Syllabus

This course offers pre-service teachers experiences in teaching elementary students. Practicum students have the opportunity to learn from an experienced teacher within a functioning classroom. A supervisor with classroom experience mentors and supports each practicum student at the practicum site and in the weekly course seminars. Course assignments are designed to enrich and augment students on-site experiences.

On-site practicum experiences are preceded by a three-week seminar experience with the practicum coordinator and supervisors. Topics of study during this orientation seminar include, but are not limited to: professionalism, writing lesson plans, assessment, classroom management, and a review of the technology needed to complete assignments.

Students attend their practicum site for two hours per day, four days per week for twelve weeks. Students attend a seminar on the University campus one day each week. Morning students have seminar on Tuesday morning. Afternoon students have seminar on Thursday afternoon.

The daily two hours at the practicum site are divided between 15 minutes of observation, planning and conferencing, and 105 minutes of active involvement with children. The daily planning and observation time may include observing the cooperating teacher or other teachers within the building, conferencing with the cooperating teacher or University supervisor, planning and preparing for instruction, reflecting upon teaching experiences, or E-mail communications with the cooperating teacher or University supervisor.

The distribution of classroom and preparation time may vary from day to day depending upon the classroom schedule. The exact schedule should be worked out with the cooperating teacher and approved by the University supervisor. Adjustments can be made as necessary throughout the semester.

Class handouts located on ICON or available in a class pack