EDUC 260 - Teaching and Learning

Teaching and Learning focuses on the intersection of theory and educational practice. Through readings, discussions and field experiences, students will examine their beliefs as well as myths and metaphors related to teaching and learning. Students will be introduced to state and national standards, issues around teacher effectiveness and evaluation, and components of the Massachusetts Professional Standards for Teachers: Curriculum, Planning, and Assessment; Teaching All Students; Family and Community Engagement; and Professional Culture. Students will develop equity mindsets and actions that promote culturally and linguistically sustaining practices. The course is designed to provide students with foundational teaching concepts, skills, and mindsets needed to be successful in the classroom. The course has a strong focus to form a cohesive picture of excellence in equity-based teaching.
The course is designed to give students key content pedagogical knowledge they can apply in their classrooms and include opportunities for practice, feedback, and reflection. The course reviews theories of development in light of learning theories and principles of teaching. Theorists to be discussed include Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Brofrenbrenner, and Freire. Factors affecting development, teaching and learning will be examined including health, family, race, culture, and SES. Questions will be raised as to “who owns learning.” NOTE: This course emphasizes reflection and is not a “methods” course emphasizing technical writing. It is a course for those who are seriously interested in grappling with questions about teaching and learning.

Credits 1

Area
Social Sciences

Division
Social Sciences

Compass Attributes
Social Science