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Course Descriptions — Elementary Education
EDU2100 How Schools Work (4 semester hours)
This course is an introduction to schools and classrooms in the United States. A major focus will be on learning to observe objectively. Structured observations of classrooms and children will be conducted and analyzed. We will also observe and analyze classroom group interactions as we study group process theory. These observations will be placed into the context of schooling in the United States through a series of readings and discussions on the organizational, legal and financial structure of schools, professional standards and ethics, and the history of American education. In addition, we will familiarize ourselves with current journals and research in education. We will reflect on our own educational experiences as we contemplate our readings and observations and begin the process of portfolio development. (Fall and Spring)
No prerequisites.
EDU2260 Theories of Learning (4 semester hours)
The focus of the course will be on theories of learning with an emphasis on constructivism. As we study human growth and development as it relates to learning, we will explore the learning process, learning styles, the evaluation of learning, differentiated learning that takes into accounts special needs of all kinds, and motivation. In addition, we will examine the application of learning theory to multicultural education. (Fall and Spring)
No prerequisites.
EDU2750 Clinical Immersion in Elementary Education II (1 semester hour)
Teacher candidates participate in the life of an assigned elementary school as a member of a learning community. Candidates complete volunteer hours (a minimum of 30 hours per term) and attend scheduled seminars spread throughout the academic year. (Fall and Spring)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75, FBI fingerprints check, National Sex Offender list check, TB test, EDU2100 and EDU2260.
EDU/ENG3180 Multicultural Literature for Children (2 semester hours)
Survey of children's literature and its authors and illustrators emphasizing developing children's appreciation for literature and reading on a wide range of multicultural topics. Students will be able to understand and teach a diverse body of works, authors and movements of United States and world literature within the framework of various literary genre. (Fall and Spring)
Prerequisites: FBI fingerprints check, National Sex Offender list check, TB test
EDU/ENG3190 Multicultural Literature for Young Adults (2 semester hours)
This course explores and considers the distinctive needs, interests and learning styles of young adults. Procedures for the evaluation, selection and integration of young adult literature into the curriculum are examined. Students learn that the young adult novel deserves a worthy and legitimate place in the classroom. (Fall and Spring)
Prerequisites: FBI fingerprints check, National Sex Offender list check, TB test
EDU3330 Methods of Teaching Science in the Elementary School (3 semester hours)
Students will develop an understanding of the methodologies and approaches to teaching science in the elementary school. The purpose of this course is to explore, create and utilize a variety of instructional strategies that are developmentally appropriate and motivating for the elementary school child. Students will have the opportunity to participate in activities in science in order to facilitate the learning, application and implementation of concepts and procedures to real-world situations. In addition, this course involves pre-service teachers in a variety of problem-solving activities designed to develop meanings and properties of and scientific concepts. (Fall and Spring)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75, FBI fingerprints check, National Sex Offender list check, TB test, EDU2100 and EDU2260.
EDU3350 WI Assessment/Approaches to Elementary Instruction (3 semester hours)
This course is designed to provide the candidates with the knowledge needed to implement a variety of instructional models. Candidates will learn a variety of assessment techniques and develop assessments appropriate to the lesson plan model used. This will include understanding the theoretical underpinnings and important theorists of social and cognitive constructivism who contributed to the development of these models. The candidate will have the opportunity to apply content area knowledge and knowledge of the student's developmental needs in the process of developing lesson plans in a variety of the models. In addition, the candidate will have the opportunity to observe either through video presentation or in live classrooms the implementation of a number of these models. (Fall and Spring)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75, FBI fingerprints check, National Sex Offender list check, TB test, EDU2100 and EDU2260. Meets Writing Intensive requirement for elementary education majors.
EDU3360 Methods of Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School (3 semester hours)
Students will develop an understanding of the methodologies and approaches to teaching and integrating mathematics in the elementary school. The purpose of this course is to explore, create and utilize a variety of instructional math strategies that are developmentally appropriate and motivating for the elementary school child. Students will have the opportunity to participate in activities using math in order to facilitate the learning, application and implementation of concepts and procedures to real-world situations. In addition, this course involves pre-service teachers in a variety of problem-solving activities designed to develop meanings and properties of mathematical concepts. (Fall and Spring)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education including passing the Basic Skills Test, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75, FBI fingerprint check, National Sex Offender list check, TB test, EDU2100 and EDU2260.
