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This is a 3 credit hour course based on the book Engaging Troubling Students by Danforth and Smith that offers instructional and student support practices grounded in critical constructivism--engaging problematic students in the learning process and building strong relationships with them. These interactions and relationships can have a profound impact on their emotional well-being and learning. Participants will begin by investigating the history and roots of current issues and dilemmas and examining the theoretical foundation of critical constructivism. Then, building on this knowledge, participants will learn teaching practices designed to foster the teacher-student relationship, specific programs addressing conflict, families, inclusive education, and more.
Organization
This course is divided into 3 Modules and presented in a modified, self-paced format. Participants are encouraged to access the course regularly and make reasonable progress, but there are no due dates attached to individual assignments. Instead there are 2 absolute due dates (mid-term and the last day of class) to provide flexibility and to better accommodate participants' busy schedules. In addition to the text, course objectives will be met using a combination of examples, discussion forums, forum activities, and tests. The instructor will offer feedback and coaching in forums.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will...
1. Understand constructivism
2. Understand and be able to teach the eight themes of caring
3. Understand group dynamics
4. Understand how to engage in reflective teaching and mentoring
5. Understand the seven principles of problem-solving negotiations
6. Understand how to deal with parents
7. Understand how to prepare students with behavior problems
8. Understand how to nurture the self
Course Topics
1. What is constructivism
2. The 8 themes of caring & group dynamics
3. Student-teacher relationships & reflective teaching & mentoring
4. The principles of negotiations
5. Dealing with parents & nurturing the self
Grading
Grading is the same whether the course is taken for graduate credit or for license renewal. Students are required to participate in all discussion forums and to complete all assignments and/or activities. A=90%-100%; B=80%-89%-Because this is a graduate level course, scores must be 80% or better to receive credit.
Required Text: Engaging Troubling Students: A Constructivist Approach (2004 or 2005) by Scot Danforth and Terry Jo Smith can be ordered through local bookstores or purchased online.
Organization
This course is divided into 3 Modules and presented in a modified, self-paced format. Participants are encouraged to access the course regularly and make reasonable progress, but there are no due dates attached to individual assignments. Instead there are 2 absolute due dates (mid-term and the last day of class) to provide flexibility and to better accommodate participants' busy schedules. In addition to the text, course objectives will be met using a combination of examples, discussion forums, forum activities, and tests. The instructor will offer feedback and coaching in forums.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will...
1. Understand constructivism
2. Understand and be able to teach the eight themes of caring
3. Understand group dynamics
4. Understand how to engage in reflective teaching and mentoring
5. Understand the seven principles of problem-solving negotiations
6. Understand how to deal with parents
7. Understand how to prepare students with behavior problems
8. Understand how to nurture the self
Course Topics
1. What is constructivism
2. The 8 themes of caring & group dynamics
3. Student-teacher relationships & reflective teaching & mentoring
4. The principles of negotiations
5. Dealing with parents & nurturing the self
Grading
Grading is the same whether the course is taken for graduate credit or for license renewal. Students are required to participate in all discussion forums and to complete all assignments and/or activities. A=90%-100%; B=80%-89%-Because this is a graduate level course, scores must be 80% or better to receive credit.
Required Text: Engaging Troubling Students: A Constructivist Approach (2004 or 2005) by Scot Danforth and Terry Jo Smith can be ordered through local bookstores or purchased online.