Quote of the week:

Tell me and I will forget,
Show me and I will learn,
Involve me and I will understand
Teton Lakota (Indian saying)

Search This Blog

EDMS 544 Social Studies


California State University San Marcos
School of Education

EDMS 544
** SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS **
Spring 2012

Cohort                        CRN                Meeting Day              Location                                 Time
                                   
Bonsall                       21575              Wednesday                Bonsall Elementary              8:30 – 3:00


Instructor:  Laura M. Wendling
Office Hours: by appt.
Office Location:  UNIV 307
Phone:  (760) 750-4308
Email:  wendling@csusm.edu

************************************************************************************
Children are the messages we will send to a time we will never see… Neil Postman
************************************************************************************

Course Prerequisite
Admission to the Multiple Subject/CLAD Teacher Credential Program.

Course Description
This course will introduce prospective elementary school teachers to the theoretical concepts, instructional methods and materials used in social studies education and curriculum integration.  Research indicates that when teachers use a variety of teaching methods that are integrated into the content of the course, learners become more effectively engaged in learning.  Therefore, the broad emphasis of this course will focus on issues of planning, organization and assessment that involve the learner in higher-level thinking through cognitive and affective involvement.  A secondary focus will be on the effective infusion of the arts (dance, music, fine arts, and drama) into the curriculum.

Purpose
Social studies is perhaps the most important part of the school curriculum because it not only brings together basic tools (such as the 3 Rs) but it utilizes them authentically.  In the social studies we wrestle with crucial questions:  What kind of society do we want to have?  What is a "good citizen"?  What is fair?  How can we create better ways of living together?  Our role as educators is to help students develop responsible and thoughtful ways of thinking, believing and acting. 

As your instructor, I am committed to modeling reflective and transparent teaching in order to assist you in successfully achieving the goals of this course.

Course Goals
As a result of this course, you will be able to:
1)  apply the California History/Social Science and Visual & Performing Arts Frameworks (Standards), and related documents to the classroom experience;
2)  understand the value of incorporating primary source materials, the arts and visual literacy, and oral history methods into social studies instruction;
3)  become aware of the multitude of community resources available to teachers and the ways in which these resources can be used to strengthen the social studies program;
4)  design lessons / units that are grade level and developmentally appropriate, that utilize primary source materials, that infuse the arts as well as a multicultural/lingual perspective, and that address the needs of diverse learners;
5)  design curricula that reflect a variety of instructional strategies and that develop children's higher-level thinking skills through active participation;
(6) more deeply appreciate the social sciences, history and the arts as essential fields of study.

Required Texts:

Lee, John.  (2008).  Visualizing Elementary Social Studies Methods
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  ISBN: 978-0-471-72066-9

CSDE.  (2005).  History-Social Science Framework (for California Public Schools K-12).

CSDE.  (2004)  Visual and Performing Arts Framework (for California Public Schools K-12)
            Sacramento, CA.  Access online at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/cf/documents/vpaframewrk.pdf

Additional readings and handouts provided by the instructor will be required.

Professionalism – Dispositions:

Because this course is part of an accredited program that leads to professional certification, students are expected to demonstrate behavior consistent with a professional career.  Lack of professionalism in any of the following areas will alter the final grade: 

1.  Attend all class meetings.  If you miss a class session, please notify the instructor in writing (email) as soon as possible. Absences do not change assignment due dates.  See the Attendance Policy – page 7 -  for this course.

2.   Arrive on time just as you would at a school site.  Late arrivals to and early departures from class will result in a drop of the final grade.

3.  Prepare carefully for class.  Be ready to discuss readings and assignments thoughtfully.  All voices are valued in our classroom community.  Please be sure we get to hear your thoughts on the topics we cover.  This is important for your professionalism grade.

4.  Complete assignments on time.  Late assignments will receive a 20% reduction in points for each day late.  Occasionally a student may be asked to revise an assignment.  If so, the revised work must be submitted no later than one week after it was returned and may not be eligible for full credit.  Absences do not change assignment due dates. If you are absent when an assignment is due, you may submit the work via email (except for Social Studies in You!) so that it is not counted late. I will confirm receipt of emailed assignments.

