EDUC 435A Learning Methods
Fall 2011
Instructor: Beth Wentworth, PhD
Office Phone: 432-6406
Office Hours: MW 2-3pm
TRF 9-10am
or by appointment
Office: M/S 214
e-mail: bwentworth@csc.edu
Credit hours: 2
Description: The laboratory and lecture course topics include: methods of instruction; unit and lesson
planning skills; identification and management of student learning; advanced cognitive skill development
strategies; and learning motivational strategies. This course is for social science/history, math, and library
media students taken as part of the professional year, Fall Semester.
Required text: None required. Reading sets provided by instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes: The specific learning outcomes for the student are:
1. Demonstrate a variety of instructional methodologies and strategies that incorporate constructive
theory and higher order thinking skills/strategies.
2. Prepare unit and lesson plans of instruction to include measurable behavioral objectives, Special
Education accommodations, and Assessment measures.
3. Apply the CSC conceptual framework skills into learning projects.
4. Develop an array of methods and strategies for instruction and learning.
5. Develop plans for assessing learning which demonstrate that a teacher’s methods are affecting
student learning.
6. Demonstrate use of Special Education strategies and accommodations into lesson plans and
lesson delivery.
Method(s) of Instruction: discussion, demonstration, lecture
Course Requirements:
1. Clinicals: You will be required to help students (middle school, high school, or college) on
mathematics and social science topics they are struggling with at the present time. It has been
documented that it takes approximately 20-40 hours for a student to become proficient at a
specific topic, whether in mathematics or the social sciences. Some students may take longer
than this and others may take less time to master the same topic. We will work with students and
help them become successful with these topics. You should have more than one student to work
with during this time. A log of the activities worked on during a session will be kept by each of
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
you. Please feel free to discuss strategies to use with your students among your classmates. We
will be traveling to Porcupine 4 to 5 times this semester and teaching both mathematics and
social science classes for the afternoons. We will do this on either Tuesday or Thursday
afternoons, so will not leave campus until 10:45am.
Prepare and present lesson plans in the classroom.
Prepare a unit lesson plan in your specific area of study.
Prepare a unit plan that incorporates other subject areas along with your own.
Start on a classroom management plan.
Prepare a list of procedures students will follow in your classroom.
Grading Procedures:
94% - 100% = A
86% - 93% = B
75% - 85% = C
65% - 74% = D
Below 64% = F
Students Behavior:
Academic Honesty – Students are expected to conduct themselves in conformity with the highest
standards with regard to academic honesty. Violation of college, state, or federal standards with regard to
plagiarism, cheating, or falsification of official records will not be tolerated. Students violating such
standards will be subject to discipline, as per campus policies articulated in the Student Handbook.
Please request a copy of the student handbook from the Vice President of Student Affairs (Crites, Rm.
336, 432-6231)
Civility – Civil behavior enhances the academic setting, and is expected at all times. Courtesy and respect for others
are essential elements of the academic culture. The academic environment welcomes a difference of opinion,
discourse, and debate within a civil environment.
Nondiscrimination Policy/Equal Opportunity Policy:
Chadron State College is committed to an affirmative action program to encourage admission of minority and female
students and to provide procedures which will assure equal treatment of all students. The College is committed to
creating an environment for all students that is consistent with nondiscriminatory policy. To that end, it is the policy of
Chadron State College to administer its academic employment programs and related supporting services in a manner
which does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, or marital
status. Student requests for reasonable accommodation based upon documented disabilities should be presented
within the first two weeks of the semester, or within two weeks of the diagnosis, to the Disabilities Counselor (4326461; CRITES Rm. 108).
Disclaimer: This syllabus and schedule is articulated as an expectation of class topics, learning activities, and
expected student learning. However, the instructor reserves the right to make changes in this schedule that, within
my professional judgment, would result in enhanced or more effective learning on the part of the students. These
modifications will not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will be done within the policies
and procedures of Chadron State College.
Course Schedule/Outline:
Week 1
Syllabus – Lesson plans
Week 2
Lesson plans
Week 3
Lesson plan
Week 4
Motivational Strategies
Lesson presentation
Week 5
Instructional Strategies
Lesson presentation
Week 6
Student Learning
Lesson presentation
Week 7
Instructional Learning
Week 8
Higher order Thinking
Week 9
Unit Planning
Week 10
Unit Planning
Week 11
Procedures
Week 12
Classroom Management
Week 13
Assessment
Week 14
Assessment
teach unit
Week 15
Special Education accommodations
teach unit
Week 16
Special Education accommodations
teach unit
Week 17
Final