Education

Courses

EDUC1100: Introduction to Education

Credits 1
Exploration of the rewards and challenges of the teaching profession. Course includes discussion of current issues in education, an overview of the NNU education program, insights from enthusiastic educators, and a 25-hour field experience at the grade level/content area of the candidate's interest.

EDUC2110: Educational Psychology

Credits 3

A study of the psychological implications involved in the teaching-learning situation with emphasis on those psychological principles applicable to children ages 6-12 and adolescents 13-18. A variety of learning and developmental theories based on research from the field of psychology are covered. May be taken in the same semester as EDUC1100. (See PSYC2110.)

EDUC2250: Cultural Diversity in Education

Credits 2
A reflective exploration of race, socio-economic, and changing demographics in communities and schools. Includes a focus on common beliefs held by teachers that may affect the achievement gap between white and minority students. Culturally relevant teaching practices will be developed to enhance learning opportunities for students of color. Course includes a 10-hour field experience. Fulfills a General Education Cultural Competency (CC) requirement.

EDUC2550: Innovative Instruction

Credits 3
This course is designed to support future instructors by increasing their knowledge of innovative strategies in education to facilitate growth in student learning. Utilizing models of innovative instruction and ISTE NETS teacher standards, this course will explore global educational practices, pushing educators to move instruction from a highly structured setting to a more student-centered environment where students take ownership and personalize their learning.

EDUC2960: Introduction to Instructional Design

Credits 1

An overview of lesson planning and domains of teaching. During a 30-hour field experience, candidates will design and teach at least one lesson in a classroom. Fee: Additional fee required.

EDUC3000: Mathematics Lab for Elementary Teachers

Credits 2

A hands-on exploration of mathematical concepts, using evidence-based practices to provide a basic understanding of teaching mathematical structures and strategies for conceptual understanding in the elementary classroom.

EDUC3010: Teaching English in Secondary Schools

Credits 3

Strategies for teaching literature, grammar, writing and other communication skills necessary to effectively teach secondary English. Emphasis will be placed on teaching strategies to correspond with ELA standards and unit planning at a secondary level. Field Experience: 20-40 hours. (See ENGL3010.)

EDUC3090: Pedagogy of Writing in 6-12 Schools

Credits 3

An examination and application of research-based methodologies for teaching the writing process. Candidates learn how to incorporate the writing process across all content areas. Focus is on creating authentic writing opportunities that encompass a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences. This course meets a portion of the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Coursework requirements of the Idaho Department of Education. (See ENGL3090.)

EDUC3150: Education of Exceptional Children

Credits 3
A survey of the characteristics and educational needs of students with learning challenges and those identified as gifted. Course emphasizes causes, incidence, and implications of disabilities and practical strategies for assisting all students to succeed in the regular classroom. Also included is information on special education law and individual educational plans as they apply to general education teachers. A 15-hour field experience is included.

EDUC3240: Classroom Management in K-8 Classrooms

Credits 3
An in-depth study of classroom management principles and practices for K-8 teachers. Focus is on equipping candidates with knowledge and skills for effectively managing a classroom. Course explores motivation, classroom environment, minimizing management problems through proactive strategies, and systematically modifying inappropriate behavior.

EDUC3250: Fundamentals of Reading

Credits 3
An in-depth study of evidence-based practices for reading instruction in an elementary classroom. This course provides an overview of each of the “Big 5” of literacy (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) with a special emphasis on early literacy. A 20-hour reading practicum is included during which the candidate observes the set up and administration of a reading program and participates in reading instruction. This course meets a portion of the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Act requirements of the Idaho Department of Education.

EDUC3260: Content Literacy in K-8 Classrooms

Credits 3
An exploration of principles and strategies for helping K-8 students acquire reading and writing skills essential for effective learning in subject areas. Emphasis is on helping future teachers design instruction that develops vocabulary concepts, enhances comprehension, and addresses the varying backgrounds and needs of elementary and middle school students as they interact with text. This course meets a portion of the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Act requirements of the Idaho Department of Education.

EDUC3310: Teaching English Language Learners

Credits 1

Exploration of the unique cultural values of children and families whose primary language is not English and study of teaching strategies for helping all students to succeed. Course includes a 10-hour multicultural field experience. Fulfills a General Education Cultural Competency (CC) requirement.

