GENERAL EDUCATION (EDCI)

EDCI 2101 Curriculum and Instructional Technology I. One semester hour.

The course will introduce students to basic computer operations and technology. Students will understand the basis and interrelationship of hardware and software. The fundamentals of formatting documents in each of the three major components of ClarisWorks, word processing, spreadsheet and data base will be taught. Designing viable instruments for use in the classroom is emphasized. Students will complete a major project in the application of technology to instruction. One hour of lecture and one hour of technology laboratory per week. Required for students seeking initial teacher certification.

EDCI 3101 Curriculum and Instructional Technology II. One semester hour.

Advanced topics in ClarisWorks will allow students to produce comprehensive instruments for classroom use. Both CAI and CMI instruments are conceptualized and developed by each student for specific classroom needs. Students are expected to incorporate technology into an integrated thematic teaching unit. Various application software are introduced and explored for producing lessons for use in the classroom. The focus for the acquisition of competencies in application of various programs is on the production of a thematic teaching unit. One hour of lecture and one hour of technology laboratory per week. To be taken concurrently with Block I. Prerequisites: EDCI 2101 and a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5.

EDCI 3103 Curriculum and Instructional Technology III. One semester hour.

The course includes: HyperStudio, multimedia, hypermedia and telecommunications; using computer-based technologies for personal and professional productivity; and resources in computer applications and related technologies. Students design and implement a multimedia/hypermedia presentation into an integrated thematic unit. Research based on Internet resources for development of a thematic teaching unit will also be emphasized. One hour lecture and one hour of technology laboratory per week. To be taken concurrently with Block II. Prerequisites: EDCI 3101 and a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5.

EDCI 3301 Teaching in the Content Areas. Three semester hours.

This course focuses on teaching the mathematics, science and social studies curricula in grades K-6 to monolingual and bilingual students, as specified in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Taught in a field-based manner, attention is given to integrated curriculum planning and instructional considerations for developing basic concepts and their interrelationships; higher order thinking, problem solving and decision making skills; teaching and learning styles; classroom arrangements; multifaceted authentic assessment; and the role of technology in successful learning experiences. Preservice teachers will complete the following field-based activities: (1) observations and analyses of teaching methods and styles; (2) field study of school childrens mastery of selected math, science, and social studies TEKS; (3) development and implementation of hands-on activities in math, science, and social studies; (5) development/implementation of a thematic unit which integrates math, science, and social studies. Students must earn a grade of C or better to successfully complete the course. Prerequisites: Junior standing, a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5, and admission to teacher education.

EDCI 3302 Language Acquisition and Development. Three semester hours.

The course focuses on (1) first and subsequent language acquisition processes; and (2) general principles for developing language proficiency. Prerequisite: a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5.

EDCI 3303 Teaching and Learning for the 21st Century. Three semester hours.

This course is an in depth study of theories, principles, and current research on child development, teaching and learning, and multifaceted authentic assessment techniques. Field-based activities will include: (1) summary papers linking theory and observed teaching practices related to course topics; (2) developmental domains papers demonstrating an understanding of child development as it influences observed pedagogical techniques; (3) observation/teaching journal allowing reflection and analysis by preservice teachers of their experiences in the field as they relate to theories and current research; (4) development and implementation of developmentally appropriate multifaceted authentic assessment techniques which will be incorporated into an integrated thematic unit. Students must earn a grade of C or better to successfully complete the course. Prerequisites: junior standing, a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5, and admission to teacher education.

EDCI 3304 Secondary School Curricula and Problems. Three semester hours.

This course is designed to provide a foundation in curriculum philosophy and practice. Students will plan, and prepare instructional units in their major and minor fields. The units will be taught by the students in a public school classroom setting, and will be evaluated by University professors and public school mentor teachers. Prerequisites: junior standing, and a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5.

EDCI 3305 Methods, Management, and Discipline. Three semester hours.

The primary objective of the course is to help students develop a sound understanding of learner-centered knowledge, instruction, professional development, and equity in excellence for all learners. The following field-based class activities will be planned and implemented: (1) concept attainment; (2) inquiry; (3) problem-solving; (4) cooperative learning; (5) hands-on/manipulative; (6) invention; (7) exploratory/discovery; (8) role-play/simulation; and (9) a discipline model. Students must earn a grade of C or better to successfully complete the course. Prerequisites: a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 and completion of required Block I courses with a C or better.

EDCI 3390 Child/Adolescent Behavior. Three semester hours.

This course is a survey of the cognitive, social/emotional, and physical patterns of development of individuals from birth to young adulthood. This course will relate these patterns of development to learning. Prerequisites: EDME 4324 a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5, and admission to the SB 218 Certification Program.

EDCI 3392 Methods, Materials, and Techniques. Three semester hours.

This course will focus on the application of instructional methods and techniques, as well as the design and preparation of instructional materials. Prerequisites: EDCI 3305, EDME 4324, and admission to the SB 218 Certification Program.