5.  Interact professionally and collaborate responsibly with your colleagues and professor.  Teacher education is a professional preparation program and students will be expected to adhere to standards of dependability, academic honesty and writing achievement.  In short, please do your part to promote a healthy, happy, productive social environment.

Also, you are welcome to use a computer in class.  However, it is expected that you will use the technology for class related activity.  Save checking emails or other personal use for time outside of class.  This goes for cell phones as well.  Lack of respect in this regard will impact your professionalism grade.
PARTICIPATION, COLLABORATION AND PROFESSIONALISM

Students will engage in active learning each class session, and will be expected

to actively participate, collaborate, and demonstrate professionalism at all times.

·       Do you participate in class discussions productively, sharing your knowledge and understandings?
·       Do you interact productively with your peers, taking on a variety of roles (leader, follower, etc.)?
·       Do you contribute appropriately to group work—do you “do your share”?
·       Are you able to accept others’ opinions?    Are you supportive of others’ ideas?
·       Do you support your peers during their presentations?
·       Can you monitor and adjust your participation to allow for others’ ideas to be heard?
·       Do you show a positive attitude and disposition towards teaching all students?
·       Do you exhibit professional behavior at all times and display a “can do” attitude?

 

Rubric for PCP: Participation, Collaboration and Professionalism



Excellent 

Acceptable

Unacceptable

 

Attitude

Always displays a positive attitude.  May offer constructive criticism and include alternatives that show initiative.
Displays a positive attitude.  May offer constructive criticism and include alternatives that show initiative.
Seldom has a positive attitude.  Often is critical.  Does not offer alternative solutions to criticism.

Participation

Attends every class, always on time and well prepared, and  never leaves early.  Gives closest attention to class activities and speakers.
Attends every class, on time and prepared, and never leaves early.  Gives most attention to class activities and speakers.
Is not always ready when class time begins.  Doesn’t give full attention in class; sometimes talks when others are speaking.

Professionalism

Consistently behaves, talks and works in a professional manner, regardless of task/topic.
Most of the time, behaves, talks and works in a professional manner, regardless of task/topic.
Seldom behaves, talks, and works in a professional manner, regardless of task/topic.

Collaboration

Consistently listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others.  Tries to keep people working well together.
Most of the time listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others, but sometimes is not a good team member.
Rarely listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others.  Is not always a good team player.

Contributions

Consistently provides useful ideas; always stays focused on the task.  Exhibits a lot of effort and valuable contributions.
Most of the time provides useful ideas and stays focused. A satisfactory group member who does what is required.
Rarely provides useful ideas; not always focused.  Reluctant to participate.  Lets others take charge.

Disposition toward teaching

Consistently demonstrates concern in learning to teach all children.  Always demonstrates strong commitment toward developing (a) an understanding of children, (b) teaching strategies, and (c) knowledge of the CA Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP), Teacher Performance Expectations (TPE), and CA Content Standards.
Most of the time demonstrates concern in learning to teach all children.  Often demonstrates commitment toward developing (a) an understanding of children, (b) teaching strategies, and (c) knowledge of the CSTP’s, TPE’s, and CA Content Standards.
Rarely shows concern in learning to teach all children.  Rarely demonstrates commitment toward developing (a) an understanding of children, (b) teaching strategies, and (c) knowledge of the CSTP’s, TPE’s, and CA Content Standards.

Leadership

Shows strength through leadership in class activities; other students respect you as a leader.
Effectively participates and contributes, but rarely shows leadership qualities.
Does not show leadership in any area of class.




STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Teacher Performance Expectation (TPE) Competencies


The course objectives, assignments, and assessments have been aligned with the CTC standards for the Multiple Subject Credential.  This course is designed to help teachers seeking a California teaching credential to develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to assist schools and district in implementing effective programs for all students.  The successful candidate will be able to merge theory and practice in order to realize a comprehensive and extensive educational program for all students.

This course supports TPE 1A History/Social Science as well as TPE 11 The Social Environment.


California Teacher Performance Assessment (CalTPA)


Beginning July 1, 2008 all California credential candidates must successfully complete a state-approved system of teacher performance assessment (TPA), to be embedded in the credential program of preparation.  At CSUSM this assessment system is called the CalTPA or the TPA for short.

