MED615 Becoming a Community of Learners (4 cr.)

In this first semester, learners engage in social emotional learning experiences to learn how self-awareness influences learning, teaching, and interactions with others.  Learners engage in reflection of current beliefs and practices to develop a vision of personal and professional growth as an educator.  Learners gain an appreciation of what it means to be a member of a learning community by experiencing learning with, from, and for others. This learning, together in association with one another deepens appreciation of the diverse perspectives that are a part of a learning community model.  Study and application of research based practices that span the duration of the program begin in exploration of concepts and the impact of classroom environment on learning.

Upon completion of the course, learners are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Use the results of various self-awareness assessments to reflect on individual strengths and weaknesses.
2. Identify personal beliefs about teaching and learning.
3. Apply the five competencies of social-emotional learning to their own learning.
4. Describe the impact on learning in a community of learners.
5. Articulate the importance of an intentional approach to design.
6. Describe the role of association (learning with, for, and from others)  in teaching and learning and apply it to practice.