Graduate Education Courses (EDU)
EDU 0500. Orientation to Schools (0).This course is designed to be the formal vehicle to disseminate school information for student teachers and / or practicums and for the background check required by all teacher licensure candidates prior to undertaking practicum or student teaching in schools or other educational settings. All candidates must enroll in this course once per calendar year for the duration of their licensure program.
The course fee covers the background check. ($20.00)
EDU 5001. Early Childhood Education Methods Block (15).This course combines all the methods for Pre-K -4 licensure into one block. The methods covered in this block include: Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences and Early Childhood Methods. The block is school-based and requires full-time attendance Monday to Friday. Pre-requisites: All professional core courses, 5010, 5110, 5500 and 5800, plus the required practica.
EDU 5002. Middle School Methods Block (15).This course combines all the methods for 5-8 licensure into one block. The methods covered in this block include: Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences and Middle School Methods. The block is school-based and requires full-time attendance Monday to Friday. Pre-requisites: All professional core courses, 5010,5110,5230 and 5800, plus the required practica.
EDU 5010. Contemporary Issues in Education (3). Contemporary issues in education will be examined against a backdrop of historical and philosophical issues addressed in American education. This is required of all Master of Education students.
EDU 5020. Literacy I (3). This course focuses upon theories and methods of literacy instruction from pre-kindergarten through grade 8. The effective components of effective classroom reading programs are emphasized. Attention is given to research- based strategies and assessments. Practicum required.
EDU 5030. Literacy II (3). This class extends the theory, research, and methods of Literacy 1 with attention given to reading in the content areas, writing, and special needs in pre-kindergarten through grade 8. Practicum is required.
EDU 5040. Literature for Children and Adolescents (3). This course is a survey of classic and contemporary children's and adolescent literature. Various methods for using these books in the classroom are covered.
EDU 5050. Educational Research (3). This course provides an introduction to the practice of both quantitative and qualitative inquiry in the study of educational problems. The course will cover issues and strategies involved in identifying a research question; planning and designing a study to answer that question; and analyzing, interpreting and presenting the results in a manner that contributes to the knowledge and practice in education. Students will become familiar with software available for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The major emphasis of the course is the writing of a research proposal, including the review of the literature.
EDU 5110. Advanced Educational Psychology (3-4). This course addresses those issues which arise in the development of children and youth in the context of education. It includes learning theories, human growth and development, motivation, classroom management and discipline, testing and evaluation. The course has a practicum component.
EDU 5120. Educational Tests and Measurements (3). A study of educational measuring devices including test construction and standardization, as well as test data interpretation and application. Students will also examine the research about test development and the relationship between testing and student achievement.
EDU 5130. Classroom Organization and Management (3). Both quantitative and qualitative research will be studied to better understand theories of effective classroom organization and management. Based on research findings and reflective inquiry, the students will refine/design their own comprehensive, proactive system of classroom organization and management.
EDU 5150. Technology for Education (3). Prerequisite: Basic computer course within the past 3 years or permission of the instructor. Using current technological knowledge and equipment, students will understand the role and use of technology for instructional purposes.
EDU 5200. Performance Review (3). Prerequisite: Educational Research or Performance Appraisal. This course is usually taken in the last two semesters of a candidate's work on the Master of Education degree. Students' will demonstrate competencies identified in consultation with their mentoring committee through comprehensive exams and thesis or project.
EDU 5201. Performance Review Continuation (1).This a one credit hour course required to maintain enrollment at Belmont while the candidate completes the Performance Review / thesis. Enrollment in EDU 5201 is required each semester beyond the original term the student enrolled in EDU 5200. Students may enroll in the EDU5201 a maximum of four semesters (two years). Earned credit hours from 5201 do not count toward graduation hours.
EDU 5210. Reflective Teaching (3). This reflective or inquiry-oriented course looks at the complicated activity of teaching and the conceptual schemata teachers must acquire. Emphasis is placed on developing teaching habits that are consciously informed actions.
EDU 5220. Methods for Secondary Teaching (3). This course examines strategies, techniques, materials, and principles for effective classroom instruction. Students are required to demonstrate competency in these areas in school-based settings.
EDU 5230. Human Development and Education (4). This course examines development from various theoretical perspectives and at stages relevant to all levels of formal education. A major focus is on the educational implications that flow from each developmental perspective. Students will also examine the research relevant to the issues in human development. The course has a practicum component.
EDU 5250 Practicum in Reading (3).This practicum is a semester-long course and includes application and implementation of assessment and correction strategies with K-12 students. Candidates will collect and organize formal and informal assessment results for struggling readers, and develop specific plans to ensure language arts growth. A sixty-clock hour clinical experience with two struggling readers (one Prek-4, one middle or high school) is required.
