Week 1 (June 24-28, 2013)
Brain-based Research: Implications for the Classroom Teacher
ED 608.902 Maureen Flanigan
M-F 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
This course provides the what, when, where, how and why the brain learns and or may not learn. By examining current brain research, participants will gain an understanding of how physical, neurological, and environmental aspects in a child's life affect how the brain grows and gains knowledge. The course will cover gender differences in learning, how sleep affects the brain, the role attention plays in retaining information, and how emotions can increase or decrease learning. Most importantly, participants will apply current research to the everyday classroom and develop/share instruction based on how the brain truly learns. Elementary, Middle, High
Special Project Seminar in Reading Intervention: Vocabulary and Comprehension
(3 credits)
ED 638.902 Rebecca Fischer and Nancy Perkins
M-F 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
This course provides a detailed examination of vocabulary and reading comprehension instruction. Through many interactive activities, participants will increase their knowledge base of word learning strategies. The second half of the course will focus on utilizing comprehension strategies. Information on text complexity also is included. Integrating these strategies into all content areas is emphasized. Elementary, Middle, High
Educational Technology Applications in the Classroom (3 credits)
ED 648.902 Warren Nelson
M-F 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
This course provides a review of computer fundamentals and then instruction in many of the advanced features of Microsoft Office while exploring approaches by which computers can become an integral element of classroom learning and instruction. The course will emphasize word processing, spreadsheet, database, and desktop presentation skill sets, file management, Internet use, and other aspects of computer literacy. In addition, participants will explore ways in which common computer applications can become significant elements in the learning experiences of students, (not merely add-ons to an already-packed curriculum), and will develop activities to be used with students. Elementary, Middle, High
Weeks 1 and 2 (June 24-28 and July 8-12, 2013; no classes July 1-5, 2013)
Applying Technology in the Math Classroom (3 credits)
ED 664.909 Heather Dexter
M-F 8:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
In this course, participants will learn how to integrate technology directly into their mathematics instruction, creating technology-integrated projects that are aligned with the Common Core State Standards Initiative for mathematics. Participants will gain a better understanding of key issues surrounding technology integration, such as how to meet technology standards and which types of technology are best for which purposes. During the course, participants will experience a variety of technologies such as computers, gaming systems, recording devices, and smart phones. Participants will identify potential lessons for their mathematics classrooms that benefit from technological enhancement, and they then will devise a plan for integrating technology into their own mathematics instruction. In addition, participants will learn how to differentiate products based on students' interests, strengths, and available technology. Elementary
Teachers as Writers, Writers as Teachers (3 credits)
ED 695.909 Margaret Meacham
M-F 8:30 - 11:30 A.M.
This course is designed for teachers who are engaged, or soon to be engaged, in the teaching of writing to students of all ages. Teachers who are interested in exploring their own creative and professional writing potential and developing fiction and non-fiction projects will find this course very beneficial. In this course, participants will examine current methodologies for the teaching of writing, exploring new approaches and techniques. Participants will examine attitudes toward writing, writing process, and practice. The course will provide strategies and exercises for writing and publishing at all levels, encouraging participants to develop their own writing skills and to further their teaching abilities through the study and practice of the craft. Elementary, Middle, High
Teaching and Learning with Young Adult Literature (3 credits)
ED 696.909 Margaret Meacham
M-F 12:30 - 3:30 P.M.
