COURSE SYLLABUS: Advanced Study in Elementary School Curriculum
Course Title:
Department:
Instructor:
ED568 - Advanced Study in Elementary School Curriculum
Education
Jane A. Harding, B.S. in Education, Ed.M/Reading - E-Mail - Vita
INTRODUCTION:
Advanced Study in Elementary School Curriculum is a graduate course designed for both novice
and veteran teachers that emphasize curriculum and instruction as a cementing block, each a pivotal and integral
part of the realm of teaching. The text that corresponds to this class “provides an integrative approach to ensure
teachers a broad knowledge base in teaching.” (Lemlech, 2002) There is an abundance of references and Internet
websites that will provide the learner with a broad knowledge and understanding of various academic disciplines
and the pedagogical means to successfully implement them.
This graduate course is formatted to be completed in the time frame of 8 weeks.
The students will answer one discussion/application exercise per chapter, on average. The discussion questions
are designed to guide the student in understanding the text and provide a deeper understanding of the material.
You may begin your course of study as soon as you receive your textbook.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
To learn the historical development of the curriculum that responded and continues to respond to societal goals
and problems
To examine theories about how children differ as they develop socially, emotionally and cognitively.
To effectively utilize classroom management strategies, and the planning and guiding of learning experiences
To explore expository and inquiry/problem-solving teaching strategies
To identify and define key curriculum concepts when planning a teaching unit
To create, assess, and communicate students’ learning progress
To provide substantive and comprehensive information on the implementation of curriculum using the
following subject fields: English Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Physical and Health
Education, and Arts Education
To explore opportunities for continuing professional development, and to examine the rights and responsibilities
of teachers
INSTRUCTOR CONTACT
You may contact me anytime you have questions, would like clarification, etc. by using the following E-mail
address: jaharding@canyoncollege.edu. Any work sent as
an attachment should be produced using Microsoft Word.
“Curriculum and Instructional Methods for the Elementary School” (5th Edition)
By: Johanna K. Lemlech, ISBN #: 013089348X
Publisher: Merrill Prentice Hall
You many buy this directly from the publisher, Amazon or another quality bookstore.
Supplementary Companion Website: www.prenhall.com/lemlech
This website builds on and enhances what the textbook already offers. The content is organized by topic and
provides the student with a variety of meaningful resources.
REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING
This course will comprise of a total of 200 points. Assignments will be graded based on completeness, correctness,
and timeliness of submissions.
A = 200 – 180 points
B = 179 - 160 points
C = 169 - 140 points
D = 139 - 120 points
Weekly discussion questions - 5 points each for a total of 60 points
Research Project – 80 points (20 points for each one) Requirements: Visit the companion website link given above. You will find an array of topics to explore
with related web links and educational resources. You will select four topics of your choice and compile an 8-12
page paper. For each topic, critique at least 2 websites and 2 articles providing a detailed analysis and/or summary
for each. Research critique paper must adhere to APA format.
Final Paper – 60 points Requirements: Review 2 websites that have instructional planning guides for lesson plans. How are the
outlines similar and different? Choose one to develop a lesson plan for the grade level of your choice that integrates
literature with another subject area. See pages 262 and 277 as a guide. Also, be sure to indicate what state
standard (see website below) you are addressing.
Read Part 1 Introduction and Chapter 1: Teachers, Schools, and Society Assignment: Read the 6 statements listed on page 18, question #1 and give your beliefs and/or
expectations concerning these school programs and teachers’ responsibilities.
Read Chapter 2: Teachers, Schools, and Curriculum in Historical Perspective Assignment: Discuss the controversy associated with the imposition of national standards. (Page 20,
question #12)
Week Two:
Read Chapter 3: How Children Learn: Similarities and Differences Assignment: Explain why you should or should not have the same instructional expectations for all
students. (Page 60, question # 5)
Read Part 2 Introduction and Chapter 4: Classroom Management: Planning and Guiding Learning
Experiences Assignment: Anticipate potential classroom management problems during small and large group
instruction by identifying the problems (at least 3) and suggesting means to avoid or alleviate them (Page 66,
question #6)
Week Three:
Read Chapter 5: Exposition and Discussion Strategies Assignment: Identify the characteristics of “good questions”. (Page 98, question #9)
Read Chapter 6: Inquiry, Problem Solving, Constructivism, and Students as Researchers Assignment: In what ways do inquiry-oriented activities make students take responsibility for their own
learning? (Page 146, question #11)
Week Four:
Read Chapter 7: Curriculum Planning: The Teaching Unit Assignment: Differentiate the characteristics of the three types of units. (Page 148, question #1)
Read Chapter 8: Strategies for Assessing, Evaluating, and Communicating Learning Progress Assignment: What are some ways to determine what students have learned at the end of an instructional
period? (Page 186, question #5)
RESEARCH PAPER DUE
Week Five:
Read Part 3 Introduction and Chapter 9: Introduction and Teaching English Language Arts Assignment: Design a learning center on any aspect of language arts. Be creative!
Read Chapter 10: Social Experiences: The Nature of the Social Studies Assignment: Identify and describe several strategies for teaching social studies. (Page 222, question #6)
Week Six:
Read Chapter 11: Mathematics Education and 12: Science Education Assignment: AIMS (Activities Integrating Mathematics and Science) is a program for effective
instructional integration of mathematics and science in grades K-9. Visit their website at
http://aimsedu.org/ and evaluate its program and available resources.
Week Seven:
Read Chapter 13: Physical and Health Education and 14: Arts Education Assignment: Identify resources and equipment for teaching the creative arts. (Page 314, question #9)
Week Eight:
Read Part 4 Introduction and Chapter 15: Professional Development and Teacher Leadership-Personal
Responsibilities
Assignment:
Why is it important for beginning teachers to join professional organizations? (Page 352, question #2)
Using page 347 as a guide, choose a professional association you would be interested in joining and why, and
provide an overview of the chosen organization.
