COURSE SYLLABUS

EDU 512: Instructional Methods and Strategies 4 Credits Online Spring Term 2010, April 12-June 30 (Holiday: Memorial Day-May 31) Last Updated: February 20, 2010

This course focuses on theories of instruction and their application in educational settings. Learners examine through observation and participation a variety of instructional strategies to differentiate the appropriateness of each in the learning process. Topics include matching instructional approaches to a variety of learning parameters, including diverse populations and content areas. Additional topics include integrated curricula and appropriate assessment strategies. Learners plan and evaluate lessons that align with state curriculum standards for different content areas. A 20-hour practicum is required.

PSY 508: Child Development or PSY 509: Human Development and EDU 510: Foundations of Education.

Textbook(s):

• Schunk, Dale H. (2008). 5TH edition. Learning theories: an educational perspective. Pearson/Merrill prentice Hall: Columbus, Ohio. ISBN-10:0-13-243565-9

Textbooks are available via GSC's online bookstore, MBS Direct at: http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/gsc.htm (The course-CRN number for ordering this textbook is: EDU512-30237). Textbooks can also be purchased from MBS via phone, mail or fax. For additional information, visit the Online Bookstore section of the college web site.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the learner's responsibility to have purchased all required course materials before the start of the course. Learners are expected to meet all course expectations even if the shipment of a required textbook or other learning resource is delayed. Be sure to choose the shipping option that will get your text/resource delivered in a timely manner.

There are no face-to-face sessions for this course. If you have never taken an Online Interactive Course (OIC) at the college, we highly recommend that you attend one of the 2-hour Blackboard Orientation sessions available throughout the state. If you choose not to attend a face-to-face session, you are encouraged to complete the Online Orientation with audio at your own convenience.

It is the learner’s responsibilities to submit all assignments in a timely manner and to arrive on time at all synchronous activities. In asynchronous and synchronous discussions, it is expected that appropriate Netiquette is observed.

1. Week 1 Assignment - Make arrangements with a school and/or center as soon as possible so that you can observe and carry out requisite assignments in that setting. Please obtain permission from the onsite administrator stating the course you are taking as a Granite State Student. Please email a copy of this letter to the instructor no later than the end of Module 1 week 1. Observe weekly/carrying out learning experiences with the students to fulfill course requirements and complete assignments.

2. Participation: The course is divided into four modules with 12 on line discussions relating to the text and other sites provided by the instructor. Participation means logging in to the course at least every other day, being active in the discussion board and displaying knowledge of the assigned material on a weekly basis. At the beginning of each week, I will post questions on the Discussion Board. Learners are required to post their comments to my questions and to respond to postings on a weekly basis.  The issue here is not the quantity of your responses but the quality. See the information on Participation in the Getting Started page for my specific requirements regarding participation.

3. Learning experiences/ lesson plans: Students will develop four learning experiences/ lesson plans after observation of content area classes. These plans are also to include an assessment of student learning and an evaluation of its implementation. You will teach the lesson to a group of students after you have observed the setting and interviewed the teacher. For post-implementation, include the classroom teacher’s feedback. The learning experiences are to mirror Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) and the diversity in the setting where you are observing. Please have a cursory self reflection on your skills as a teacher. Please include the grade level and if this is a special needs setting or not.

The content areas are to be: language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science.
This is the required 20 hour practicum. Access to a school setting is mandatory.

Following the learning experience/lesson plan, please write a three-four page paper reflecting relevant learning theories and demonstrating educational terminology relative to this course. Submit the learning experience/lesson plan and your paper together.

4. Quizzes: There will be four on line open-book quizzes.  The quizzes will be multiple choice, true/false and/or fill in the blanks. There is no time limit for 15-20 question quizzes. Questions will be based on the assigned readings.


5. Implementation Plan (1) – the learning on this topic has just begun and once the course is over it is time to put this knowledge to work, reflect on the application of what you gained in this course and further develop your skills. This assignment consists of the development of a realistic plan to use what you have gained through the course and how you may further develop your skills. Details and suggestions for this assignment are provided in the Major Assignments section of the course. This is a one –two page paper to be posted on the Discussion Board during Module 4.

Granite State College has a Virtual Library (http://www.granite.edu/current-students/virtual-library/) available 24/7 with access to the full-text of thousands of journals and professional periodicals, an online Reference Room, selected Internet resources, writer’s resources, research and citation help, and a collection of tutorials. The databases are password protected.

See GSC Library tab in MyGranite for username and password. In addition, the Library Info link in the course menu provides direct links to research databases, Research FAQs and more.

Academic assistance to students is available at GSC Centers at no additional charge in such areas as basic skills preparation in reading, writing and math; study skills and research and citation help. Academic Resources staff members work closely with faculty and students toward academic success. A whole range of tools is available, including study and time management tips, APA and MLA citation assistance, access to learning resources online, and feedback on course writing projects. To contact an Academic Resource and Information Coordinator, see the Academic Resource Link on the Resources page in the course menu or go directly to http://bbresources.granite.edu/course_docs/acad_resources.htm.

For assistance with issues related to accessing the MyGranite portal, GSC email, Webrock, online courses or other technical issues related to any of the Blackboard tools, please visit the GSC Technical Assistance Center (http://bbresources.granite.edu/techassist/help.htm) for answers to the most frequently asked questions or to submit an online help request form. Or call 1-888-372-4270 (Hours: M-F, 8:30-5:00, messages checked twice daily on weekends. Extended hours for the week before start of the term and first week of the term: M-Th, 8:00-7:00.)

Granite State College will provide qualified individuals with disabilities the same educational opportunities available to persons without disabilities. When an individual's documented disability creates a barrier to educational opportunities, the College will attempt reasonable accommodation to remove the barrier. If you need assistance, we recommend that you make contact early to ensure that your requests can be reviewed prior to the start of each term. If you wish to apply for accommodations, contact your academic advisor or the Dean of Learner Services in Concord. See the complete Granite State College policy in the current college catalog for further details.

An academic community is based on honesty and integrity. Plagiarism, cheating, or other forms of academic dishonesty are not acceptable at Granite State College. Faculty and students have a joint responsibility to ensure the integrity of learning.

All work that you submit must be your own except in those instances when your instructor gives specific permission to collaborate. When quoting, summarizing or explaining ideas that are based on another's work, whether in print or online, make sure to cite references appropriately. Plagiarism is using another's words or even paraphrasing another's work without giving proper credit through the use of citations.

For Granite State College's complete academic honesty policy, see the current college catalog.

Membership in society implies minimal norms for civil behavior towards one another. It is Granite State College’s expectation that all members of our college community treat faculty, staff, and fellow learners with respect. Learners need to be knowledgeable of and comply with college policies. Each individual is accountable for his/her actions and for the consequences of any behavior that is inconsistent with these values and expectations.

Assessment is an ongoing process that enables the College to improve its programs, courses, and teaching methods. Institutional evaluation may be embedded in tests, exams, and other measurements of student learning. As members of a learning community, students, faculty, and staff will be expected to participate in the important process of assessment on occasion. Confidentiality of any data that identify participants is maintained.