ED227: Introduction to Middle/Secondary Schools & Students
Course Description:
Educational theory speaks to what we know “generally” about students and schools. Practice is what we do with theory based on what we know about the individuals with whom we work. The primary purpose of the course is to introduce you, as a future educator, to middle/secondary students and to the school structures and organizations that exist to support them. In our survey and study of middle/secondary learners and schools, we will pay close attention to the holistic needs of these learners and the ways in which schools’ structure are meeting and not meeting these needs. Field experience is required and portions of the course are conducted off campus. Students will investigate the developmental needs of the young adolescent, appropriate school environments, activities, and organization that support the healthy development of this group of young people.
Emphasis is placed on intellectual social, emotional, and physical development of students aged 11-18. Focus is also directed on traditional and innovative middle level and high school programs and practices including magnet schools, teaming, cooperative learning, service learning, advisory program, and the exploratory curriculum, as well as on community resources and services that support healthy personal and community development.
Course Objectives: Students will be able to:
Course Work:
Research Essay
Image of a Learner:
Course Description:
Educational theory speaks to what we know “generally” about students and schools. Practice is what we do with theory based on what we know about the individuals with whom we work. The primary purpose of the course is to introduce you, as a future educator, to middle/secondary students and to the school structures and organizations that exist to support them. In our survey and study of middle/secondary learners and schools, we will pay close attention to the holistic needs of these learners and the ways in which schools’ structure are meeting and not meeting these needs. Field experience is required and portions of the course are conducted off campus. Students will investigate the developmental needs of the young adolescent, appropriate school environments, activities, and organization that support the healthy development of this group of young people.
Emphasis is placed on intellectual social, emotional, and physical development of students aged 11-18. Focus is also directed on traditional and innovative middle level and high school programs and practices including magnet schools, teaming, cooperative learning, service learning, advisory program, and the exploratory curriculum, as well as on community resources and services that support healthy personal and community development.
Course Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Identify developmental attributes and social and cultural needs of learners in both middle and high school ages 11-18+. (INTASC #1, 2 , 3, 5) (TESOL 2a. b.)
- Evaluate the characteristics and philosophical similarities and differences of school and curricular organizational structures in meeting learners’ needs. (INTASC #1, 2, 3)
- Observe and describe the schools’ role in generating and responding to information gathered about students to create the conditions and
environment necessary to meet the needs of the individual learner. (INTASC #1, 2, 3, 6, 9) - Observe and gather data by conducting an inquiry project to investigate personally generated questions related to the developmental attributes, school structure/organization. (INTASC #1, 9) (TESOL 5c.)
- Synthesize multiple sources of information (observations, text readings, discussion, field notes, etc.) to demonstrate an understanding of using these sources as a means of personal adjustment and professional growth. (INTASC Principle #9)
- Create a visual representation and written rationale explaining personal image of a learner that is consistent with personal philosophy of education (INTASC #2, 3) (TESOL 2a. b.)
Course Work:
Research Essay
Image of a Learner: