Course Descriptions — Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with Bilingual/ESL Education

Courses in Curriculum and Instruction:

EDU6030 The Individual, Cognition and Learning
3 semester hours
The focus of this course is the development of an understanding of the individual
as learner and teacher and the implications for classroom instruction and student
success.

EDU6040 The Learning Environment
3 semester hours
The focus of this course is the development of an understanding of the learner’s
whole environment as it affects the learning process.

EDU6050 Technology in the School of the Future
3 semester hours
This course studies the impact of technology on curriculum design, classroom
practice, and the learning patterns of students with emphasis on the integration
of multi-media, telecommunications, authoring systems, and interactive resources
throughout the instructional program.

EDU6060 Scholarship Applied to Teaching
3 semester hours
This course serves as a review of the development of emerging best instructional
practice in the American classroom. Emphasis will be given to implementation
of instructional strategies resulting from educational research.

EDU6070 Introduction to Educational Research
3 semester hours
This seminar will be used to develop and clarify topics for further investigation.
It will also launch individual and/or group investigation of research questions
with application to the student’s classrooms through the process of action
research.

EDU6110 Foundations in Language Minority Education
3 semester hours
This course provides an introduction to the historical, philosophical, political,
social, and educational issues that have contributed to public policy regarding
services for language minority students. Historical trends and legal issues related
to bilingual education in the United States will be discussed. A comprehensive
focus will be placed in the theoretical foundations of English as a second language
and effective instructional practices for English Language Learners in our
schools.

EDU6120 Methods and Materials for Teaching ESL
3 semester hours
In this course, participants will analyze the language learning processes of bilingual
students and the appropriate order for learning academic basic skills in two
languages. The course will focus on approaches and techniques to teach English
as a second language. Participants will learn how to teach academic subject matter
in and through English. A few of the instructional methods covered include
total physical response (TPR), the natural Approach, Making Content Comprehensible
through the SIOP Method, and the Cognitive Language Learning
Approach (CALLA). (Includes 20 hours of clinical experience)
Prerequisites: EDU6110, EDU6130, EDU6140, EDU6150 or consent of BL/ESL
Program Chair.

EDU6130 Cross-Cultural Studies for Teaching ELLS
3 semester hours
This course focuses on historical and contemporary social and cultural issues
affecting selected ethnic groups. Extensive consideration and emphasis will be
placed on the impact of culture, learning, and schooling on language minority
children in the United States and the need of appropriate teaching and learning
strategies for a diverse student population in today’s classrooms. (Includes 20
hours of clinical experience)

EDU6140 Assessment of Bilingual Students
3 semester hours
This course will provide participants with a comprehensive knowledge foundation
in the selection, administration and interpretation of measurement instruments
appropriate for English Language Learners. Participants will investigate a
variety of language assessment tools used to identify, place, and monitor students
receiving services in Bilingual and ESL Programs in Illinois. Emphasis will be
placed on instruments and approaches used to determine and monitor ELL students’
English proficiency and academic development in English. (Includes 20
hours of clinical experience)

EDU6150 Linguistics for Teaching ELLs
3 semester hours
This course provides the study of linguistics applied to teaching English Language
Learners. The course provides exposure to English phonology, morphology, syntax,
analysis, and application of linguistic theory. Participants will also study theories
and practices involving first and second language acquisition. (Includes 20
hours of clinical experience)

EDU6170 Methods and Materials for Teaching ELLS in Bilingual Program
3 semester hours
This course prepares participants by providing them with the knowledge, skills,
and competencies needed to meet the needs of English Language Learners in
bilingual contexts. Participants will study the theoretical basis, methods, and techniques
needed for effective teaching in bilingual/bicultural classrooms. Accordingly,
participants will learn to develop lesson plans and materials to put bilingual
theory and methods into practice. (Includes 20 hours of clinical experience)
Prerequisites: EDU6110, EDU6130, EDU6140, EDU6150 or consent of BL/ESL Program
Chair.

EDU6630 Curriculum Development and Evaluation
3 semester hours
This course will introduce the principles of curriculum and instruction with an
emphasis on curriculum development and design, implementation and delivery,
and organization and evaluation.