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Summer 2008 Fitchburg State College and MEC Course Descriptions Courses:
| AMERICAN ROOTS: ART AND MUSIC OF THE HEARTLAND |
| 3 credits |
PDEV 6681 |
| This course stirs the melting pot of American culture to allow its core ingredients - folkart and music - to surface. Participants explore, through primary sources, oral/auraltradition, and hands-on crafting, the road that colonists, pioneers, and slaves traveled in search of their American dream. Teachers of art, music, science, social studies, literature or elementary classrooms benefit from this study of American cultural heritage. Art and/or music skills are not a prerequisite. |
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- 84 Brick Kiln Rd, Chelmsford
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| ATYPICAL CHILD WITHIN THE REGULAR EDUCATION CLASSROOM *NEW* |
| 3 credits |
PDMT 6000 level |
| This course will explore ways of meeting the needs of the challenging child in the classroom. Participants will discuss various disorders from the DSM-IV which are commonly present in the public school setting. An overview of disgnostic procedures and instruments will be offered. The main focus will be on exploring strategies for meeting the needs of students with diverse needs within the public school setting. |
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| CLASSROOM TECHNIQUES AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT |
| 3 credits |
EDUC 6052 |
This course will focus on the proactive procedure a teacher can utilize in order to secure and maintain a positive learning environment. Utilizing audio/visual material,small group discussions and a practical case-study approach, our emphasis will be ondeveloping strategies which maximize the development of self-discipline on the partof each student. Expected learning outcomes will include an enhancement of one’s: 1) ability to develop a classroom management plan, 2) ability to implement positive reinforcement and consequences in matters of student behavior, 3) strategies for developing effective partnerships with parents and peers; and, 4) conflict management skills.
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| COLLEGIAL SUPERVISION |
| 3 credits |
EDLM 9020 |
The nature and function of supervision as it relates to both the teacher and the supervisor are studied. Also presented is a contemporary view of the concept of supervision from both a theoretical and practical perspective. The role of the “supervisor” is discussed as it has evolved from the traditional model to the instructional leadership model - a model that embraces collegiality and professional development. Included are strategies and processes related to a variety of supervisory models, e.g.,: clinical supervision, mentoring, differentiated supervision, cooperative development, and self-directed development. Emphasis is on studying ways in which the planning, organization, and evaluation of instruction may be effectively improved through the cooperative participation of school personnel.
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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- July 14 - July 18
- August 4 - August 8
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- 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
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*Please note dates and times (must attend both weeks)
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| COMPUTERS AND WRITING |
| 3 credits |
ETEC8600 |
| This course provides teachers and administrators, at all levels, and in all subject areas, with strategies for developing and implementing a computer-assisted process writing program in their classrooms and schools. Participants examine the process of writing (generating ideas, drafting, responding, revisiting, editing, and publishing) and are introduced to ways of using the computer to facilitate writing growth at each stage. Working with current writing software programs, editing tools, and desktop publishing packages, participants devise a computer-assisted writing program for their own classrooms and schools. Previous computer experience is not required. |
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- PC Lab, 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| CONSTRUCTION AND THE USE OF READING GAMES |
| 3 credits |
EDUC 7008 |
| Participants are involved in developing and assessing learning games used for reading instruction. Many methods and materials are presented, shared, and discussed by the instructor. Reading games are made by course participants to meet their individual needs in the classroom. Flexibility and adaptability of games will be emphasized in a variety of learning situations. This course is applicable to grades K-12. |
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- 84 Brick Kiln Rd, Chelmsford
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| THE CONTEMPORARY EDUCATIONAL LEADER |
| 3 credits |
EDLM 9600 |
| This course explores the significant issues and relevant research affecting individual and systemic educational leadership. Candidates will actively investigate such topics of contemporary concern as diversity, reform movements, the profession of teaching, the power of leadership, creative curricula, innovative learning environments, the promise and potential of new educational technologies, equity in funding, and financial megatrends. The course will provide administrators and staff developers with new insights into the key ideas and critical components of proactive leadership. |
