Today's Classroom: Foundations of and Current Trends in Education

This course will introduce you to American education, from its history and the governmental policies that have guided it, down to the actual workings within today's classroom. Education reflects the culture and values of society, and, when these change, education follows suit. Reform efforts in society have dramatically altered American education, and this course will present an overview of these changes and the challenges that beset the classroom teacher. The role of the teacher has changed significantly over the past decade. Teachers are the facilitators of acquiring knowledge rather than the possessors of knowledge. Students need to be active learners during their schooling experience, and the responsibility of education does not lie solely with the teacher; students, families and community members are all participants in the educational process of a child. This course will open your eyes to the world of education, and will equip you with teaching strategies to be an effective teacher.

• comprehending the problem and identifying relevant data
• analyzing the problem's internal structure to determine what type of problem it is
• selecting a viable solution process and carrying it out
• explaining the solution process both orally and in writing.

Objectives:

Participants will be able:

• To introduce course participants to American education, from its history and the governmental policies that have guided it, down to the actual workings within today's classroom.
• To identify the leaders affecting public education, including those considered innovators.
• To discuss the development of a child, including the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson and Kohlberg.
• To identify and address individual differences in learning and diversity in the classroom.
• To discuss the scientific approach to learning, including the behavioral, cognitive and constructivist theories.
• To identify the factors that influence motivation.
• To identify methods to create an environment that promotes better learning.
• To discuss traditional versus alternative methods of assessment.