ArgosyUniversity

COURSE SYLLABUS

E6901

Foundations of Education

Faculty Information

Faculty Name: Lynn Manning, Ed.D.

Campus:Chicago

Contact Information:(815) 478-4895 or (708) 755-7010 extension 1125

Office Hours:By appointment

Short Faculty Bio:Manning is the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in BloomTownshipHighSchool District 206 in Chicago Heights, IL. Her responsibilities include coordinating the academic program for the district, monitoring the development and implementation of the district improvement plan, facilitating all professional development, managing district accountability with the State Board, and supervising the hiring, certification, and appraisal of all personnel. She has been a high school principal, assistant principal, division coordinator and teacher of reading and English. Manning has been an adjunct professor in the Masters in Educational Leadership for Concordia University and Olivet Nazarene University, teaching courses in instructional leadership and supervision, the evaluation and change process, and has served as university supervisor of administrative interns. Manning is a long standing member of the Secondary Education Advisory Council for GovernorsStateUniversity. She earned a BS in Education from NorthernIllinoisUniversity, a MS in Education from PurdueUniversity and an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University.

Course description:

This course provides a general orientation to the roles of schools in society, as well as issues and topics related to student achievement, curriculum and instruction, the roles of teachers in schools and communities, teacher education and credentialing, and the process of becoming a teacher.In addition to course activities, presentations, and assignments, the student will complete fieldwork in a variety of classroom settings.

Course Pre-requisites:None

Required Textbook:

Orstein, A.C., Levine, D.U., Gutek, G., & Lawler, J.(2008).Foundations of education(10thed.).Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN:0618904123

American Psychological Association.(2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.).Washington, D.C.:Author.ISBN:1557987912

Supplemental Textbooks:

Armstrong, D.G., Henson, K., & Savage, T. (2004).Teaching today: An introduction to education(7th ed.).Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0131837826

Darling-Hammond, L., Bransford, J., LePage, P., Hammerness, K., & Duffy, H. (Eds.). (2005).Preparing teachers for a changing world: What teachers should learn and be able to do.San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.ISBN: 0787974641

Course length:7.5 Weeks

Contact Hours: 45 Hours

Credit Value: 3.0

Program Outcomes:

Course Objectives:

  1. Identify patterns of American education as they were developed in the beginning of education.(Program Outcomes for EL: 5.8; Program Outcomes for IL: 5.6; Program Outcomes for Adult Ed: 5)
  2. Summarize key early educators in the world and their contributions to education.(Program Outcomes for EL: 5.8; Program Outcomes for IL: 5.6;Program Outcomes for Adult Ed: 5)
  3. Detail the major accomplishments of early education.(Program Outcomes for EL: 5.8; Program Outcomes for IL: 5.6; Program Outcomes for Adult Ed: 5)
  4. Cite key issues in the development of 20th century American education.(Program Outcomes for EL: 5.8; Program Outcomes for IL: 5.6; Program Outcomes for Adult Ed: 5)
  5. Cite examples of some practices in today’s schools derived from European precedence and other cultures.(Program Outcomes for EL: 5.8; Program Outcomes for IL: 5.6; Program Outcomes for Adult Ed: 5)
  6. State the importance of philosophy for teachers.(Program Outcomes for EL: 3.1, 5.4; Program Outcomes for IL: 3.1, 5.3; Program Outcomes for Adult Ed: 3, 5)
  7. Identify contemporary and critical issues in education, curriculum, and instruction.(Program Outcomes for EL: 1.4, 3.1; Program Outcomes for IL: 3.1; Program Outcomes for Adult Ed: 1, 3)
  8. Assess the roles of teachers in schools and motives for choosing teaching as a career.(Program Outcomes for EL: 5.6, 8.6; Program Outcomes for IL: 5.5, 8.6; Program Outcomes for Adult Ed: 5, 8)
  9. Analyze the qualification and certification process for teachers.(Program Outcomes for EL: 3.1, 5.4; Program Outcomes for IL: 3.1, 5.2, 5.3; Program Outcomes for Adult Ed: 3, 5)
  10. Identify factors affecting student achievement and recognition of the student as an individual.(Program Outcomes for EL: 1.1; Program Outcomes for IL: 1.1; Program Outcomes for Adult Ed: 1)

