Overview

Prominent theories of human development and cognition and their relevance to teaching and learning processes are explored in this course. Participants also examine human learning research from a variety of perspectives. Through diverse instructional formats, participants cultivate an ability to use research findings and experiential knowledge to improve educational practices. The characteristics of teaching and learning are addressed; including standards of the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC), The Common Core, Specialized Professional Associations, Universal Learning Design, and the Maryland Teacher Technology Standards.. This course is designed as a participatory seminar that is carried out in the classroom and in an on-line learning environment. Course content is explored through discussions, reflective writing exercises, group projects, reading assignments, teaching demonstrations, and service learning.  

Logistics

This course is typically offered in the evenings during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Some course activities are conducted in the course Blackboard ® site. Learning Outcomes:
  1. Explain and apply diverse theories, models and research to facilitate effective teaching and learning (InTASC Principle #3).
  2. Describe learners’ stages of cognitive development and design learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and personal growth (InTASC Principles #1 and #2).
  3. Analyze instructional strategies that are effective for diverse learners (InTASC Principle #2).
  4. Construct a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students’ development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and performance skills (InTASC Principles #3, #5 and #7).
  5. Apply knowledge of motivation and learning theories to design learning experiences that encourage social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation (InTASC Principles #1 and #3).
  6. Engage in self-reflection and collegial dialogue to analyze and improve professional practice (InTASC Principles #9 and #10).
  7. Develop assessment strategies and skills that support meaningful learning (InTASC Principle #6).
  8. Evaluate various teaching methods and strategies (InTASC Principles #7 and #8).
    9.   Major Assignments include: Student will provide at least 14 hours of tutoring in their content area and will produce a comprehensive paper on the tutoring experience.