This course will give you opportunities to gain practical knowledge about teaching and learning in Primary and Junior classrooms. You and your colleagues will explore instructional techniques and curriculum resources, and begin to build a collection of effective classroom ideas. You will also investigate issues of planning and assessment in the context of the Ontario P/J curriculum. The assignments involve some messy work and demand creative problem solving. Such is the world of the P/J teacher. The main objective of the course is that you develop confidence and proficiency in organizing and managing a rich learning environment for P/J students. Another goal is that you experience the value of professional exchange and ongoing professional research.
Classes will be held every second Wednesday morning from 9 am to noon, usually in Room 2-214 at OISE/UT, 252 Bloor St. W. On alternate Wednesdays, you will be required to spend at least 3 hours in your host school, where you will do field research relating to topics from the classes and your individual assignments. Classes will involve lectures, demonstrations, and reflection on field research, as well as analyses of readings, video, resource documents and lessons. A special feature of each class will be presentations by you and your colleagues of effective classroom practices that you have discovered through your research.
Schedule |
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Classes | Field Research at Host School |
Sept. 16
and 30 Oct. 14 Nov. 18 Dec. 2 Jan. 6 and 20 Feb. 3 and 17 Apr. 7 and 21 |
Sept. 23 Oct. 7 Nov. 25 Dec. 9 Jan. 13 and 27 Feb. 10 Apr. 14 |
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The P/J Student: | Development and Implications; Classroom Design; Routines |
Early Literacy | Organization, Resources, and Assessment (K-Gr.3) |
Planning |
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Later Literacy | Organization, Resources, and Assessment (Gr.4-6) |
Physical Education, Social Studies | Sharing of Professional Resource Kits |
Perfomance Assessment | Rubrics, Portfolios, plus a topic chosen by the class |
Course Requirements | |||||||||
Participation/Professionalism | Participation includes attendance, punctuality, involvement, and sensitivity to working with others. These are professional norms that will be expected of you as a teacher. | ||||||||
In-Class Assignments | For every class, you
will be expected to provide 1-3 items from the following:
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Out-of-Class Assignments | Professional
Resource Kit In a binder, you will compile a collection of entries relating to the P/J teaching experience. Note that some of this work may be done with a partner. Your kit will be submitted for sharing and evaluation in December, 1998 and April, 1999. We will discuss the exact dates in class. The binder should include the following: Personal Collection - This is a personal collection of powerful, practical ideas (tips) for each of these eight areas:
This is an ongoing assignment. Your kit can include suggestions from colleagues displays and demonstrations in class, as well as ideas from your personal research (practicums, professional reading, etc.). Sources for tips should be noted (both the original sources and the people who brought them to your attention). Use annotated drawings or other methods of recording where appropriate. Be selective. You are trying to build a high-quality collection that you can use in your future teaching. Note: by December, you need 10 or more entries for each area; by April, you need at least 20. Research Articles and Professional Materials - This is a compilation relating to P/J curriculum, learning, and teaching. It should include a personal bibliography of professional journal articles and professional development books that youve read. It may also include copies of texts that you feel are particularly significant: copies of journal articles, as well as newspaper clippings, book reviews, or in-service handouts. Include materials from all subject areas. Review of a Resource Document - Find one resource document (either in the OISE/UT library or your school). List 5 things most helpful in it. What did you learn about the topic? This is a one-page report. (Due: December 98) Interview with a P/J Teacher - You are encouraged to do this assignment with a partner. List the questions you asked. Give a brief summary of the interview and reflection of what you learned from the process. This is a 1-2 page report. Note: Your interview should not be intrusive. Try to determine the teachers philosophy of education, not necessarily practical tips. (Due: December 98) September Strategies - List 3 activities you could use in September to build community in the classroom Ideal Floor Plan - You are encouraged to do this assignment with a partner. State the grade and location within the school. Design the floor plan. Label materials, furniture, fixtures, etc. (Due: December 98) Leading Author - Choose a current book on any P/J issue, e.g., Family Math, Family Literacy, Activity-Based Programs, Early Identification, Reading Recovery, Balanced Literacy, Balanced Math, etc. Provide an analysis: What did you learn? What was your reaction to the argument? What questions did it raise for you? How has it changed/affirmed your views of teaching P/J? This is a one-page report.(Due: April 99) Outstanding Idea for Each Subject - You are encouraged to do this assignment with a partner. Describe one outstanding idea for each curriculum area. What is it and why is it valuable? This report should be a maximum of 3 pages. (Due: April 99) Bulletin Board - You are encouraged to do this assignment with a partner. Decorate one bulletin board in your classroom. Photograph it. Briefly describe how and why you created this board. What does it relate to? (Due: April 99) |
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Your
colleagues and I will assess your binder following the December and April sharing
sessions. Your binder will be assessed according to the following characteristics and
qualities:
This is a Pass/Fail course. |
Required Text
Toronto District School Board (Scarborough) (1997). Teaching children to read and write JK-6: a literary guide for teachers. Available for purchase in class.
Reference Material
Ontario Ministry of Education (1997-98). The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1 to 8 (various subject documents). These will be distributed in class.
Projects in Our Hearne Room
An ongoing assignment for everyone in the P/J section will be to maintain 8 display centres relating to curriculum and instructional practices (7 displays at OISE; 1 at Hearne) and 3 display centres/projects that mostly relate to classroom procedures and affective tone (at Hearne). Each centre/project is the responsibility of a group of 5-6 students in the P/J section until the next P/J class (i.e., every 1-2 weeks).
The display centres relating to Hearne are:
Childrens Art Gallery
Our Neighbours at Hearne
Update Board
Housekeeping