Assignment Table:

Topics / Readings / Assignments
1 / Early American Education
  • The Colonial Period
  • Education in Independent America
  • Education at the Turn of the 20th Century
/ Orstein, Levine, Gutek, & Lawler
  • Chapter 5: Historical Development of American Education
/ Discussion Questions:
1.1. Research and discuss one of the following:
  • Similarities and differences between home schooling and one-room schools
  • The debate about evolution versus creation in the public school curriculum
  • The use of scientific management principles in public schools at the turn of the century (See Frederick Taylor)
1.2. Locate two articles relating to the history and/or philosophical development of education in America.Discuss how the events presented in the articles have impacted American education. What are your views on the criticism that American education has not always developed in ways that were advantageous to all learners?
1.3. As education moved into the 20th century, how did immigration affect the public school system? Discuss how parochial and private schools assisted in the education of the new immigrants.
Assignments:
1.1. Introduce yourself and provide a brief description of your profession and interests.The paper should include your name, profession, expectations from the course, and your career goals.
Also, include your comments on the following:
  • What are your views on today’s public schools?
  • Do you have prior experience as an educator?
  • Why are you taking this course and what relevance (if any) does it have on your present position?
  • What has been the impact of education on your own personality development?
  • How much would you credit a good education with the advancement of your professional career?
The paper should not exceed three pages and must be submitted as a Word document.It should be double-spaced and in 12pt font.
1.2. Group Activity
You met with your discussion group and looked at the historical progression of various educational events and how they shaped the American education system.
As you reflected on each timeline you might have noticed how these events provide an insight into various factors that influenced education in that period.
Develop a single statement that reveals your group’s understanding of the most significant philosophy that impacted evolution of American education over the different eras.
1.3. Course Project # 2:Case/Scenario Analysis: Contemporary Educational Issues Overview
The second and major project for this course will be an analysis of a major contemporary issue in education. This project requires you to work in a group.
Along with the members of the group to which you are assigned, you are expected to select any significant issue that American education is facing today. A few such issues are listed below. You could select any one of these or identify an issue on your own. Your group will write a scenario exemplifying the issue. The scenario may be based on your lived or observed experiences, or it may be developed as the result of synthesizing research pertaining to your issue. Share your group scenario with the members of the class. Next, from those scenarios, select one on which your group will conduct an analysis. Finally, your group will provide a PowerPoint Presentation summarizing your findings, outlining your group’s perspective, and indicating how this issue can be addressed and managed. Your presentation is due in Week 6.
Identify a Contemporary Educational Issue
Working with the members of your group, choose any contemporary issue that your group considers significant.Alternatively, you may choose any one of the issues listed below:
  1. Economic Impacts: Examples include, but are not limited to, vouchers and tuition tax credits, lottery funding, educational reparations.
  2. Politics and Policy: Examples – The school reform movement of the 1980s, NCLB, faith-based programs.
  3. Social and Cultural Issues: Examples – Transience, education of the homeless, bilingual education, multicultural education.
  4. Organizational Issues: Examples – Collaborative learning communities, the role of leadership, school change, small schools, charter schools.
Your paper is due in Week 3.
2 / American Education and Global Influences
  • The European Connection
  • The African Connection
  • The Asian Connection
/ Orstein, Levine, Gutek, & Lawler
  • Chapter 3: World Roots of American Education
  • Chapter 6: Philosophical Roots of Education
/ Discussion Questions:
2.1. Discuss the major influences of global culture on the contemporary American school. Give examples of these influences.
2.2. In your opinion, which European, African or Asian concepts have influenced American education? State and explain why you believe this and give examples of the influence.