To assist your successful completion of the TPA a series of informational seminars are offered over the course of the program.  TPA related questions and logistical concerns are to be addressed during the seminars.  Your attendance to TPA seminars will greatly contribute to your success on the assessment.

Additionally, SOE classes use common pedagogical language, lesson plans (lesson designs), and unit plans (unit designs) in order to support and ensure your success on the TPA and more importantly in your credential program.

The CalTPA Candidate Handbook, TPA seminar schedule, and other TPA support materials can be found on the SOE website provided at the website provided: http://www.csusm.edu/coe/CalTPA/ProgramMaterialsTPA.html



ASSIGNMENTS


The Anticipated Schedule + detailed instructions for some course assignments will be handed out in class.

Ø Reading Response Journals                                                                                   30 points

The assigned readings provide an important foundation for your increasing understanding of how to effectively teach social studies and infuse the arts.  To aid you in remembering the readings, and assist you with meaningful class participation, you are asked to respond to each reading assignment by coming to class with a typed one page response.  Response journals will be collected at each class session and will only receive full points if completed by the date indicated in the schedule.  Please structure each entry with: 
(1) your name and nicknumber,
(2) reading identification (Chapter 8, for example),
(3) key points from the reading, include page # (bulleted list, single-spaced, 12-font),
(4) a paragraph following that connects the reading to your perspectives/experience (double-spaced),
(5) one question the reading prompts you to ask.

You will permitted one “free pass” that can be used in place of one journal (with the exception of the jigsawed chapters: 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14).  Three points will be deducted for each missing journal.

Ø  Finding the Social Studies in You!                                                                                     1 bonus point!

Have you ever tried to explain who you are through six social studies disciplines?  For this (required) assignment you will reintroduce yourself to our class by creating a self model that physically illustrates aspects of you through the social studies disciplines.  You may use photographs, drawings, cut-outs, objects, your imagination, etc.  This activity models a way to verbally and visually engage your students -- and will demonstrate your understanding of the disciplines.  Aim to present for 5 minutes. 


The following three assignments will link together to support a social studies unit plan centered on a Big Idea for your selected grade level (K-6)

NOTE:  Full assignment guidelines can be found on Cougar Courses.

Ø Literature Connection – Lesson Design… a partner assignment                             20 points

A wealth of children’s literature exists that strongly supports the state standards for teaching social studies.  For this assignment you and your partner/s will select one book appropriate for the grade level unit you are developing.  You will then dramatically present your book and explain how it can be used to advance children’s thinking about key social studies concepts and the arts.  You will create a handout for your colleagues and design a lesson that incorporates your book.


Ø Community Resource / Field Trip Project… a partner assignment                         20 points

In this assignment you and your Literature Connection partner/s will explore and share information about a field trip site in San Diego County.  By designing a variety of pre, during, and post-trip lessons, as well as higher level thinking questions and assessments, you will be able to plan an educational (rather than purely recreational) field trip. 





Ø  Oral History Project … an individual assignment                                                  20 points

Collecting oral histories is an exciting way to help children understand that “history” is found all around us and is being continually created. In this project, you will conduct an oral history interview of a person about a topic that relates to your social studies unit. 

To support your interview and demonstrate the power of visual literacy, you will bring to class on the designated day a primary source object (artifact, document, photographs, etc.) of significance to the person/topic of the interview.  We will then create a “classroom museum”.

Ø Mock Interview                                                                                                      10 points

Imagine you are at a job interview and were just asked: “How will you teach social studies in your classroom?”  Knowing how to teach and structure learning in social studies, and then being able to express your understanding, can be two different abilities.  In order to help you eloquently articulate the knowledge you gained through this course (and thereby increase your chances of getting hired!), as well as enhance your educational philosophy statement, you will participate in a mock interview during our last class. 



