2023-2024 Catalogue

Education (EDU) Course Descriptions

EDU 207: Dynamics of Children's Literature.
Goal: To examine and apply a high level of analysis to various genres of literature, ranging from folklore to contemporary realistic fiction and nonfiction. Pieces of children's literature will be used as mentor texts to study published authors' craft and style, stir the imagination, inspire the students to explore their personal writing potential, and use literature as the impetus for creating original writing. The ultimate goal of this course is to acquaint the students with the vast array of children's literature, use it as a model for writing, and recognize its enduring and broad impact on their progress as writers.
Content: This course examines numerous genres of children's literature as they relate to various content areas and to the craft of writing. The following topics will be addressed: Using children's literature to discuss selected content areas; using literature to introduce and support the writing process in the writer's workshop structure; appreciating the various dimensions of children's literature as mentor texts; exploring the artwork in children's literature and its relationship to the written text; using literature as a model for writing.
Field Experience Hours: 0.
Prerequisites: None.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring; Thinking & Expressing Creatively; (SBS/PS).
Credit: 3 hours.

EDU 219 Ethical Education in Practice.
Goal: The course prepares students entering the field of education to employ professional practices and habits to ensure one is an acceptable role model.
Content: Utilizing current and applicable case studies, this course will cover areas of ethical and professional educational practice to include use of social media, personal code of conduct, Georgia’s Code of Ethics, Mandated reporting, professional attire, demeanor, and more.
Field Experience Hours: 20.
Credit: 3 hours.

EDU 245: Child Development and Learning.
Goal: To study the elementary learner and gain an understanding of appropriate curricular and specific necessary to teach young children.
Content: Characteristics, needs, stages of physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development of young children. Emphasis on observing learning environments and creating learning experiences appropriate to developmental characteristics. Focus on the levels of learning and making developmentally appropriate instructional choices.
Field Experience Hours: 20.
Prerequisites: EDU 219.
Credit: 3 hours.

EDU 255: Technology in Education.
Goal: To gain knowledge and skills necessary to integrate technology with the content and pedagogy in the education methods courses.
Content: The content, concepts, and applications of a variety of educational software and tools, as well as, the special issues pertaining to the management and maintenance of these materials will be explored. Candidates will become familiar with the National Educational Technology Standards and the Georgia State Technology Requirements. In addition, the candidates will plan, teach and assess a series of four technology-connected lessons in their field experiences.
Field Experience Hours: 20.
Prerequisites: EDU 219.
Credit: 3 hours.

EDU 290: Exceptionalities in Children and Adolescents.
Goal: To understand exceptionalities and mainstreaming exceptional children into the regular classroom.
Content: An examination of the problems of children with evidence of mental, physical, emotional, and educational difficulties in the classroom. Emphasis is given to finding and implementing specific adaptive teaching techniques in the regular K-5 classroom. Legal aspects related to P.L. 94-142, teacher and parent participation, assessment, placement and facilities.
Field Experience Hours: 20.
Prerequisites: EDU 219.
Credit: 3 hours.

EDU 308: Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary Classroom.
Goal: To gain knowledge and skills necessary to foster the development of mathematical content and processes, and positive attitudes in elementary students.
Content: The content, concepts, and skills of the elementary mathematics curriculum and the special methods of teaching the material. Materials appropriate to teaching mathematics are explored including manipulatives, computer materials, textbooks, and teacher-made materials. Students become familiar with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards. The candidate will implement meaningful integrative experiences and curricula in mathematics that are appropriate for the elementary learner.
Lab Hours: One 3-hour session each week (14 week minimum).
Prerequisites: Admission to the Teacher Education Program.
Credit: 4 hours.

EDU 310: Readings in Multiple Literacies.
Goal: This course takes up a range of perspectives on literacy—cognitive, socio-cultural, technological and critical perspectives of multiple literacies. This course is aligned with state and national standards.
Content: A study of how adolescents read, write, speak, and make meaning that is varied, contextual, and part of communities, families, and ways of life.
Prerequisite: Completion of all Foundation courses and pre-teaching certification obtained.
Credit: 3 hours.
Note: Middle Georgia State University offers this course as EDUC 3100.

EDU 370: Social Studies in the Elementary Classroom.
Goal: To facilitate understanding and appreciation of inquiry methods of social studies instruction in the context of classroom learning community.
Content: History, geography, economics and citizenship are all examined through the lenses of social education, discovery learning, storytelling as pedagogical method, and expanding horizons perspectives.
Lab Hours: One 3-hour session each week (14 week minimum).
Prerequisites: Admission to the Teacher Education Program.
Credit: 4 hours.