2.3. Article Critique - Access the Online Library and link to the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database. Locate and read an article of interest to you.Then complete the Critical Reading Exercise below:
  • Review. Carefully read the full article.
  • Identify. Identify the major issue discussed in the article.
  • Analyze. What are article’s major claims or arguments?
  • Reflect. Briefly describe an example of the issue based on your lived or observed experiences.
  • Evaluate. Do you agree with the author’s position? Why or why not?
  • Apply. What are the implications of this issue for your future work in the profession?
Assignments:
2.1. Group Activity
You met with your discussion group and looked at the historical progression of various European, African, and Asian educational events and how they shaped the American education system.
As you reflected on each timeline, you might have noticed how these events provide an insight into various factors that influenced education in that period. Reassess the timeline with your group members and reflect on the most significant event.
Develop a single statement that reveals your group's understanding of the most significant philosophy that impacted evolution of American education over the different eras.
2.2. Field Experience
The field experience requires you to visit a school of your choice and analyze its salient features. Your observations will be presented in the form of a field experience report.
Prepare to visit a school or schools of your choice. Your field experience report should address the following aspects:
  • Describe the physical environment of the school.
  • Make a list of your observations in the classroom and cite salient features of the institution and describe your findings.
  • Analyze the effectiveness of these features in the context of the present status of the school.
  • What features do you think bring out the best in the school and which features, if any, do you consider detrimental to the future of the school?
  • Interview various education professionals of the school on their views of the physical environment, organization, and effectiveness of the school and prepare transcripts of the interviews.
  • Compare and contrast your findings of the views of the educational professionals you interviewed.
Your field experience report is due by Week 6.
3 / Contribution of Early Educators to Education
  • Leading Figures
/ Orstein, Levine, Gutek, & Lawler
  • Chapter 4: Pioneers of Modern Teaching
/ Discussion Questions:
3.1. Compared to Idealism, Pragmatism stresses utility and relevance over abstract ideology. Because of this, Pragmatism is often labeled as utilitarian in nature. A name associated with Pragmatism is John Dewey, whose ideologies are still present in American education today. Discuss this concept and give one example where it can be (or is being) applied in your classroom.
3.2. Select an early American educator who has had a significant impact on education. Discuss his or her philosophy on education and explain briefly why you believe it had an impact on education.
3.3. Article Critique - Access the online Library and link to the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database. Locate and read an article of interest to you.Then complete the Critical Reading Exercise below:
  • Review. Carefully read the full article.
  • Identify. Identify the major issue discussed in the article.
  • Analyze. What are article’s major claims or arguments?
  • Reflect. Briefly describe an example of the issue based on your lived or observed experiences.
  • Evaluate. Do you agree with the author’s position? Why? Or Why not?
  • Apply. What are the implications of this issue for your future work in the profession?
Assignments:
3.1. Course Project #1:Personal Philosophy of Education
Think about the major influences on your core values and beliefs about education. How have they shaped your perspective? As you begin to develop your personal philosophy of education, also reflect on how the following have impacted your core values and beliefs to some degree.
  • Culture
  • Religion
  • Family Values and Beliefs
  • Education
  • Political Preferences
  • Personal Experiences
Your project paper should be in Microsoft Word 2000 or higher. Follow APA 5th edition style. Your paper should be double-spaced and in 12pt font.
3.2. Course Project # 2: Identifying a Contemporary Educational Issue – Submission
You began working on identifying an educational issue within your group. This week you will discuss the problem further and draft a scenario exemplifying the selected issue.
Discuss the problem
What are the salient aspects of the issue you have selected? (Who, what, when, where, why, how?) Identify a central point of conflict. Collaborate with other team members and provide a description of the educational issue. What are your lived or observed experiences relative to the issue? Describe how you would resolve the issue. Discuss with the group.
