diversity—ethnicity, age, gender, socioeconomic
background, abilities.
C. Record classroom management strategies used by the teacher.
D. Describe the classroom dynamics—interactions within the classroom.
E. Describe classroom equity—equal opportunities to participate and learn.
F. Observe the classroom teacher’s actions and suggest the educational
philosophy being practiced.
G. Assist the teacher with tasks as he/she requests.
VII. Course Requirements:
A. Observations: Students will spend a total of 24 hours observing and
participating in a variety of school settings. Observations will include 6 hours
in each of the following settings: elementary school, middle or junior high
school, and high school. Students will participate in orientation session.
During this time they will meet administrators, receive information regarding
the school, and be assigned to teachers. Students must follow the guidelines
set by each school.
B. Practicum Journal: A journal should be organized by the student to record
observation notes and reflections. Each entry should be dated and include
the name of the school, grade level, and teacher. At the end of each
observation rotation the student will turn in this journal along with a typed
summary with includes the items under Part VI above (see attached rubric).
C. A reflective paper expressing the student’s perceptions of the overall
practicum experience will be turned in. The paper must include the effect the
practicum experience has had on the student’s concept of the education
process and the potential choice of teaching as a career. The reflection
should include each setting observed.
VIII. Professionalism:
While observing in schools, CIED 1011P students are to engage in professional
behavior. Not adhering to school rules will lead to the dismissal of the student from the
observation experience and a failing grade in that portion of the course. Students should
dress appropriately—this means no jeans, no tank tops, no tee shirts, no extremely short
skirts, no hats or caps. Students with multiple piercings may be asked to remove some
of their jewelry. Gum chewing is not allowed during the observations nor is eating or
drinking. Remember that this will be the school’s introduction to you. First impressions
are important. Be aware of your oral language (including grammar and use of
appropriate language). If you cannot attend when you are supposed to, call the school
and leave a message for the teacher. Also contact your Practicum instructor. Tell
him/her when you will be there to make up the time missed. The expectation is that
schools will be delighted to have you in their buildings. Rules of Academic Honesty are
in effect. Any attempt to misrepresent the time spent in schools or other activities could
result in a failing grade for the course.
IX. Additional Observations: Additionally, 6 hours during the semester must be observed.
See attached pages for options and form to complete.
X. Grading Scale: A=100-90; B=89-80; C=79-70; D=69-60; F=below 60. Note that a
minimum grade of “C” must be achieved for the course to count.
XI. Grading Criteria:
A. 100 points per rotation
Paper
30 points
Notes
30 points
Attendance, participation, professionalism 40 points
B. Final paper 100 points
Total points: 400
XII. Textbook: There is no textbook for this course.
The Coordinator for Introduction to Education is Mrs. Susan Riggs. She may be reached
at 575-5476 or at sriggs@uark.edu.
NOTE FOR ELEMENTARY MAJORS: Passing all parts of Praxis I and a 2.7 g.p.a. are
necessary to enroll in senior block courses.