EDF201

Educational Foundations 1

Provides knowledge, understanding, and skill from the study of the key foundational elements of the American educational system: historical development, philosophical assumptions, learning theory, school governance, and societal/cultural implications. Analyzes the interrelatedness of these elements and the influences each has on education. Prerequisites: Sophomore status or permission of the instructor. Completion of ENG 101 and a G.P.A. of 2.0 or higher.

Course Learning Outcomes:

1. Trace the historical roots and development of American education, with a particular emphasis on issues of social justice and diversity
2. Identify and describe the impact of the major educational philosophies and related theories on the aims of education and the development of curricula
3. Differentiate the major learning theories based upon their respective principles of teaching and learning (role of the teacher, instructional strategies, etc.) and their influence on current educational practices
4. Develop a philosophy of education based upon the evaluation of the origins of one’s own philosophical orientation with an emphasis on the impact of beliefs upon the teaching and learning process.
5. Analyze the socio-historical context in which society and culture shape current educational practice with an emphasis on social justice (gender/race/class/special education/sexuality/ religion/ability, etc.)
6. Discuss the relationships between the main political, economic, and legal foundations by which schools are governed and the impact on the teaching profession
7. Analyze contemporary issues and future trends in education, including an ability to present opposing arguments (technology, school vouchers; teacher evaluation, standardized testing, etc.)
8. Share experiences, views, and values regarding the pursuit of a career in education including such things as professionalism, ethics, the role of the teacher, and teaching as a profession
9. Write an APA formatted research paper based upon the integration of a minimum of two current research articles related to the field of education (according to specified criteria)
10. Evaluate the current status of teaching as a profession including personal short and long-term requirements for degree completion, transfer and certification and participation in a minimum of two professional development activities
11. Construct a professional teaching portfolio that contains, at least, a current resume, philosophy of education, evidence of professional development, applied service learning, and at least one artifact of the student’s best work.

Effective Term: Fall 2020

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