EDU 5270. Literacy Across the Secondary Curriculum (3).Students will gain techniques in developing reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking through any subject area of the secondary school. Particular attention will be paid to diagnosis and further development of reading strategies, reading for meaning in subject area literature, and writing for subject area audiences. The course is required for all secondary (7-12 and 9-12) licensure students. The course is cross-listed with EDU 4423.
EDU 5350. Methods and Materials for Early Childhood Education (3). A study of the basic needs and characteristics of young children and an exploration of the current practices in curriculum and methodology will be made. Field experience is required. This course is required for Early Childhood Education, Prek-3 licensure.
EDU 5380. Physical Education in the Elementary School (3). This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of the pedagogical knowledge and teaching techniques required for an effective elementary physical education program. This course will provide practical guidelines for curriculum development, lessons plans, and assessment strategies in Elementary Physical Education. Developmentally appropriate physical education content and the movement framework serve as a basis for the curricular content of this course.
EDU 5390. Physical Education in the Secondary School (3). This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of the pedagogical knowledge and teaching techniques required for an effective secondary physical education program. Instruction in choice of materials, class management, lesson planning, and teaching techniques.
EDU 5400. Instructional Programs in Early Childhood Education (3). This course examines various theories, philosophies, and research projects and their antecedents and how these affect current practice in Early Childhood Education.
EDU 5410/ 5411/ 5412/ 5413. Student Teaching in Early Childhood/Elementary/ Middle/Secondary (8). This laboratory course gives the student teacher experience in the school setting and an opportunity to observe and use appropriate classroom procedures under the direct supervision of an experienced teacher. This course requires satisfactory presentation of a professional portfolio and includes a seminar which meets weekly. This course does not count toward the M.Ed. degree requirements and is offered only for those seeking licensure. ($325.00 course fee)
EDU 5420. Practicum (3). This course is a set of activities to be completed by students prior to, during, and after visits to a number of schools and/or educational sites. The course supplements academic work and practicum undertaken as part of licensure courses.
EDU 5432. Teaching Social Studies (3). This course examines the strategies, techniques, materials and principles for teaching social studies in the middle school. Special emphasis is given the selection of content and development of activities to engage the learners in the issues and processes of social studies.
EDU 5440. Graduate Teaching Seminar (4). Co requisite with Student Teaching. Seminar in teaching designed to help students be better prepared for their enhanced student teaching experience.
EDU 5490. Mentoring: ALternative Licensure Program (1-3).Throughout this course, the Belmont Mentor will work with the candidate in their school to assist them with all aspects of teaching in their classroom and adapting to a school setting. The mentor process includes a two-hour seminar conducted four times per semester. Note: Candidates are required to enroll in a mentoring course for each semester they are on an alternative license. First year requires two (2) credit hours per semester with one (1) credit hour per semester in the second or subsequent years. Credit hours from this mentoring course do not count toward the MAT degree. This course is taught as an audit (AU) grade only.
EDU 5510/ 5511/ 5512/ 5513. Internship (6). An alternative to student teaching for one semester, the full academic year internship allows the student to experience the role of the teacher under the supervision of Belmont faculty, classroom mentors, and the school principal. The internship year coincides with the probationary year of teaching. Must be taken both fall and spring semesters. ($325.00 course fee)
EDU 5500. Child Development (4). This course examines child development from various theoretical perspectives and makes application to children in early childhood settings. The course has a practicum component.
EDU 5700. Middle School Perspectives (3). This course emphasizes the growth and development of children in grades 5-8. It looks at appropriate curriculum and instruction for this age group as well as the methodology for teaching to meet the needs of this group. Special attention will be given to the research on middle schools and the development of research questions appropriate to this age of schooling.
EDU 5800. Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners in the Classroom (3-4). Overview of exceptionalities; introduction to pedagogical, curricular, and social considerations involved in educating diverse learners in the classroom. The course has a practicum component.
EDU 5990. Special Topics (1-3). Selected Topics in Education.
Internship Program
EDU 5450. Master of Arts in Teaching BLOCK 1 (6). This block will introduce full-time Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) candidates to the issues and practicalities of teaching. Modules in this block will include: Issues in Education, Introduction to Curriculum, Technology, Special Education and Educational Psychology.
EDU 5460. Master of Arts in Teaching BLOCK 2 (6). This block will introduce and/or extend knowledge, skills and dispositions of full-time Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) candidates to the issues and practicalities of teaching. Modules in this block will include: Issues in Education, Introduction to Curriculum, Methods of Teaching related to licensure, Technology, Special Education, Classroom Organization and Management, and Educational Psychology.