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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- July 7, 8, 9, 31, August 1
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*Please note dates
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| CONTENT INSTRUCTION IN A STANDARDS-BASED CLASSROOM |
| 3 credits |
EDUC 7029 |
The purpose of this course is to provide the participants with the knowledge, skills and understanding to provide instruction in content in a standards-based learning environment. Participants will conduct a brief review of literature of the essential
concepts and skills of a content area(s), design an environment conducive to content learning, align learning experiences with the Massachusetts Frameworks and National Standards, and develop lessons to engage students with the diverse learning abilities in achieving high learning standards. They will also develop appropriate assessment strategies to align with goals of this program. This is a practical and comprehensive course designed to assist the teacher in designing a standards-based classroom. Emphasis will be focused on the Massachusetts State Frameworks. In accordance with our goal, NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND, particular emphasis will be placed on Math and Language Arts. However, the course will cover other content areas to include: Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language and Special Education. Classroom and content area
teachers K-12, special educators, and administrators are invited to participate in this institute. Practical, hands-on materials will be developed and shared. Lessons will be aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks. Assessment will also be an integral part of lesson development and classroom management in order to help meet educational goals as they apply to achievement in MCAS. |
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- PC Lab, 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| COOPERATIVE LEARNING STRUCTURES & STRATEGIES IN THE CONTENT AREA |
| 3 credits |
EDUC 7022 |
This is a comprehensive course in Cooperative Learning which is designed to provide an in-depth look at a variety of instructional practices and strategies appropriate for effective teaching and learning in the inclusionary and heterogeneous classroom. Theoretical study of Johnson & Johnson, Kagan, Slavin, Kohn, Aaronson and Lanzoni will be included in this course. This course is open to regular and special education teachers as well as administrators. Learning objectives are pertinent for all disciplines including: Math, L.A., Social Studies, Science, Special Education, ESL, Foreign Languages, and Unified Arts. Class projects will align with the requirements of State and National Standards. Participants will research, investigate, and develop strategies according to the above mentioned criteria. This will all result in meaningful products
which can be used to improve current classroom instruction. |
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| CREATING EDUCATIONAL WEBSITES |
| 3 credits |
ETEC 8700 |
| Learn how to create an effective and attractive educational website for students and your community. This course will focus on creating web pages with Web authoring tools. Using these tools, you will be able to publish to the World Wide Web without having to do any programming. Upon completing this course, you will have your own website on the Internet. Prior to enrolling, you should have general experience with the Internet and specifically the World Wide Web. |
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- PC Lab, 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| CREATING VISUAL MEDIA TO IMPROVE INSTRUCTION "MOVIE MAKING FOR EDUCATORS" |
| 3 credits |
PDMT 6017 |
This course will offer students an introduction to movie making on desktop video production. Using state-of-the art editing software (Final Cut Pro HD) desktop editing software, students will focus clearly on defining message content, intent and their target audience. Students will complete projects including, pre-production, storyboarding, production logo, and planning sequence. They will also learn the fundamentals of non linear editing, camera composition, rule of third, and interpersonal communication. Students will shoot on a digital camcorder with mini-DV video format. Students are
required to purchase one mini-DV tape. |
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- Westford Academy, Westford, Room 206*
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*Please note location and times
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| CURRICULUM AND TECHNOLOGY |
| 3 credits |
SEED 8250, BIOL 8250, ENGL8250, ESCI 8250, HIST 8250, SCED 8250 |
This course looks at integration of educational technology in the classroom, and its relationship to learning theories. MAC and IBM computer hardware, and interfaces for classroom inquiry including video and microscope cameras, digital image capture, scanners, and computer projection panels are examined. Students learn similarities between standard software programs available for writing, computation, and data analysis. It includes a survey of software for studies, ranging from Encyclopedias on CD-ROM to programs that are specific to the study of various topics in science, art literature, math, and, language. The class explores the use of the Internet as a classroom resource, the hardware and software necessary to get online, search engines, browsers, URLs, online journals, education web sites, online interest groups, and how to design a web page.