EDCI 4392 Issues and Problems in Learner-Centered Classrooms. Three semester hours.

A capstone course that focusses on the learner-centered teacher proficiencies of the Educator Preparation Accountability System, and on the objectives of the State test(s) required for the certification of teachers. Must be taken concurrently with EDCI 4993. Admission to Teacher Internship.

EDCI 4397 Teaching Practicum I. Three semester hours.

Post-baccalaureate degree interns will be under the supervision of a university professor as they make pre-instructional, instructional, and post-instructional decisions as teachers in a school setting to help monitor and evaluate teaching effectiveness. Prerequisites: completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and admission to a teacher education program.

EDCI 4398 Teaching Practicum II. Three semester hours.

A continuation of EDCI 4397 with special emphasis on the supervision of interns to help them refine their teaching and classroom management performance. Prerequisite: EDCI 4397.

EDCI 4399 Issues in Curriculum and Instruction. One-Three semester hours.

This course examines current topics in curriculum and instruction. May be repeated once when topic changes. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

EDCI 4993 Teaching Internship. Nine semester hours.

This course will focus in the field-based supervision of elementary and secondary education teacher interns to monitor and evaluate their teaching effectiveness based on learner-centered teacher proficiencies. Must be taken during final full semester prior to graduation. Prerequisites: a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5, and successful completion of all professional development education course work, and approval of the Teaching Internship Admissions Committee. Laboratory fee: $15.00.

EDCI 5305 Advanced Elementary School Curriculum Problems. Three semester hours.

Students will examine the current trends and research in the elementary school curriculum. An action research project will be designed, executed, and reported. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

EDCI 5307 Advanced Techniques of Curriculum Writing. Three semester hours.

A brief review of curriculum theory is presented. Different techniques, formats, and procedures for writing and organizing curriculum in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains are explored. Appropriate procedures for writing objectives for the practical performance level and theoretical-analytical level of course organization; and the incorporation of evaluative techniques into the curriculum are addressed. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

EDCI 5311 Secondary School Curriculum. Three semester hours.

Historical and innovative solutions to current problems in the secondary school will be researched, reported, and discussed. Students will complete projects requiring practical solutions to concrete problems. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

EDCI 5315 Learning and Development of the Individual. Three semester hours.

Theories, principles, and current research on development and learning, from birth through adulthood, are studied. Appropriate curriculum, organizational plans, and instructional strategies for different stages of development are explored. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

EDCI 5319 Basic Theories of Learning for Teachers. Three semester hours.

A general survey of theories of learning as they apply to the modern classroom. The course is desiged to acquaint the teacher with major historical and modern theories and their proponents of how children learn together, with implications for the schools in modern society. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

EDCI 5321 In-Service Education: Advanced Problems I. Three semester hours.

The course is designed to permit active and intensive study of school problems identified by classroom teachers. Prerequisites: graduate standing, and current full-time employment in teaching.

EDCI 5323 In-Service Education: Advanced Problems II. Three semester hours.

The course is designed to permit active and intensive study of school problems identified by classroom teachers. Problems will be in areas approved by the University, but the area chosen should be different from that studied in EDCI 5321. Prerequisites: graduate standing, and current full-time employment in teaching.

EDCI 5329 Research Design and Statistics in Curriculum and Instruction. Three semester hours.

This course prepares students in the foundations of the design and qualitative/quantitative analysis of research in field-related settings. Focus is on developing a working knowledge of research for use in different types of school settings and an understanding of research frameworks for developing a graduate thesis. Students will identify a research topic and write a thesis proposal. Prerequisites: completion of a minimum of 21 semester credit hours toward the Masters degree with an overall average of 3.00.

EDCI 5330 Thesis Writing in Curriculum and Instruction.. Three semester hours.

A continuation of EDCI 5329, graduate students are supervised in their research and as they develop and complete a field-related thesis. Research and writing techniques are reinforced and refined to meet graduate committee examination standards. To receive credit in the course, students must complete the thesis. Prerequisite: EDCI 5329.

EDCI 5397 Teaching Externship Practicum I. Three semester hours.

University instruction will provide theoretical foundations for educational practices. Externs will develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum and instructional techniques in their respective classrooms under the supervision of university professor(s). Extensive interactions involving public school children, externs, mentor teachers, and university professor(s) will occur. Prerequisites: a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, admission to a teacher certification program, an approved deficiency plan, and must be teaching full-time in an approved classroom setting.

EDCI 5398 Teaching Externship Practicum II. Three semester hours.

This course is a continuation of EDCI 5397. Prerequisite: successful completion of EDCI 5397.

EDCI 5399 Special Issues in Curriculum and Instruction. One-Three semester hours.

Course examines timely topics of concern to educators involved in making curriculum and instruction decisions. May be repeated once when topic changes. Prerequisite: graduate standing and permission of the instructor.