The recent surge in young adult publishing has created vibrant literature with a wide-ranging scope. These books vary tremendously in subject matter, quality, and age-appropriateness. This course is designed to allow middle and high school teachers and media specialists/librarians to examine this literature, including fiction, graphic novels, biography, and creative nonfiction. Participants also will develop and model strategies and classroom activities that will enable them to help their students find the books they want and encourage their students to become lifelong readers. The course will provide guidelines for critical analysis, enabling students to select and evaluate specific titles for use in the classroom and for discretionary reading and problem solving. The instructor will identify materials for use with diverse student populations, including ethnic diversities and learning diversities, and she will model strategies for using these materials successfully. Middle, High
Week 2 (July 8-12, 2013)
Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders through Inclusive Practices
(3 credits)
ED 609.903 Andrea Parrish
M-F 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
This course is designed to assist educators in developing strategies and techniques to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in accessing the general education environment. This introductory class is designed to familiarize participants with the complexity of the autism spectrum, while instructional and behavioral strategies will focus primarily on the needs of students who exhibit characteristics of high functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome. The course content allows participants to discuss theories and practical instructional strategies that provide students with autism the opportunity to receive instruction in their least restrictive environment. Participants will gain a better understanding of key issues related to inclusive practices, such as how to achieve academic success and adjust to behavioral challenges as well as foster social perception and social thinking skills. This course also will address effective strategies for communicating with parents and will include experiences for the educator to see the child with autism through the family's perspective. Elementary, Middle, High
Differentiating Instruction: Responding to Every Student's Needs (3 credits)
ED 610.903 Leslie Grahn
M-F 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
This course will offer the opportunity for educators to deepen their knowledge about topics relating to differentiated instruction through the exploration of tools, simulations, discussions, and research. They will apply their learnings through the creation of original, differentiated products and will reflect on how differentiated instruction connects to their work in the classroom. Throughout the course, differentiated strategies will be embedded and modeled. Students are asked to bring a laptop to each face-to-face class in order to access online resources. Elementary, Middle, High
Teaching Students to Write Using Multiple Strategies: Issues of Correctness (3 credits)
ED 620B.903 Rebecca Gault
M-F 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
This course affords participants with the opportunity to examine the debate of students' writing in standard American English across content areas. The developmental stages of writing and writing theories will be examined before moving to classroom writing practices involving correctness in writing. Participants will have the opportunity to examine the Common Core State Standards through the lens of correctness in writing. Concrete, useful, and engaging strategies to help students write correctly across content areas will be explored. Common errors in written and spoken standard American English will be identified and attention will be given to parallel issues in spoken English. This course relies heavily on group discussion and learning by doing, with the expectation to create a mini-lesson that can be used in classrooms. Participants will develop strategies to help students become successful at writing in a standard format and attending to audience and purpose. Elementary, Middle, High
Remedial Reading Techniques for Students with Severe Reading Difficulties (3 credits)
ED 647.903 Ann Bain
M-F 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
This course focuses on intensive remediation using the Orton Gillingham and/or Lindamood Bell approach. Special emphasis on children having serious difficulties learning to read as well as those diagnosed with special educational needs (psychiatric, behavioral, language, and learning disorders) will be explored. Elementary, Middle, High
Educational Technology Applications in the Classroom
ED 648.903 Warren Nelson
M-F 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
This course provides a review of computer fundamentals and then instruction in many of the advanced features of Microsoft Office while exploring approaches by which computers can become an integral element of classroom learning and instruction. The course will emphasize word processing, spreadsheet, database, and desktop presentation skill sets, file management, Internet use, and other aspects of computer literacy. In addition, participants will explore ways in which common computer applications can become significant elements in the learning experiences of students, (not merely add-ons to an already-packed curriculum), and will develop activities to be used with students. Elementary, Middle, High
Values - Educating for Character (1.5 credits)
ED 651.903 Barbara Bisset
M-F 9:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M.
What is the connection between character education and student achievement? This course provides an exploration of the concepts that undergird the teaching of values and character development in schools. The class will examine character education principles and programs and incorporate them into practical applications for students. Elementary, Middle, High
Mediation of Conflict (1.5 credits)
ED 652.903 Claire Salkowski
M-F 1:00 - 4:00 P.M.
This course provides a broad overview of the field of conflict theory, conflict resolution, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), emphasizing school mediation. The theory of conflict will be analyzed and individual conflict styles will be identified. Participants will learn to match conflict styles according to the needs of the situation and will examine the impact of conflict on emotions and communications, with emphasis on developing specific skills to manage specific conflicts in the school setting. Skills and concepts for preventing classroom conflicts will be introduced, including an Affective or Peace Education and Conflict Resolution Curriculum overview. ADR techniques will be discussed and identified with an emphasis on mediation and restorative practices and its use in schools. Classes will be conducted in an experiential manner. Elementary, Middle, High