EDU 5470. Master of Arts in Teaching BLOCK 3 (9). This block will introduce and/or extend knowledge, skills and dispositions of full-time Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) candidates to the issues and practicalities of teaching. Modules in this block will include: Issues in Education, Introduction to Curriculum, Methods of Teaching related to licensure, Technology, Special Education, Classroom Organization and Management, and Educational Psychology. This block includes a semester of Internship in a classroom setting. (This course was formerly 15 credits. Now the course combines the 9 hours with 6 hours of Internship).
EDU 5480. Master of Arts in Teaching BLOCK 4 (9).This block will extend knowledge, skills and dispositions of full-time Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) candidates to the issues and practicalities of teaching. As well as being involved in a full semester of teaching, academic comodules in this block will include: Issues in Education, Methods of Teaching related to licensure, Technology, Special Education, Child/Human Development, Classroom Organization and Management, and Educational Psychology, and where appropriate, curriculum related to specific licensure area. This block includes a semester of Internship in a classroom setting. (This course was formerly 15 credits. Now the course combines the 9 hours with 6 hours of Internship).
Special Education
Also see the MASE course description page for descriptions of EDU 5620 - EDU 5692 and 5735.
EDU 5300. Introduction to the Gifted (3). Covers the identification of the characteristics of the gifted, their place in the school system, historical concerns, modern trends and prospects.
EDU 5310. Methods of Teaching the Gifted (3). This course offers methodology and materials for the teaching of the gifted.
EDU 5320. Curriculum and Instruction for the Gifted (3). This course will cover the kinds of course content such as creativity, discovery learning, and critical thinking skills which can be used with the gifted as well as different educational models.
EDU 5730. Remedial Reading for Students with Mild Disabilities (K-6) (3). Designed to develop competencies required for reading instruction specific to the needs of individuals with mild disabilities in the elementary grades. Prerequisite: EDU 5640.
EDU 5740. Early Childhood Special Education (3). Screening, assessment, curriculum, and evaluation for infants/toddlers with disabilities. Includes strategies for working with parents and an overview of service delivery models .Prerequisite : EDU 5640
Montessori Education
EDU 5056. Research in Education (3). To examine various approaches to research in education. Students develop a basis for evaluating and understanding research in the field and familiarize themselves with literature in Montessori and in related fields. Action research is explored as an aid to decision making within the classroom.
EDU 5626. Foundations of Montessori Education (3). To provide an in-depth examination of Montessori philosophy and methodology. Particular emphasis is placed on Montessori's views of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth of children from birth to six years. Historical and biographical perspectives are also presented.
EDU 5636. Integrating Self and Community (3). To show by lecture and demonstration a group of activities known in Montessori education as the practical life exercises. These re designed to enable independent functioning, grace and courtesy in social situations, and self-esteem among children of three to six years of age. They also meet the child's need for concentration, coordination, and order.
EDU 5646. Sensory Exploration (3). To show by lecture and demonstration a group of activities known in Montessori education as sensory exercises. They are designed to help the child explore the world with detail and accurate classification, knowledge, and imagination. The elements of critical thinking and problem solving are also explored.
EDU 5656. Literacy Curriculum and Instruction (3).To provide information and pedagogy about the development of spoken and written language in areas of daily life, story telling, composition, literature, social studies, science, music, and art. The functional aspects of grammer, syntax, and reading analysis are also presented.
EDU 5666 Math and Science Curriculum and Instruction (3). To show by lecture and demonstration the exercises of mathematics including sensorial foundations for counting, arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and fractions. Biological and physical science experiences appropriate for young children are also included.
EDU 5676 Cultural Subjects (3). To focus on Art, Music, Geography, and Social Studies as a way to experience and explore culture. Philosophy, rationale, and appropriate exercises are presented with each subject.
EDU 5086 Child, Society, and the World (3). To provide a course in child development that explores various theories for the exploration and understanding of the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual development of the young child. Aspects of educational psychology such as learning theories, motivation, classroom management, and assessment are also discussed. Family involvement and community partnerships are also addressed.
EDU 5696 Methods of Observation (3). To provide techniques and experiences for observing all aspects of a classroom setting such as individual children, materials, arrangement of furniture, architectural and aesthetic elements, color and light, lessons, the teacher, and the class as a whole. Opportunities to learn and practice these concepts and skills are provided.
EDU 5716 Montessori Internship (3). To provide the student with a supervised teaching / learning experience and a period of observation, internalization, and further study to bring together the theory and practice of Montessori education. This takes place over tow consecutive semesters for five days a week, four hours a day in approved internship sites. This is practicum for the first semester. There is a fee of $325 attached to the course.
EDU 5726 Montessori Internship (3). To provide the student with a supervised teaching / learning experience and a period of observation, internalization, and further study to bring together the theory and practice of Montessori education. This takes place over tow consecutive semesters for five days a week, four hours a day in approved internship sites. This is practicum for the second semester. There is a fee of $325 attached to the course.