ED398 Requirements

| Syllabus | Assigned Readings | Tentative Schedule |

Completion of all course requirements is necessary for a passing grade.

Grades will be calculated on a percentage basis (no curve), as follows:

• 30% Quizzes, Classwork
• 30% Portfolio assignments
• 20% Exhibit Project
• 10% Lesson instruction
• 10% Final examination

 
• The first and most important requirement is to come to all class periods. Failing that, come to almost all class periods, and contact me personally before the next class period if you are absent for any reason.

   

• Class Participation: This is a participatory class. The second requirement is to prepare for class periods by reading the assigned texts and completing homework assignments. The readings and assignments will form the basis of seminar-type discussions or experimental activities in class. You will have to be consistent, be organized, and plan ahead. As appropriate for a university level of study, expect to spend two hours in preparation for each ordinary class; three hours or more per one hour of class time when completing special assignments. If your job prohibits this, drop the course and take it some other time. Don't look at this much study as an extraordinary or heroic effort for a university course; such a time commitment is the minimum expectation for this class.

   

• Quizzes: 10-point, unannounced, objective or short-answer quizzes will be given at the beginning of class periods, prior to discussion of assigned readings. Their format and purpose is much the same as an objective part of an exam (the quizzes and projects together obviate the need for a mid-term examination). In addition, they provide incentive (for those few who need such a thing) to prepare for class discussions by reading the assigned texts beforehand, and to do so consistently. Occasionally homework assignments will be collected and counted as quizzes. About 20 or more quizzes will be given during the semester, which works out to a frequency of about one or two a week. Quizzes may not be made up if a student is tardy or absent. Each student's single lowest quiz score will be dropped. The quizzes should be looked upon as the easiest part of the course requirements: consistency pays. Consistently complete each reading, each homework activity, and show up for class on time, and you have met a large portion of the grade.

   

• Portfolio: Your portfolio consists of a number of documents you will prepare in this course. Keep them in a three-ring-binder for the duration of this class. These documents will include papers prepared as homework assignments or in the process of class activities, such as curriculum assessment reports, unit plans, lesson plans, a statement of your pedagogical philosophy, etc. In addition, a journal of your classroom observations at an area school will provide a nonpermanent component of your portfolio. Note that the portfolio is discussed in the OBU Science Education program statement.

   

• Exhibit Project: This semester project will be a hands-on active-learning exhibit designed for the pendulum area of the Wood Science foyer. One project per student is required, and includes the initial idea, planning for pedagogical effectiveness, and actual construction or implementation of the exhibit. Students may choose to work together in small groups devoted to shared projects. Materials and expense reimbursements, with pre-approval, will be provided by OBU. More information will be provided in class.

   

• Lessons: Each student will teach the class at least two lessons designed for a specific subject and curricular level, utilizing various techniques for effective instruction. Lessons may be videotaped. Class discussion and feedback will follow the lesson.

   

• Final examination: The final examination is required of all students. It will consist primarily of brief essay questions pertaining to the semester activities, discussions, and course readings. Study questions will be distributed in advance.

| Syllabus | Assigned Readings | Tentative Schedule |

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