MSIT 3310 - Development and Learning

The course is designed to enable candidates to analyze, use, and incorporate an inclusive understanding of key theories of learning and how these theories deal with principles of development and influence teacher decision-making for middle-grade and secondary students.

"Everythig important is already known, the only thing is to rediscover it." ~Anonymous

   COURSE GOALS:

1. Understand developmental theory and research methods.

2. Describe the development of early and late adolescence in the major developmental domains (physical, cognitive, psychosocial) and state the factors that positively/negatively affect their development..

3. Explain the differences between the major approaches to learning and motivation (humanistic, behavioral, cognitive) and describe the ethical issues that may arise with the use of learning and motivational strategies in the classroom.

4. Describe the ways in which early and late adolescents differ (skill level, ethnicity, SES). Demonstrate utility of the various approaches to learning and motivation to address diverse needs of children and present content related material in a meaningful way.

 

GRADING

Students will be evaluated on a 600 point scale.

Three tests at 100 points each...........................................300

Poster Assignment.............................................................40

Article reflection............................................ .................. 40

Student Interest Inventory................................................. 40

Class Profile .....................................................................40

Lesson Plan ..................................................................... 40

Microteaching....................................................................50

*Field Experience Report...................................................50                                                                                       

 

 

Poster Assignment  
Professional appearance/mechanics/format 10 points
Content applicable for teachers 10 points
Content clear and concise 10 points
Visual (organized and pleasing) 5 points
Resources: share information source 5 points
-----total 40

 

Article reflection  
Professionalism (appearance and mechanics of language) 10 points
Description (include 3 key points) 10 points
Analysis (text and theory) 10 points
Reflection (future personal practice) 10 points
-----total 40

 

Student Interest Inventory  
Professionalism (appearance and mechanics of language) 10 points
Content includes at least 8 different responses 10 points
Personal/creative approach 10 points
Technology and appearance 10 points
-----total 40

 

Class Profile  
Professionalism (appearance/mechanics) 10 points
Clear and complete responses 10 points
Ethical and aware of diversity 10 points
Clear seating chart 10 points
-----total 40

 

Lesson Plan  
Professionalism (appearance and mechanics of language) 10 points
Appropriate objectives 10 points
Clear description of lesson 10 points
Appropriate explanation for choices 10 points
-----total 40

 

Microteaching  
Communication (appearance/mechanics/time) 10 points
Content applicable for teachers 10 points
Personal approach/sharing/analysis 10 points
Engagement (visuals and interactivity) 10 points
Resources: share with audience (DB post) 10 points
-----total 50

 

Field Experience Report  
Professionalism (appearance and mechanics of language) 10 points
Context 5 points
Description (physical, cognitive, socio-emotional) 10 points
Analysis (text and theory) 15 points
Reflection (future personal practice) 10 points
-----total 50

"If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research,  would it?"   ---    Albert Einstein

Grading Policy:

Grades will be calculated based on the percentage of the total possible points as follows: A is 90-100, B is 80-89, C is 70-79, D is 60-69, and below 60 is F. Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the due date (or the next date that the class meets). Late work will be given a 5% deduction, with an additional 10% deduction for each additional week.

Some courses have a required field component. If the field work is not complete when grades are due, then an “X” grade will be assigned until the required work is completed.

 

.Attendance is important for teachers. After one absence, a deduction of 3 points will be taken from the final grade.

 

*Field Experience Requirements: A minimum of ten (10) hours of classroom observation is required. Placements will be made in a middle or secondary level classroom. 

Another Great Quote

As I was preparing for this class, I told my 3-year old grand-daughter that I was studying theories. Mary Ella said, "I saw some theories before." Boy, was I shocked that she was able to see such an abstract thing. I asked her what it was that she saw. She said, "They are round like grapes. Some are red and blue and purple." After reflecting on this conversation, I couldn't help but think that I may be making the study of theories too complicated.