Educ 4305, Educ 4310, Educ 4405, Educ 4410 Student Teaching

Syllabus

 

I               INSTRUCTOR (Coordinator of Field-Based Experiences)

Dr. Nancy Hector, 101B Gary Hall, 574-1354, email fachectorn@usao.edu

 

II             COURSE DESCRIPTION

Directed observation and teaching under supervision and guidance in the elementary/secondary school. Prerequisites: Approval to Student Teach, Admission to Teacher Education, and English Proficiency.

 

III            RATIONALE

                Student teaching is the culminating experience of the professional training program

               for future teachers. The experiences obtained during the teaching period are designed to provide

              opportunities for the prospective teacher to demonstrate educational theory in practice. Student

              teaching represents a vital link between academic preparation full-time independent teaching.

 

IV            COURSE OUTCOMES

                The general goals of student teaching are for the prospective teacher to:

1.                    observe master teachers at work.

2.                    under supervision, apply educational theory to practice for a sustained length of time.

3.                    develop competence in the classroom.

4.                    become fully acquainted with related professional responsibilities which support and enhance classroom teaching.

 

V             TEXTBOOK

                University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (2006). Guidelines for the Professional Trimester,   

               Chickasha, OK: USAO.

 

VI            PROCEDURES

                Student teachers spend a minimum of 60 days full time in a pre-approved public school setting.

              Formal approval of Application to Student Teach and attendance at a Student Teaching Meeting

              precede the time spent at the assigned school(s).

 

VII           CONTRIBUTIONS TO PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM COMPETENCIES

                Satisfactory completion of student teaching will contribute to the following General Competencies

              for Licensure and Certification:

1.                    The teacher understands the central concepts and methods of inquiry of the subject matter discipline(s) he/she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students.

2.                    The teacher understands how students learn and develop, and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social and physical development at all grade levels including early childhood, elementary, middle level, and secondary.

3.                    The teacher understands that students vary in their approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are adaptable to individual differences of learners.

4.                    The teacher understands curriculum integration processes and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills and effective use of technology.

5.                    The teacher uses best practices related to motivation and behavior to create learning environments that encourage positive social interaction, self-motivation and active engagement in learning, thus, providing opportunities for success.

6.                    The teacher develops a knowledge of and uses a variety of effective communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.

7.                    The teacher plans instruction based upon curriculum goals, knowledge of the teaching/learning process, subject matter, students’ abilities and differences, and the community; and adapts instruction based upon assessment  and reflection.

8.                    The teacher understands and uses a variety of assessment strategies to evaluate and modify the teaching/learning process ensuring the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of the learner.

9.                    The teacher evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community), modifies those actions when needed, and actively seeks opportunities for continued professional growth.

10.                 The teacher fosters positive interaction with school colleagues, parents/families, and organizations in the community to actively engage them in support of students’ learning and well-being.

11.                 The teacher shall have an understanding of the importance of assisting students with career awareness and the application of career concepts to the academic curriculum.

12.                 The teacher understands the process of continuous lifelong learning, the concept of making learning enjoyable, and the need for a willingness to change when the change leads to greater student learning and development.

13.                 The teacher understands the legal aspects of teaching including the rights of students and parents/families, as well as the legal rights and responsibilities of the teacher.

14.                 The teacher understands the Oklahoma core curriculum and is able to develop instructional strategies/plans based on Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS).

15.                 The teacher understands the State teacher evaluation process, “Oklahoma Criteria for Effective Teaching Performance,” and how to incorporate these criteria in designing instructional strategies.

 

VIII         COURSE OBJECTIVES

                See Guidelines for the Professional Trimester, pages 1-4.

 

IX            COURSE REQUIREMENTS

                See Guidelines for the Professional Trimester, (SDE Competencies 1-15).

 

X             EVALUATION CRITERIA

A.      “Pass-Fail” grading system is used for student teaching. The school supervising personnel will be expected to play a vital role in evaluation for the final grade; however, the final grade for student teaching will be assigned by the university supervisor. The university supervisor generally visits weekly with each student teacher to assess student teacher lesson plans and discuss the events of the prior and upcoming weeks. Copies of evaluation by the university supervisor are provided following each on-site observation.  While cooperating teachers complete a confidential evaluation maintained in the student teacher’s file, other cooperating teacher evaluations are often requested by the student teacher for his/her Placement File and for requirements for Educ 4542 Applied Professional Studies.

 

XI            POLICY STATEMENTS

                See Guidelines for the Professional Trimester.

 

XII          BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bosch, K.A., Kersey, K.C. (1995). The First-Year Teacher. Washington, D.C.: National Education Association.

               

Kraut, H. (1994). A Primer for Beginning Teachers in Secondary Schools. Staten Island, N.Y.: Aysa Publishing, Inc.

 

Schell, L. M., Burden, P. (1992). Countdown to the First Day of School. Washington, D.C.: National Education Association.

 

University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (2006). Guidelines for the Professional Trimester. Chickasha, OK: USAO.

 

Wong, Harry K. & Wong, Rosemary T. (1998). The First Days of School. Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.