Draft a Scenario Describing the Educational Issue
As a group, create a scenario that exemplifies the issue. Draft, critique, and finalize the scenario. Share your group scenario with your peers. The group leader is responsible for submitting the group work checklist to the facilitator this week.
Your project paper should be in Microsoft Word 2000 or higher. Follow APA 5th edition style. Your paper should be double-spaced and in 12pt font.
4 / American Education in the 20th Century
  • Early Education in America
  • Re-organization of K through 12
  • Policies and Integration of School System
/ Orstein, Levine, Gutek, & Lawler
  • Chapter 7: Governing and Administering Public Education
  • Chapter 15: International Education
/ Discussion Questions:
4.1. What are the educational implications (classroom and instructional issues) of gender, socioeconomic status, and societal ills? Write a critical commentary.
4.2. Research educational policies from the 1980’s to the present day. Develop a chart comparing and contrasting the various changes in policies.
4.3. The “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB) Act was considered by many to be a major reform program of American education. Discuss what you perceive as the advantages and disadvantages of the NCLB initiative. Provide a rationale for your viewpoint.
Assignment:
4.1. Course Project # 2:Analyzing the Issue
Select any contemporary issue that your group considers significant. Brainstorm with the members of your group to provide answers to the following questions:
  1. What are the salient points of the scenario you selected?
  2. Was the scenario realistic? How widespread is the issue? Explain.
  3. How has it impacted education overall?
  4. What factors are responsible for this issue?
  5. What theories, philosophies, or policies underlie the issue?
  6. What does current research say about your issue? (Each individual should research and cite at least 3 sources in response to this question.)
  7. Was the resolution provided in the scenario satisfactory? Why or why not?
  8. What are the future implications?
After discussing with your group, provide an in-depth analysis of the issue. The group analysis paper should include at least 3 sources from item 6.Your project paper should be in Microsoft Word 2000 or higher. Follow APA 5th edition style. Your paper should be double-spaced and in 12pt font.
5 / Impact of School on Society
  • Conflicting Views on the School’s Roles
  • Striking the Right Cultural Balance
  • Schools:The Center of Learning
  • The Sociological Impact of Schools
/ Orstein, Levine, Gutek, & Lawler
  • Chapter 10: Culture, Socialization, and Education
  • Chapter 11: Social Class, Race, and School Achievement
  • Chapter 12: Providing Equal Educational Opportunity
  • Chapter 16: School Effectiveness and Reform in the United States
/ Discussion Questions:
5.1. What is the correlation between critical pedagogy and multiculturalism? Compare and contrast.
5.2. Discuss whether enrollment is decreasing or increasing in your district. Analyze the effect of this increase or decrease on the local Board of Education, in areas such as hiring teachers, educational programs, and so forth? What is the current status of this situation in your local district?
5.3. Article Critique - Access the online Library and link to the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database. Locate and read an article of interest to you.Then complete the Critical Reading Exercise below:
  • Review. Carefully read the full article.
  • Identify. Identify the major issue discussed in the article.
  • Analyze. What are article’s major claims or arguments?
  • Reflect. Briefly describe an example of the issue based on your lived or observed experiences.
  • Evaluate. Do you agree with the author’s position? Why? Or Why not?
  • Apply. What are the implications of this issue for your future work in the profession?
Assignment:
5.1. Course Project #1:Beliefs on Student Learning and Knowledge
This week, you will add the next component to your educational philosophy. You are required to discuss your beliefs on student learning and knowledge.
First, discuss your basic beliefs concerning student learning. How do students learn best? How do students think? Is their thinking or learning influenced by development (maturation)? If so, to what degree? Why do you believe this? What support do you have for your position? What instructional techniques support your position (i.e., drill & practice, experiential learning, questioning, cooperative learning, and so forth.)?
Next, discuss your basic beliefs concerning knowledge. What do you feel is important for students to learn? The "basics" - self-concept, subject matter, thinking skills, survival skills, or learning how to learn, for example? Why do you believe this? What support do you have for your perspective?