EDU 115: Foundations in Education

Course Description

This course will focus on exploring today’s students in a diverse society and the qualities of effective educators. Other topics include the historical, legal, philosophical, social, and practical aspects of American education. Students will evaluate current educational trends, issues, and practices. They will also explore teaching as a career and what it means to be a professional. (3 credits)

Prerequisite

  • None

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Examine the major reasons why teachers teach and relate to personal intrinsic and extrinsic motivations to teach.
  2. Analyze the idea of schools as distinctive cultures and the role of schools in society.
  3. Identify and describe effective educational practices that consider diverse populations in the classroom.
  4. Identify critical social issues that directly influence the students’ academic success in the classroom.
  5. Explain current trends and issues related to curriculum in today’s schools.
  6. Describe the competencies, skills, and qualities of effective teachers.
  7. Discuss ways technology tools are used to enhance teaching and learning.
  8. Identify the ethical and legal issues facing teachers.
  9. Compare and contrast the essential philosophies of education.
  10. Begin to develop a personal philosophy of education.
  11. Identify various governing structures and funding sources for today’s schools.
  12. Outline career options available in the field of education.
  13. Discuss the issues facing new teachers related to administrators, colleagues, students, and families.
  14. Evaluate the developmental stages of teachers and how they relate to being a professional in the field of education.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsPointsWeight

Discussions (Weeks 1-8) 10 x 16 points each

160

16%

Blogs (Weeks 1-8) 8 x 25 points each

200

20%

Assignments (Weeks 1, 3, 4, 5, 6) 5 x 50 points each

250

25%

Infographic (Week 2)

140

14%

Why Teach? Statement of Purpose

250

25%

Total

1000

100%

Required Texts

Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle

  • Ryan, Cooper and Bolick.Those Who Can, Teach. 15th ed. Cengage Learning US, 2022. ISBN-13: 978-0-357-51844-1

 

Course Schedule

WeekSLOsReadings and ExercisesAssignments

1

1,2

Topic: School & Students, Part 1

  • Why Teach?
  • What is a school and what is it for?

Readings:

  • Ryan, Chapters 1 & 2
  • Review Getting Started information
  • Review course syllabus
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Introduce yourself in discussion forum
  • Participate in discussion
  • Submit to course blog
  • Submit assignment

2

3,4,5

Topic: School & Students, Part 2

  • Who are today’s students in a diverse society?
  • How do social issues affect students?
  • What is taught?

Readings:

  • Ryan, Chapters 3, 4 & 5
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussion
  • Submit to course blog
  • Submit Infographic

3

6,7

Topic: Teachers, Part 1

  • What makes a teacher effective?
  • What should teachers know about technology and its impact on schools?

Readings:

  • Ryan, Chapters 6 & 7
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussion
  • Submit to course blog
Submit assignment

4

8

Topic: Teachers, Part 2

  • What are the ethical and legal issues facing teachers?

Readings:

  • Ryan, Chapter 8
  • Code of Ethics for Educators (NEA)
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussion
  • Submit to course blog
  • Submit assignment

5

9,10

Topic: Foundations & the Future, Part 1

  • What are the philosophical foundations of American education?
  • What Is the history of America’s struggle for educational opportunity?

Readings:

  • Ryan, Chapters 9 & 10
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussion
  • Submit to course blog
  • Submit assignment

6

11

Topic: Foundations & the Future, Part 2

  • How are schools governed, influenced, and financed?
  • How should education be reformed?

Readings:

  • Ryan, Chapters 11 & 12
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussion
  • Submit to course blog
  • Submit assignment

7

12,13

Topics: The Teaching Profession, Part 1

  • What are your job options in education?
  • What can the new teacher expect?

Readings:

  • Ryan, Chapters 13 & 14
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussions
  • Submit to course blog

8

14

Topics: The Teaching Profession, Part 2

  • What does it mean to be a professional?

Readings

  • Ryan, Chapter 15
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussions
  • Complete Course Evaluation

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.