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Differentiated Instruction In Mathematics for Elementary Teachers
EDUC 7000
Participants will learn a variety of strategies for adapting mathematical lessons and tasks to address the diverse levels of academic abilities and learning styles among their students. Participants will learn how to apply these strategies to maximize each student's growth and individual success by meeting each student where he or she is, and assisting in the learning process. Participants will learn to design lessons that differentiate their instruction to meet the needs of all students. Topics to be covered will include an investigation of the Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework, current trends and research findings in differentiated instruction, designing intervention strategies, and programs that help in improving student learning in Mathematics. There are no pre-requisites for the course.

Having Conversations with Difficult Students:
An Alternative to Classroom Discipline
This course will provide classroom teachers grades K-12 with insight into different psychological perspectives, most importantly Narrative Therapy. This more in depth view of the individual can be used as a tool assisting with classroom discipline. The course will allow teachers to become more knowledgeable about personality theories along with treatment modalities such as Narrative Therapy and Self-Psychology. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss and learn more about how personalities and environmental factors make their way into the classroom, ie the disruptive student. A better understanding of "acting out" behavior via an eclectic approach along with real case examples will enhance ones ability to intervene with the difficult student more effectively.

Integrating Technology into the Mathematics Curriculum
This on-line course is designed to provide Math teachers of all grade levels a means to integrate technology into their classrooms. Participants will examine state and national standards for both instructional technology and mathematics. Web resources and other technology resources will be examined. Participants will develop lessons that follow the standards, include technology resources, and help improve their students' learning. This course is asynchronous, meaning you control the time and place. This course will be comprised of six modules and have 37.5 contact hours. Participants will spend an average of 6 to 8 hours per week on the course through a combination of reading, interacting online with the instructor and other learners, and completing assignments.

Learning Disabilities and Instructional Techniques
EDUC 7630
This course is a survey of the general field of learning disabilities, including history and definitions, as well as assessment and remediation. It is designed to provide teachers with an understanding of the characteristics of learning disabilities, components of special education laws, as well as assessment and remediation of special student populations. This course will assist teachers in examining ways to prepare and maintain students with disabilities in the general education classroom. In addition, participants will gain a deep understanding of the Individual Education Plan process. Candidates will investigate content area instructional strategies, with particular emphasis on reading, writing and mathematics, which will allow diverse student populations to access the general curriculum.

Managing Effective Learning Centers
This course is designed to provide teachers with the theoretical underpinnings of learning centers as well as a thorough understanding of the components of effective learning centers and their purposeful and strategic use. The course will further provide participants with a variety of ideas for differentiated classroom centers. Ultimately, this course will assist teachers in helping to provide students opportunities to practice, extend, and apply strategies they have been taught and have seen modeled.

Modern Drama: A Key to Understanding Our World
EDUC 7000
Modern drama is designed to provide teachers with a deeper understanding of what theater is; what its "magic" is all about. The course will show how this medium contributes to greater knowledge of one's self, of others, and of the world at large. In a world that is becoming increasingly globalized, understanding of other people, cultures, customs and ideas is essential for effective communication. By integrating theatrical literature and dramatic exercises into the classroom, the teacher will be able to provide new, rich opportunities for student growth which present universal ideas and ethical enlightenment. The commonality of human experience will be explored through discussion of basic archetypes - those things common to all people, from all walks of life, in all times.

Psychology of Learning
This core course explores human growth and development from birth to age eighteen. Particular attention is given to exploring the relationship between developmental theory and knowledge and educational decisions and practice. Various theoretical perspectives are covered as well as specific developmental areas, such as physical-motor, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development. How children develop as thinkers and learners, specifically how problems are solved at different points in development, is emphasized. In addition, students develop a clear understanding of the process of objective observation of children, as well as observation and recording skills appropriate for investigating various aspects of child development and behavior.

War Through a Literary Lens
EDUC 7000
The major focus of this course is to present teachers with a greater understanding of war and its effects on man and mankind in general. Through a comprehensive study of texts, films, poetry and other relevant sources, teachers will examine this most complex issue; one that asks us to tap into our basic survival instincts, to kill or be killed, to further what is apparently a civilized cause. Such an examination asks us to consider what we value most by demanding that we put on the line the lives of our fellow citizens. This course will assist teachers in helping students become more knowledgeable in the specific genres examined and in the idea of war in the abstract. It opens discussion to a variety of issues related to ethics, values and morality. While of particular interest to teachers of English, history, social studies, humanities and psychology, it is a compelling topic of interest to all.

 

 

 

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