EDUC3330: Teaching Art in K-8 Schools

Credits 3

Introduces elementary education majors to theoretical and practical experiences necessary for incorporating a discipline-based art education program into the elementary and middle school curriculum. This course includes a 10-hour field experience. (See ARDE3330.)

EDUC3340: Teaching Music in Elementary Schools

Credits 2

Study in the application of the principles, procedures, and objectives in school music in the primary and intermediate grades. Special emphasis is given to the basic elements of music and creativity as found in Orff and Kodaly as well as folk music of various cultures and traditions. (See MUSC3450, MUSC3460.)

EDUC3350: Teaching Health in Secondary Schools

Credits 2

Course is designed to provide knowledge in three divisions of health education: healthful living, school health services, and health education. Topics include recognition of health issues of children and adolescents (K-12) with opportunity to develop competencies in handling methods and teaching techniques. Includes a 20-hour field experience. (See KINE3350)

EDUC3380: Teaching Physical Education in K-8 Schools

Credits 2

This course introduces candidates to the basic principles of physical education for children in grades kindergarten through eight. Emphasis will be placed on the development of systematic physical education programming. Candidates will participate in a 10-hour field experience. (See KINE3380.)

EDUC3410: English Language Learners and Content Literacy in Secondary Classrooms

Credits 3
This course prepares teacher candidates to demonstrate competency in comprehensive literacy skills and knowledge congruent with research on best literacy practices in adolescent literacy and with English Language Learners. The course focuses on principles and strategies for helping all students access content-specific materials and vocabulary presented in secondary classrooms. Candidates design lessons that promote content literacy and make content comprehensive for diverse learners. A 15-hour multicultural field experience provides candidates with the opportunity to apply strategies in a setting reflecting diverse student needs. This course meets a portion of the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Act requirements of the Idaho Department of Education and fulfills a General Education Cultural Competency (CC) requirement.

EDUC3510: Teaching Methods in Secondary Classrooms

Credits 3

An investigation of teaching methods and techniques appropriate for the secondary school classroom. Theoretical principles upon which teaching strategies are based and the principles of classroom management will be considered. Lesson and unit planning with standards alignment and assessment development are included.

EDUC3530: Teaching Art in Secondary Schools

Credits 3

An examination of pragmatic techniques and philosophical approaches necessary to design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive discipline-based art education program at the secondary school level. Additionally, both historical and contemporary art education issues are examined, discussed, and evaluated. Field experience: 20-40 hours. (See ARDE3530.)

EDUC3570: Teaching Mathematics in Secondary Schools

Credits 2

This course explores strategies for teaching math in secondary schools. A major focus of the class will be moving secondary students through enactive, iconic, and symbolic representation for concepts in the five major areas of math: algebra, functions, geometry, statistics/probability, and number/quantity. Other topics will include standards alignment, technology integration, and assessment. Field experience: 20-40 hours. (See MATH3570.)

EDUC3670: Teaching Psychology in Secondary Schools

Credits 2

Course topics include strategies appropriate to this subject field, instructional materials and tools, and curricular structure common to this subject in the secondary school. Includes opportunities for candidates to assist and teach for a minimum of 20 hours. (See PSYC3670.)

EDUC3750: Classroom Management in Secondary Schools

Credits 2
The focus of this course is on equipping future teachers with knowledge and skills for effectively managing a classroom. This course will present specific classroom strategies for managing secondary classroom behavior in proactive and positive ways. Topics include vision, organization, expectations, rules and consequences, motivation, preparation and launch, implementation, and proactive planning for chronic misbehavior.

EDUC3920: Foundations of Education

Credits 2
Exploration of the historical, philosophical, social, and legal foundations of the teaching profession. Purposes and challenges of education will be addressed in relationship to today's changing world.

EDUC3960: Field Experience

Credits 1
An additional 30-hour field experience consisting of classroom observation and participation in lesson preparation and classroom presentations. Candidate assignments will be based on previous experience and individual needs. This course should not be taken the same semester as enrollment in EDUC2960, EDUC3150, EDUC3250 or EDUC3260. May be repeated for credit.

EDUC4440: Elementary Internship I

Credits 3

Initial teaching experiences in full-day participation in an elementary classroom. Emphasis is on learning classroom routines, establishing classroom environment and rapport with students, and participating as a team member with a cooperating teacher and school staff. Fee: Additional fee required.

