Ed (Education) 2101/2111
Foundations and Issues in Education/Tutor-Aide Practicum (96747/96748)
(1.0 cr/1.0 cr) Gwen Rudney

Education 2101 is a prerequisite for admission into both the Elementary and Secondary Teacher Education Programs at University of Minnesota, Morris. Education 2101 must be taken concurrently with Education 2111, Tutor-Aide Practicum, which is also a prerequisite for admission to theTeacher Education Program (see below). Two sections of Ed 2111 will be scheduled (with a maximum of 10 students in each section):

Students must contact the Education Department to receive a permission number and placement instructions. Students are encouraged to enroll early.

Ed 2101. Foundations and Issues in Education (1.0 cr; coreq Ed 2111 required)
In the course, students study the history, philosophy, and purposes of American Education. Professional issues, trends, opportunities and requirements are also topics of discussion.

Course Information
The students will:

• Confront current US educational issues.
• Reflect on teaching as a career based on tutoring, observing, reading, and discussing.
• Observe, analyze, and reflect on classroom life from a new perspective. ( Minnesota Standards 3, 9, 10).
• Explore the historical, social, and philosophical influences on curricular and educational issues (Minnesota Standards 3, 9, 10)
• Assess own characteristics and qualities in terms of knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for becoming an effective teacher of children and adolescents (Minnesota Standards 1-10)

Course Requirements

1. Self Assessments
Pre-Assessment (An in-class assignment completed during the first class session.)
In a well-developed essay of 500-750 words, describe and analyze your attitude toward your own education, your perceptions of teaching, your attitudes towards students, and other reactions that provide insight to your current perspective.

Post-Assessment
In a well-developed essay of 1000-1500 words, answer the following:

• describe the attitude toward and understandings of teaching and learning that you hold at the end of the course,
• assess the changes in your attitudes and perceptions between the pre-and post-assessments,
• describe the effects of the readings and discussions on your attitudes and perceptions,
• analyze your tutor-aide experience in “the big picture” by thoughtfully reflecting on your learning.

2. Student Presentation and Participation
Student Presentation
Alone or with partner, lead the class in an activity that will assess their background information, discuss central issues to the assigned chapter, and prepare them to read the course textbook. Prepare a study guide for your chapter and have copies available for the other students in your section. PowerPoint handouts work well.

Participation
Be prepared for class and participate fully in all activities. Attendance is required and will affect final grade.

Professional Web Page
Prepare a professional web page. The page must include opening greeting and statement, education, employment, service, awards and honors, and sample work. You are encouraged to consider using Efolio (www.efoliominnesota.com) to design your page. If you are adept at preparing web pages, you are free to explore any design.

3. Final Examination
Multiple choice/short answer exam will be based on assigned readings.

Ed 2111. Tutor-Aide Practicum (1.0 cr;coreq Ed 2101 required; S-N only)
Students complete 30 hours of preprofessional field experience in schools.

Course Information
This course includes 30 hours of observation and tutor-aide experience in elementary and secondary classrooms. This course is a co-requirement with Ed 2101 and is a prerequisite to consideration for admittance to teacher education programs.

Through classroom observation and interaction students will:

• Reflect on teaching as a career based on tutoring, observing, reading, and discussing.
• Observe, analyze, and reflect on classroom life from a new perspective. ( Minnesota Standards 3, 9, 10)
• Assess own characteristics and qualities in terms of knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for becoming an effective teacher of children and adolescents (Minnesota Standards 1-10)

Attendance Policy The 30 hours of classroom observation are arranged with the cooperating teacher in the elementary and secondary school. It is important to complete the hours as arranged. If illness or other urgent factors will keep you from fulfilling your arranged time, it is your responsibility to contact the cooperating teacher to inform him or her of your absence. Unexcused absences or excess absences will reflect on your successful completion of this course.

Assignments
Observation Record 25% (Due Daily)
Complete the Observation Record and submit the information to me DAILY via Email. The entire record should be in one document that is submitted each day.

Reflection/Analysis Paper 25%
Your tutor-aide classroom experience will provide you an opportunity to learn more about the practical side of teaching. It should also raise many issues and questions. After completing 10 to 15 hours, reflect and analyze your experience. In an essay of about 1000 words, respond to the following questions: Who are the learners in your classroom? What might their special needs be? How does the teacher seem to respond to their needs? What else have you noticed? What key observations have you made? What is capturing your attention? How do the issues and topics presented in the Ed 2101 text connect to your observations and tutor-aide experience? The questions should be answered in essay form.

Tutor-Aide Evaluation 50%
A tutor-aide evaluation form will be completed and submitted by the certified teacher in whose room you completed your tutor-aide experience. It is your responsibility to submit the completed form to the Division of Education. The evaluation should be submitted on or before Friday, June 6. A final grade of “Incomplete” will be recorded by the instructor until the evaluation form has been received

Class Schedule
Ed 2101 (89084)
Monday, May 19 and Tuesday, May 20, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (with breaks)
Friday, June 6, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

Ed 2111 (89086)
Monday and Tuesday, May 19 and 20, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Friday, June 6, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Class meets in Ed 211.

Textbooks/Materials
No text is required, however class participants will utilize information from Joel Spring’s 2006 American Education 12th edition in their reflections related to school field experiences.

Program Costs
Tuition plus optional textbook, transportation costs to school sites

Faculty - Gwen L. Rudney
Department: Education
Location: 200A Education
Phone: 320-589-6411
Email: rudneygl@morris.umn.edu