EDWN604 Content Methods for Elementary and Middle School (3 cr.)

This course is designed to equip elementary and middle school candidates with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective teaching in diverse classroom settings. Focused on best practices in reading and writing instruction and content methods across language arts, math, science, and social studies, this course integrates research based instructional strategies to address standards in the core content areas. This course explores components of the reading development process including the teaching of phonics and state requirements under Act 20. Students will utilize state standards and effective teaching strategies to develop an integrated curriculum unit that aligns with state standards in each subject area while fostering interdisciplinary connections and promoting meaningful learning experiences for students.

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

1. Utilize reading assessment techniques to diagnose reading strengths and areas for improvement and recommend appropriate instructional strategies and interventions. (WTS #1 – Pupil Development)
2. Describe the reading development process and employ strategies to teach related skills including phonics skills. (WTS #4 - Content Knowledge)
3. Develop a meaningful and innovative lesson plan that addresses a learning goal, content standards, lesson objectives, knowledge of students to inform teaching, instructional activities that include research-based strategies, vocabulary/ academic language, and assessment. (WTS #5 - Application of Content)
4. Effectively use and adapt instructional techniques based on knowledge of the subject matter as well as the individual to address diverse learning and behavioral needs. (WTS # 8 – Instructional Strategies)
5. Examine the state standards and describe the progression of central concepts from kindergarten through grade 9. (WTS #4 - Content Knowledge)