EDU 380: Science Methods and Materials in the Elementary Education Classroom.
Goal: To facilitate an understanding of the scientific and inquiry methods in the context of the classroom learning community.
Content: This inquiry-based course will provide the pre-service teacher candidate (elementary and middle grades science concentration) with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to develop a variety of science instructional techniques and strategies that are applicable to elementary students.
Lab Hours: One 3-hour session each week (14 week minimum).
Prerequisites: Admission to the Teacher Education Program.
Credit: 4 hours.

EDU 396: Special Topics in Education.
Goal: To conduct an in-depth study of a special topic in education.
Content: The topics covered will vary from time to time, and a student may take no more than two such courses within the department. Representative special topics include research in education, teaching in a culturally pluralistic society, women in education, informal education in American schools, and special education.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor, education department and the program director.
Credit: 3 hours. A student may take a maximum of six to eight semester hours (two courses) of special topics in any one field.

EDU 412: Integrated Secondary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.
Goal: This course introduces the candidate to planning and applying evidence-based instruction and assessment with the fundamental concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Content: Particular focus will be on making instructional decisions to facilitate differentiation and communicating assessment results to students, parents, and other educators. The use of technology is required. This course is aligned with state and national standards.
Prerequisite: Completion of all Foundation courses and pre-teaching certification obtained.
Credit: 3 hours.
Note: Middle Georgia State University offers this course as EDUC 4120.

EDU 413: Methods in Contact Areas.
Goal: This course provides a foundational understanding of instructional strategies needed to teach content in the secondary classroom.
Content: Emphasis will be placed on teaching prospective teacher candidates about designing effective instructional plans, facilitating student learning, selecting authentic assessment for data-driven decision making, and reflecting on the relationship between educational theory and the practical aspects of teaching in the secondary classroom.
Prerequisite: Completion of all Foundation courses and pre-teaching certification obtained.
Credit: 4 hours.
Note: Middle Georgia State University offers this course as EDUC 4120.

EDU 414: Practicum.
Goal: This field-based semester-long course is designed to give the teacher candidate field experiences in the appropriate P-12 (PK-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) or Secondary (6-8 and 9-12) classroom settings where they will have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate competence in the professional roles and dispositions required of lead teachers.
Content: Candidates will study and apply pedagogical content knowledge grounded in research-based best practices in the design, implementation, and evaluation of instruction specific to their area of concentration to meet the diverse needs of all learners. The most critical component of this placement is the hands-on learning opportunity that occurs over the course of the semester in which the teacher candidate will be engaged in curriculum design; determining and adapting appropriate methods to classroom instruction; fostering critical thinking skills; meeting district and state standards; the use of technology in enhancing student learning. Candidates will also attend seminars on related topics throughout the semester and attain instruction with the infusion of diversity, equity, and inclusive principles. This course is aligned with state and national standards. The use of technology is required.
Prerequisite: Completion of all Foundation courses and pre-teaching certification obtained.
Credit: 3 hours.
Note: Middle Georgia State University offers this course as EDUC 4140.

EDU 420: Professionalism and Curriculum Development.
Goal: The goal of this speech-intensive course is to provide the pre-service teacher with a broad understanding of the school as an institution and a business that serves the needs of both individuals and society. This goal will be accomplished by increasing the candidate's professionalism as she completes the requirements for certification and prepares to enter the teaching profession. An additional goal includes understanding the intricacies, purposes, and impact of curriculum development at the elementary school levels. This will be achieved through the study of curricular patterns of elementary schools and through the study and application of the curriculum development process.
Content: Professional conduct and dress, parent communication and legal issues, documentation in the classroom, group dynamics (large and small), resume; portfolio evaluation state assessment fee required in this course.
Prerequisite: Admission into Student Teaching.
Credit: 3 hours.

EDU 451: Directed Independent Study.
Goal: To conduct a detailed study in a particular area of interest in education.
Content: Varies.
Prerequisite: Open only to advanced students with permission from the education department and program director.
Credit: 1-6 hours.

EDU 452/199: Field Study.
Goal: To gain experience in an educational setting.
Content: Work, observation, analysis in an educational environment such as public or private schools, churches, children's organizations, etc.
Prerequisite: Open only to advanced students with permission from the education department and program director.
Credit: 1-12 hours.

EDU 490: Student Teaching.
Goal: To demonstrate effective methods of teaching, classroom management, and professional teaching behaviors.
Content: A minimum of thirteen full weeks of teaching in public schools under the direction of a certified classroom teacher and a college supervisor.
Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education; completion of all methods courses; and admission to Student Teaching. Placement made by the Education Department and school systems' field placement officials.
Credit: 9 hours. *There is a $300.00 Field Supervision fee associated with this course.
Note: Middle Georgia State University offers this course as EDUC 4150 for students pursuing the Secondary Education minor.