SYLLABUS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

PRACTICUM

 

Term: Fall, 1999 (991) August 30 – December 11, 1999

Course Number: EDU 427

Instructor: Dr. Samuel Wright

Office: Room # 509

Office Phone: 219-473-4263

E-mail: swright@ccsj.edu

Home Phone: (optional)

Office Hours:

Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 4:00

Course Time: Arranged

Course Description:

This course challenges and engages teacher candidates to practice theories considered in Education 426 by engaging them in multiple field experiences in middle schools where they will observe and actively participate in the educational process with middle school students, teachers, administrators, and other middle school professionals.

Prerequisites:

EDU 300 or

Psychology 100

Statement of Plagiarism:

If an instructor or other Calumet College of St. Joseph personnel find that a student has plagiarized or been involved in another form of academic dishonesty, the instructor or other personnel may elect to bring the matter up for judicial review. The maximum penalty for any form of academic dishonesty is dismissal from the College. The procedures for judicial review are listed under the section of CCSJ handbook that addresses student grievances.

Calumet College of St. Joseph adheres to citation guidelines as written in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fourth Edition. A copy is available from the Calumet College of St. Joseph bookstore. This text outlines how to cite references from a variety of sources, including electronic media.

Withdrawal from Classes Policy:

After the last day for class changes has passed (see College calendar), students may withdraw from a course in which they are registered with permission from the faculty member conducting the course. A written request detailing the reason(s) for the withdrawal must be filed with the Registrar. Written request for withdrawal must be received by the Registrar by the last day of classes prior to the final examination dates specified in the catalogue. Written requests may be mailed to the Registrar or faxed to the College fax number 219-473-4259. Students are to make note of the refund schedule when withdrawing from courses. The request is forwarded to the faculty member, who makes the final determination to accept or deny the request. If the request is honored, the student will receive notification of official withdrawal; if denied, the notification will indicate why the withdrawal is disallowed. Note: Degree Completion Division (DCD) students should consult the DCD Student Handbook for information on DCD withdrawals.

An official withdrawal is recorded as a "W" grade on the student's transcript. Dropping a course without written permission automatically incurs an "F" grade for the course (see Refund Schedule).

Class Policy on Attendance:

Teacher candidates are expected to be present and on time for all classes. You cannot "make-up" missed classes, so please make arrangements to be present.

 

Course Objectives:

  1. Teacher candidates will study and understand the intellectual development of middle school students.
  2. Teacher candidates will familiarize themselves with the social and emotional development of middle school students.
  3. Teacher candidates will can an understanding of the middle school concept.
  4. Teacher candidates will become knowledgeable about the middle school curriculum.
  5. Teacher candidates will learn about being an advisor for middle school students.

 

Assessment:

Each student will be graded using the following percentages:

60% Assignments

30% Class Participation

10% Class Attendance/Punctuality

Grading Scale:

A 100 – 90%

B 89 – 80%

C 79 – 70%

D 69 – 60%

F 59 – 0%

 

Format for Written Assignments:

Please use the standards outlined in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 4th Edition, Washington, 1994. This publication is available in the bookstore and the library.

 

Class Assignments:

A number of assignments will be made during the course. It will be your task to do assignments in a professional manner. Each assignment will be graded on content, style, reflection, and a demonstrated understanding, application, or evaluation of the material.

Each paper should include the following format:

  1. An introduction; (1 paragraph to 1 page);
  2. A discussion of the assigned topic. The assigned topic should be researched and supported with relevant articles or excerpts. Each student should come to class prepared to discuss the ideas and opinions of the various authors. (3 to 5 pages);
  3. A reflection on the paper that concludes with a position or stance on the topic of the paper. (1 to 2 pages);
  4. A bibliography. (1 page).

 

Field Experiences:

Each student is required to complete 30 hours of field experiences at a middle school. This experience in the field must be verified and recorded on the field experience verification form. This form is to be turned in to Dr. Wright at the conclusion of the field experiences by the student. Field experiences that are acceptable include observations, helping teachers, working with students, or interviewing teachers, administrators, or students concerning selected topics. A paper is required at the end of the field experiences that includes the following items:

  1. An introduction that describes the school. The introduction should include the name, size, location, and other relevant economic/sociological information about the school;
  2. A description of the students, building, teachers, and curriculum;
  3. Your reflections on the middle school visited. Your reflections should include your conclusions and evaluation of the field experiences.

The paper should be five to eight pages in length. It is expected that references from class and research from your papers will be used in the field experience paper.