EDU3380 Reading and Writing Across the Content Areas with a Focus on Social Studies (4 semester hours)
Students will develop an understanding of teaching reading and writing in the content areas in the elementary classroom with an emphasis on principles, trends, methods, materials, approaches and strategies. Based on theories of interactive language and writing development, the course presents methodology designed to help teachers develop literacy and comprehension abilities in the content areas. (Fall and Spring)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education including passing the Basic Skills Test, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75, FBI fingerprints check, National Sex Offender list check, TB test, EDU2100, EDU2260, EDU3350 and EDU3480.
EDU3420 Methods of Teaching the Fine Arts in Elementary School (2 semester hours)
This is a methods course in which the teacher candidates explore the educational, communicative and aesthetic value of drama, music and visual art by promoting artistic development, appreciation and performance through the use of various tools, including technology, for creating, analyzing and performing works of art. (Fall and Spring)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75, FBI fingerprints check, National Sex Offender list check, TB test, EDU2100 and EDU2260.
EDU3440 Middle Schools Mission and Methods (4 semester hours)
This course explores some of the key issues impacting middle schools and secondary schools in our society today. These issues are analyzed in an attempt to clarify the changing roles of the schools, teachers and students in our increasingly complex multicultural society. Using current research, case studies and class projects, students will discuss and analyze issues that shape educational institutions and current practices. Students will also explore strategies teachers can use to address some of these issues in their own classrooms. During the course, there will be opportunities for students to apply source concepts in the construction of an ideal middle school and analyze different strategies for reading in the content areas. (Fall and Spring)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75, FBI fingerprints check, National Sex Offender list check, TB test, and EDU2200 or EDU2100 and EDU2260.
EDU3480 Methods of Teaching Reading and Language Arts (4 semester hours)
This is a basic course in methods of teaching reading. Many approaches to teaching reading are examined, including basal, literature-based, individualized, reading workshop, guided reading and language experience. Through lecture and lab the student gains experience in planning reading lessons designed to meet the needs of children from various cultural and experiential backgrounds. Students will develop an understanding of the methods of teaching language arts, with an emphasis on principles, trends, methods and materials based on current research, practice and the integration of technology. Students will learn how to develop a community of learners in a classroom where the teacher interacts with the children while applying learning theories and gain an understanding of how children learn best. (Fall and Spring)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75, FBI fingerprints check, National Sex Offender list check, TB test, EDU2100 and EDU2260.
EDU3500 Methods of Teaching Physical Education in the Elementary School (2 semester hours)
This course is designed specifically for elementary education majors. Students will be exposed to the "new" curriculum in elementary physical education that purports a developmental approach to the successful acquisition of fundamental movement. The course offers a blend of theory and practice, as students engage in activities that are designed to teach movement within a holistic framework. Experiential activities include interdisciplinary teaching, the competition-cooperation link, body/mind challenges, multicultural, rhythmic, dance, and innovative games. (Fall and Spring)
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75, FBI fingerprints check, National Sex Offender list check, TB test, EDU2100 and EDU2260.
EDU3750 Clinical Immersion in Elementary Education III (1 semester hour)
Teacher candidates participate in the life of an assigned elementary school as a member of a learning community. Candidates complete volunteer hours (a minimum of 30 hours per term) and attend scheduled seminars spread throughout the academic year. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, LMC support, teacher assistance, small group instruction and one-on-one tutoring. (Fall and Spring)
Prerequisites: EDU2750 or consent of instructor.
EDU4750 Student Teaching Internship (12 semester hours)
Student teaching is the capstone experience of Aurora University's College of Education. It is the segment of that program when a student is responsible for directing the learning of a group of students under the competent supervision of a certified teacher. The student is guided through experiences designed to apply the knowledge and skill gained in the classroom. In essence, the student performs the major functions of a teacher with appropriate responsibilities and supervision. (Fall and Spring)
Prerequisites: Admission to the College of Education, a 2.75 or better GPA, officially reported passing score on the Illinois Content Area Test, all Education coursework completed. Placement applications are due the one year preceding the academic semester of student teaching.
EDU4760 Student Teaching Seminar (3 semester hours)
This seminar meets in conjunction with student teaching and is required for all elementary and secondary education majors. (Fall and Spring)
Prerequisites: Admission to the College of Education, a 2.75 or better GPA, officially reported passing score on the Illinois Content Area Test, all Education coursework completed.
Co-Requisite: EDU4750.
Academic information on departmental Web sites reflects the university's most current curriculum. The print version of the catalog, which is also posted online, may differ from this information.