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- PC Lab, 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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*Please note dates and times no classes on Saturday or Sunday
**Blackboard Hybrid Course (FSC credit only), $15 Blackboard user fee
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| DEVELOPING INTERDISCIPLINARY MATH LEARNING CENTERS |
| 3 credits |
EDUC 7006 |
| This course explores a variety of instructional strategies and materials inherent in developing and implementing multi-level, multi-media Math Learning Centers. These centers are applicable to a variety of learning styles and methodologies. We will focus on integration and interdisciplinary criteria as they apply to Math and a variety of curriculum areas. NCTM standards will be discussed. Participants will develop and construct an Interdisciplinary Math Learning Center to be used in their own classrooms. Techniques for effectively incorporating cooperative learning into the implementation of these centers will be presented and explored. We will review how to provide reinforcement for MCAS skills with the use of Learning Centers. Scheduling, testing, assessment and evaluation techniques will be an integral part of the focus of this very practical, exciting K-12 course. |
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- 84 Brick Kiln Rd., Chelmsford
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| DEVELOPING MATH MATERIALS FOR CLASSROOM USE |
| 3 credits |
EDUC 7007 |
| This course involves the construction and use of varied math materials used for instruction in K-12 classrooms. Displays of multi-level, multi-media materials emphasize hands-on methods of instruction. Scheduling and evaluative techniques are also discussed. Please bring index cards, stickers, text and scissors to class. |
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| DIFFERENTIATING CONTENT INSTRUCTION IN INCLUSIVE CLASSROOMS |
| 3 credits |
SPED 8011 |
This course will delineate instructional and managerial strategies that can be used in classrooms to address the individual learning needs, strengths, and styles of all students. Emphasis will be placed on best practices that maximize student learning
within the regular classroom. The most current and promising practices, as well as relevant research, will be presented. Areas of specific study will include special education, second language learners, learning style and brain research, gifted and
talented, technology and rubric design. The varied learning environments, content, processes and product for the course strive to reflect the best practices in differentiated instruction. |
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| DYNAMICS OF PLANNED CHANGE |
| 3 credits |
EDLM 9100 |
A study of planned change, essentially aimed at education, which includes review and analysis of sociological and psychological factors inherent in the change process. Such topics as organizational behavior, intervention theory, inter-group relations, and management techniques, among others, are reviewed. The course schedule includes a series of multi-hour sessions mixing lecture, simulation, problem-solving and discussion of the four major components of the course: Organizations; Planned Change; Strategic Planning; and Managing Change. All topics are considered in the light of the overall objective of changing/improving schools with an eye toward improving the education of children and, consequently,
improving their lives. |
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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*Please note dates, no classes on Saturday or Sunday
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| EDUCATIONAL GAMES: A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO LEARNING MATERIALS |
| 3 credits |
EDUC 6139 |
| Both students and teachers enjoy educational games to infuse and reinforce educational strategies such as critical thinking, cooperative learning and outcome assessment. Whole class games - Jeopardy, Concentration, Wheel of Fortune, Bingo, Tic-Tac-Toe, and Smart Toss - will be featured. Hands-on sessions will give participants an opportunity to construct these games for any discipline. Games integrate Framework content and foster thinking skills. Pre-K-12. |
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| EDUCATOURS: ON-SITE EXPLORATION - RESOURCES FOR GENERATING WRITING |
| 3 credits |
PDEV 6273 |
This course will offer participants the opportunity to visit historic sites and museums in order to gather creative ideas for constructing frameworks-oriented curriculum for all subjects and grade levels. A particular advantage of this class is that it will give teachers a working knowledge of each site with the assistance of the educational director in charge of school programs. Each day’s itinerary will generate lessons that call for inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and skillful writing. Our visits include the MIT Museum, the Longfellow House and its Brattle Street neighborhood including the Mt. Auburn Cemetery; Walden Pond with Thoreau impersonator and scholar, Richard Smith; Orchard House, The old Manse, and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery; the Fruitlands Museums; the Peabody-Essex Museum, the Stephen Phillips House; the Salem
Customs House and the Friendship Cargo Ship. |
- Joanne Byrnes/Risa Dubin/Mary May
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*Please note location
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| FROM READING TO WRITING |
| 3 credits |
PDEV 6877 |
This course paves the way for a writing workout tailored for students from grades 4-10. Each segment begins with a reading from multicultural literature chosen both for its appeal and also for its designation as a model of excellence in writing. These selections, each exemplifying a particular writing technique, engage the reader and then provide scaffolding for the development of solid writing skills and activities generated by the standards of the DOE, the NCTE, and the IRA. Students climb from the introductory level of word choice, sensory imagery, and figurative language to mid-level writing of
paragraphs polished by sentence variety and supported by textural references. These lessons also lead the writer around obstacles to paragraph focus, organization, unity, and coherence. Ultimately, the reader-writer advances to mulitparagraph papers that contain a thesis statement, well-chosen support, and an effective conclusion. Teachers who take this course will leave prepared to help their students face the “Writing on Demand” assignments presented in high-stakes testing. They will also have a portfolio of self-created lessons for works they use in their classrooms. Participants must bring to class one novel and/or three short stories that are part of their curriculums. |
