This course will examine the areas of brain research, differentiation, and multiple intelligence. Overviews of each topic will be discussed with in-depth reading/discussion for participants that are not yet familiar with these topics. This course will explore how teachers can incorporate new research into already developed lesson plans. This allows teachers to feel that new information or ideas can fit into curriculum already in place, without feeling the need to add just one more thing to an already packed agenda. This course will allow participants to overtly plan for quality instruction using the latest educational research without feeling the need to omit current curricula.

This course is designed to give teachers the opportunity to explore other cultures in order to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity within our classrooms. This course will examine multicultural literature, parental involvement, lesson planning, and hands-on experiences. This course will also examine cultural definitions and history along with belief and value systems. It will provide participants the opportunity to focus on making adjustments in curriculum and instruction in order to challenge all learners.

Assessment, learning style, motivation, active participation, cooperative learning, brain research, multiple intelligences. This course will help educators put isolated pieces of information together in order to create conditions for learning. We will connect strategies with recent brain research and connect that to the principles of lesson design. The ultimate outcome will be increased student learning.

Development of a knowledge base and the skills necessary to help students become high quality self-assessors. Strategies to move from inspectorship management to student self-management will be developed. Principles of Control Theory will be introduced to assist students in taking more effective control of their lives.

The relationships between the teacher and her/his students, between students and their work, and between the students themselves have a direct effect on the amount of learning that takes place. This class focuses on teaching effective problem-solving strategies using the Choice Theory communication model. This model helps students take more responsibility and ownership over their learning and behavior. It also helps them to be more successful in all the areas of their lives.

Effective preventive and corrective strategies are examined in the context of developing a classroom management style that promotes the growth of responsible behavior within the learning environment. The outcomes of reward and punishment management will be thoroughly analyzed and replaced with a non-coercive style.

Participants will examine their own values, beliefs, ethics, and character to learn to lead with integrity, as they develop the skill of inspiring others to learn more, to do more, and to become more. Cultural sensitivity and awareness of the implications of varying experiences and ethnicities will be discussed. Cultivating a mind-set that supports servant leadership, social justice, and working for the common good will be integral components of this course.

Participants will examine instructional practices that are proven to have the greatest impact on student learning and achievement. Participants will learn skills and strategies associated with seeking and engaging in non-evaluative, reflective communication with colleges. Techniques essential to fostering a culture that embraces learning, innovation, trust, and partnership will be examined.

Internet-based course. May be repeated for credit.

This course includes a study of the role of the supervising teacher in the student teaching program. Attention will be given to the development of understandings and skills essential in working effectively with student teachers and in improvement of instruction.