EDUC4450: Elementary Internship II

Credits 11

A continuation of full-day participation in an elementary classroom. Interns assume increased responsibility for standard-based instruction in all areas of the curriculum, including implementation of a content area unit of study. Interns experience immersion in all aspects of the elementary school setting, including instructional decision-making, accommodations for diverse learners, student assessment, classroom management, and professional development opportunities. The semester culminates with interns assuming full responsibility for the classroom. Weekly seminars are part of this experience. Fee: Additional fee required.

EDUC4460: Assessment and Intervention in Reading

Credits 3

An examination and application of evidence-based practices used for the assessment and intervention cycle to guide instruction in literacy. A 12-15-hour practicum is included in which candidates administer a battery of assessments, analyze data, diagnose the literacy needs of a struggling reader, set individual student goals, design and deliver a sequence of intervention lessons, and reassess for student learning. This course meets a portion of the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Act requirements of the Idaho Department of Education.

EDUC4540: Methods of Teaching Social Studies and Language Arts in the Elementary Classroom

Credits 4
An integrated study of teaching methodology which encompasses elementary school social studies and language arts. Candidates design instruction to meet curriculum standards, devise accommodations for students with diverse needs, and plan assessment procedures to monitor student progress. A focus on unit and lesson planning, classroom environment, instruction, and professionalism equips candidates for the student teaching experience. This course meets a portion of the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Act requirements of the Idaho Department of Education.

EDUC4550: Methods of Teaching Science and Mathematics in Elementary Classrooms

Credits 4

A study of teaching evidence-based methodology encompassing elementary school science and mathematics. Candidates design instruction to meet curriculum standards, devise accommodations for students with diverse needs, and plan assessment procedures to monitor student progress. A focus on unit and lesson planning for conceptual and procedural understanding, classroom environment, instruction, and professionalism equips candidates for the student teaching experience.

EDUC4590: Pedagogy of Writing in K-8 Schools

Credits 3

An examination and application of research-based methodologies for teaching the writing process. Candidates learn how to incorporate the writing process across all content areas. Focus is on creating authentic writing opportunities that encompass a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences. This course meets a portion of the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Act requirements of the Idaho Department of Education. 

EDUC4771: Philosophy of Christian Education

Credits 1
Introductory examination of the nature and function of belief structures and how these belief structures impact the way one teaches in Christian schools. This course will include consideration and development of one's worldview.

EDUC4810: Elementary School Start-Up

Credits 1
A fall field experience to acquaint the intern with practices for beginning the school year in an elementary school. Interns attend opening faculty meetings in the school and observe and assist the teacher during the first week of school. Materials and instructions for this course must be secured from the Director of Student Teaching three months prior to the opening of school.

EDUC4850: Secondary School Start-Up

Credits 1
Attendance at the opening faculty meetings, assisting in the preparation for opening of school and observing and assisting the teacher in a regular public school classroom situation during the first week of school. This work is to be done in the fall before student teaching. Materials and instructions for this course must be secured from the Director of Student Teaching three months prior to the opening of school.

EDUC4860: Student Teaching in the Middle/Junior High School

Credits 11

Directed observation, participation, and responsible teaching conducted under the supervision of a middle school/junior high school teacher and NNU supervisor. Weekly seminars are a part of this program. Candidates participating in fall student teaching should plan to report to their assigned school the first day that the teachers report. Candidates participating in spring student teaching will need to complete a "school startup" experience in the fall before their student teaching. If possible, this start-up experience should be with their cooperating teacher. Fee: Additional fee required.

EDUC4870: Student Teaching in the Senior High School

Credits 11

Directed observation, participation and responsible teaching conducted under the supervision of a senior high school teacher and NNU supervisor. Weekly seminars are a part of this program. Candidates participating in fall student teaching should plan to report to their assigned school the first day that the teachers report. Candidates participating in spring student teaching will need to complete a "school start-up" experience in the fall before their student teaching. If possible, this start-up experience should be with their cooperating teacher. Fee: Additional fee required.

EDUC4950: Seminar/Capstone

Credits 1
Weekly reflection and discussion about changes in thinking and professional practice resulting from growth in teaching competency as it intersects with growth in the four university outcomes.