ASSIGNMENT                                                POINTS
Professionalism/Reading Journals                     30
Social Studies in You!                                       1 bonus point
Literature Connection – Lesson Design             20
Community Field Trip                                       20
Oral History Project                                           20
Mock Interview                                                 10


TOTAL:                                                           100 points

Grading Scale:
Grades will be determined by the total number of points earned (100 points possible): 

A =   94-100         B+ = 88-90           B- =  81-84            C =   74-77            D = 60-70             
A– = 91-93           B =   85–87           C+ = 78-80           C- =  71-73            F = 0-59

Remember!  You must maintain a B average (3.0 GPA) in your teacher education courses to receive a teaching credential from the State of California.

Exemplary “A” Students (you!)
1. Demonstrate serious commitment to their learning, making full use of the learning opportunities available and searching out the implications of their learning for future use.
2. Complete all assignments thoroughly, thoughtfully and timely.
3. Make insightful connections between assignments and their developing overall understanding of social studies concepts; continually question and examine assumptions in a genuine spirit of inquiry.
4. Show high level achievement of course goals.
5.  Display a “can do” attitude, give 100%, and work to help others learn too.




California State University San Marcos
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Mission Statement

The mission of the College (now School) of Education Community is to collaboratively transform public education by preparing thoughtful educators and advancing professional practices. We are committed to diversity, educational equity, and social justice, exemplified through reflective teaching, life-long learning, innovative research, and ongoing service.  Our practices demonstrate a commitment to student centered education, diversity, collaboration, professionalism, and shared governance.       (Adopted 11/1997)


Attendance Policy
Due to the dynamic and interactive nature of courses in the School of Education, all students are expected to attend all classes and participate actively. At a minimum, students must attend more than 80% of class time, or s/he may not receive a passing grade for the course at the discretion of the instructor. Individual instructors may adopt more stringent attendance requirements. Should the student have extenuating circumstances, s/he should contact the instructor as soon as possible.           (Approved:  12/19/97)

For this class, if you are absent one day, your highest grade will be a B. For a partial day’s absence, your highest grade will be an A-.  If you are absent more than one day your highest possible grade is a C, which means you will not receive a passing grade for this course.  Students will be offered a make up assignment for an absence that can be used, if successfully completed, to improve the final grade.


University Writing Requirement
A writing requirement of 2500 words is required in all CSUSM courses.  You will achieve a significant writing experience in EDMS 544 through the following assignments: weekly reading journal responses, literature connection, field trip project, oral history project, and various in-class writing prompts.


Students with Disabilities Requiring Reasonable Accommodations
Students must be approved for services by providing appropriate and recent documentation to the Office of Disabled Student Services (DSS) in Craven Hall 4300 and can be contacted by phone at (760) 750-4905 or TTY (760) 750-4909.  Eligible students may contact the instructor during office hours or in a more private setting in order to ensure confidentiality. 


Authorization to Teach English Learners
This credential program has been specifically designed to prepare teachers for the diversity of languages often encountered in California public school classrooms.  The authorization to teach English learners is met through the infusion of content and experiences within the credential program, as well as additional coursework.  Students successfully completing this program receive a credential with authorization to teach English learners.  (Approved by CCTC in SB 2042 Program Standards, August 02)


CSUSM Academic Honesty Policy
“Students will be expected to adhere to standards of academic honesty and integrity, as outlined in the Student academic Honesty Policy.  All written work and oral assignments much be original work.  All ideas/materials that are borrowed from other sources much have appropriate references to the original sources.  Any quoted material should give credit to the source and be punctuated with quotation marks. 

Students are responsible for honest completion of their work including examinations.  There will be no tolerance for infractions.  If you believe there has been an infraction by someone in the class, please bring it to the instructor’s attention.  The instructor reserves the right to discipline any student for academic dishonesty in accordance with the general rules and regulations of the university.  Disciplinary action may include the lowering of grades and/or the assignment of a failing grade for an exam, assignment, or the class as a whole.”

Incidents of Academic Dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Students.  Sanctions at the University level may include suspension or expulsion from the University.

Plagiarism:
As an educator, it is expected that each student will do his/her own work, and contribute equally to group projects and processes.  Plagiarism or cheating is unacceptable under any circumstances.  If you are in doubt about whether your work is paraphrased or plagiarized see the Plagiarism Prevention for Students website http://library.csusm.edu/plagiarism/index.html.  If there are questions about academic honesty, please consult the University catalog.



No comments:

Post a Comment