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*Please note location
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| HUMAN RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION |
| 3 credits |
EDLM 8010 |
This course focuses on establishing the rationale and organizational structure that supports effective human resource administration. Among the topics included in this course are staff selection, teacher induction, teacher tenure, promotion and dismissal, salary scheduling, policy making, relations with professional and nonprofessional personnel, and employee welfare. Emphasis is placed on the interpersonal dynamics of the educational enterprise as it relates to human resource management. Additionally, there is an exploration of issues involving, affirmative action and concerns about the under representation of minorities in teaching and administration.
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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- *July 10, 11. August 28, 29, 30
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*Please note special scheduling
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| INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO THE MATH CURRICULUM K-12 |
| 3 credits |
PDEV 6258 |
| Integrating technology into the math curriculum is designed for elementary, middle and high school classroom teachers, lead teachers and curriculum coordinators who want to develop practical and useful integrated lessons and units for their own use or to share with others. This hands on course will develop strategies for teachers to evaluate mathematics software and internet sites and use the best pieces to develop integrated math units for their classroom. Units will be developed in coordination with the Massachusetts State Frameworks for Mathematics and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Principles and Standards for School Mathematics 2000. Participants will share an integrated project that they design and will implement in their own classroom or school setting. Basic computer knowledge is suggested. |
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- *Florence Sawyer School, Bolton, Room 202
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*Please note location and times
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| INTEGRATING WEB 2.0 TOOLS IN THE CLASSROOM |
| 3 credits |
PDMT 6100 |
The internet is changing. The “new” internet is referred to as Web 2.0 or the Read/Write Web. There are now a multitude of web-based tools available that can allow people, to write online documents, and share information with others through social
software like blogs and wikis and use video to support teaching. These tools can positively impact teaching and learning and the implications are significant. This course is designed to provide teachers with an overview of new internet technology tools (Web 2.0 tools, including Blogs, Podcasting, Wikis, RSS Skype, YouTube, TeacherTube, and more). This course will support differentiated instruction models of learning and can be applied to all grade levels and content areas (language arts, social studies, science, math, world language, music, special education, library/study skills, etc). |
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- *Nashoba Regional High School, Bolton, Room 222
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*Please note location
Special scheduling - Hybrid class (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at Nashoba and Wednesday and Friday online.
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| INTEGRATION OF HANDMADE BOOKS ACROSS ALL CONTENT AREAS K-12 |
| 3 credits |
PDMT 6027 |
| This course looks at the integration of handmade books in the classroom and its relationship to learning theories. Hands-on sessions will give participants an opportunity to construct these books for any discipline or grade level. In addition, participants will obtain an insiders view of the children’s book publishing process. Handcrafted books integrate Framework content and foster critical thinking skills. Participants should have resources for their own content areas on hand in order to produce usable book prototypes |
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- 84 Brick Kiln Rd., Chelmsford
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| LEARNING AND THE BRAIN |
| 3 credits |
PDEV 6643 |
| This course is designed for teachers, principals, and administrators for the purpose of focusing on new knowledge and understanding of how the brain functions in order to improve schooling and learning. The latest information and findings in cognitive neuroscience will be explored for participants to gain insights that will transform thinking about instruction, curriculum, and school environments. |
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| LEGAL ISSUES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS |
| 3 credits |
EXSS 6000 |
| In the areas of physical education and athletics, the words negligence, liability, and discrimination are legal terms we should be familiar with and understand. Today, litigation is abound in our society. There is an ongoing need to be educated in the areas of school-related safety and civil rights. This course will provide vital insights into the legal responsibility associated with physical education and athletics. Administrators, educators and coaches must be proactive to protect the well-being and individual rights of all students/athletes. Current school issues, policies and practices in the areas of physical education and athletics will be researched and discussed. |
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| LITERACY IN ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION* |
| 3 credits |
EDUC 8400 |
This specialized course in literacy education examines research and literature related to literacy development. Specific attention is focused on language development, reading/writing process, and on literature-based instruction. Classroom strategies and curriculum adaptations that enhance the learning and motivation of diverse learners, including those which integrate the Fine Arts, are presented, implemented, and appraised.
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| MATH PERSPECTIVES: ASSESSING MATH CONCEPTS |
| 3 credits |
PDMT 6044 |
| Math Perspectives: Assessing Math Concepts is an in-depth study of how children learn number concepts. Participants spend the week immersed in looking at children’s thinking and learning in order to identify students’ instructional needs. Participants will learn to use “Assessing Math Concepts,” developed by Kathy Richardson. Their experiences will allow them to use the assessments in classrooms and enable them to assist others in their use. |
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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COST $650 - includes refreshments and lunch
Additional cost of $250 for FSC credit
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| MEDIEVAL IMMERSION |
| 3 credits |
PDEV 6529 |
Travel back in time in this interdisciplinary history and art course. Increase your knowledge of medieval lifestyles, individuals, inventions, architecture and legends. Examine and interpret historians’ changing opinions about this period including the “medieval industrial revolution” and opportunities for women. Attention to frameworks topics. Practice hands-on activities applicable to the classroom: sing, dance, feast, create a “medieval” play, make coats-of-arms, illuminated manuscripts, simple costumes, and more. Develop and share curriculum units and write/present your
medieval “autobiography”. Adaptable to K-12 classrooms. |
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| MEMOIR: ITS ROLE IN THE HUMANITIES, GRADES 5-12 |
| 3 credits |
PDMT 6000 level |
| Memoir peoples the cultures of the world and periods of history, bringing alive the voices and experiences of time and place. While the well-crafted memoir uses many of the tools of prose fiction, including setting, characterization, dialogue, point of view and voice, the ethical author is judicious, keeping authentic the remembered incidents and conversations selected in the memoir. This course will examine the ethics and role of memoir in the humanities curriculum, generating activities and units of study consistent with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and relevant to each teacher’s grade and humanities discipline. To this end, please bring a pertinent memoir of your choice to the first class. |
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| METHODOLOGIES IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS |
| 3 credits |
PDMT 6000 level |
This course is designed to explore strategies used to establish, strengthen and weaken target behaviors using the methodologies found in the science of applied behavior analysis. Topics such as generalization, maintenance, curriculum modification, errorless teaching, antecedent control procedures, shaping and chaining procedures, differential reinforcement procedures and punishment procedures will be studied, along with the use of discrete trial training.
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| PLAY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: THEORY, RESEARCH, PRACTICE |
| 3 credits |
EDUC 7190 |
This course is designed for early childhood educators and students of early childhood education who are interested in investigating play, the most important means that young children have in growing cognitively, socially, emotionally, physically, linguistically and kinesthetically. Theories of play, methods to enhance development through play and effective approaches to support young children’s play, as well as materials and resources, are explored.
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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| POSITIVE STUDENT MANAGEMENT **NEW** |
| 3 credits |
PDMT 6000 level |
| This course is based on the proactive steps that a teacher can take to effectively communicate and develop appropriate classroom management strategies for students. We will focus on the need for teachers to assertively communicate to students the expectations that he/she has for the class and to reinforce group and individual requirements with specific rewards and consequences. As a result of our course participants will be better able to: (1) proactively establish positive rapport with students; (2) conference with parents; (3) develop, in conjunction with students a classroom management plan; (4) focus on positive student progress; (5) help students determine their own self-discipline awareness; and, (6) consider skills in other areas of conflict (in life) to show relevancy. |
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- 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
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