Education Minors

Students examine basic computer topics and terminology, with special emphasis on electronic information retrieval, as they explore ways to utilize information retrieval technology to keep abreast of developments in their various academic disciplines. To this end, computer hardware and software are discussed, along with personal computer applications such as Microsoft Office. Internet topics, such as advanced search techniques, constructing deep searches, finding specialty information, newsgroups and mailing lists, are examined in detail. A capstone project is the preparation of a research project, making use of both traditional as well as electronic methods of research.

The nature of physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and moral development from birth through early adolescence, with implications for early intervention, early childhood education, and elementary school classroom teaching; integration of theory and research findings from the fields of developmental psychology and educational psychology. During the second half of the semester students in the early childhood program and students in the childhood program direct their projects and papers to the study of the respective developmental levels of their programs.

The developmental context to current approaches to teaching reading; creation of language-rich environments; organization of a functional reading program; informational and critical reading; assessment of reading and language skills; oral and written communication; approaches to work with English language learners and students with special needs; and attention to motivational factors in literacy development at home as well as at school.
Prerequisite: GEDN 201

The developmental context for a problem-solving approach to mathematics, science, and technology instruction and remediation; developmentally appropriate curriculum development and methods of teaching and remediation in mathematics, science, and technology; emphasis on manipulative materials and hands-on activities; application of mathematical concepts and skills in the study of science; application of mathematical concepts and skills and scientific concepts in real-life settings; and appreciation of the benefits, promise, and hazards of technology.
Prerequisite: Co-requisite: GEDN 201

Explores the historical and philosophical underpinnings of modern educational theory and practice, dating back to ancient Greek, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim writings on education and tracking developments into the present. It specifically examines the forces that have shaped educational policies in the United States, highlighting the current debate around meeting the educational and social-emotional needs of students from diverse communities. The role of technology in education and society at large, critical thinking skills, information literacy, and research-based instruction are also featured.

The developmental context to understanding the symptoms and causes of reading disabilities; use and interpretation of achievement tests and diagnostic instruments; materials and methods used in remedial instruction; and preparation of teacher-made reading materials. Work with children and writing of case studies are required components of field experience.
Prerequisite: GEDN 301

The social and developmental contexts for teaching social studies spectrum subjects to a diverse elementary school student population; curriculum development and methods and materials; development of integrated instruction in history and geography (including history and geography of the United States and New York State), economics, citizenship and government, and the world of work; appreciation of the diversity of social life, including language, across cultures; approaches to linking instruction to the context of students' lives.
Prerequisite: or Co-Requisite: GEDN 201

The cognitive, emotional, and social contexts for exploring various art forms, including performing arts, movement, sports activities and other areas of physical education; discovering and building on individual interests and creative abilities; creating developmentally appropriate opportunities for self-expression and self-exploration; cooperation in group art and sports activities; the relationship of the arts and physical education to other curricula areas.
Prerequisite: or Corequisite: GEDN 201

Review of curriculum for elementary school children. Concepts and skills in the teaching of reading, math, language arts, social studies, and science. Modification of instructional methods and materials for children with disabilities. Demonstration lessons will be used to highlight principles of development and modification of curriculum for elementary school children with disabilities.
Prerequisite: GEDN 301 and GEDN 303 or GEDN 304

Setting up the physical environment of the classroom to maximize learning productivity and prevent unnecessary behavior problems. Review of different models of intervention approaches for handling difficult behavior in the elementary school. The teacher's role in reducing conflicts, teaching social skills, and facilitating cooperative group living. The importance of the teacher's self-awareness in teacher-student interaction. Critical incidents will be used to develop specific guidelines for effective teacher interventions.
Prerequisite: GEDN 301 and GEDN 303 or GEDN 304

The nature of physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and moral development from birth through early adolescence, with implications for early intervention, early childhood education, and elementary school classroom teaching; integration of theory and research findings from the fields of developmental psychology and educational psychology. During the second half of the semester students in the early childhood program and students in the childhood program direct their projects and papers to the study of the respective developmental levels of their programs.

Planning, development, and implementation of learning environments and integrated curricula for young children; study of the relational processes through which children acquire knowledge, skills, and a positive attitude toward learning; the importance of play as well as teacher planning that provides students with opportunities to think about and discuss their work; current research on early childhood integrated experience and instruction in literacy, the arts, science, math, and technology, social studies (including exposure to a range of cultures and languages as well as US and NYS history and geography), family, career and consumer education, and physical education and health. Prerequisite: Prerequisite or Corequisite: GEDN 201

Creation of language-rich environments and holistic approaches to reading instruction that meet the needs of children with varying language preparation and aptitudes as well as children from diverse backgrounds. Use of a range of teaching and learning modalities. Attention to connections between speech sounds and spellings; the alphabetic principle and recognition of words through letter-sound relations; achieving fluency and comprehension; spelling conventions. Emphasis on language-related experiences at home as well as school and the importance of frequent opportunities to write. Identification of services needed for children who are not making adequate progress in reading, and the importance of coordination of efforts among general educators, special educators, and reading specialists. Discussion of approaches used with language-minority children, including the conditions under which more or less emphasis is placed on reading in the native language.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite or Corequisite: GEDN 201

Students examine basic computer topics and terminology, with special emphasis on electronic information retrieval, as they explore ways to utilize information retrieval technology to keep abreast of developments in their various academic disciplines. To this end, computer hardware and software are discussed, along with personal computer applications such as Microsoft Office. Internet topics, such as advanced search techniques, constructing deep searches, finding specialty information, newsgroups and mailing lists, are examined in detail. A capstone project is the preparation of a research project, making use of both traditional as well as electronic methods of research.

Explores the historical and philosophical underpinnings of modern educational theory and practice, dating back to ancient Greek, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim writings on education and tracking developments into the present. It specifically examines the forces that have shaped educational policies in the United States, highlighting the current debate around meeting the educational and social-emotional needs of students from diverse communities. The role of technology in education and society at large, critical thinking skills, information literacy, and research-based instruction are also featured.

Parents and families as the context for growth, development and learning; similarities and differences in parenting styles in various cultural groups; the range of family structures; parents and family members as teachers of young children and collaborators with professional educators; ways in which early childhood education programs build and expand upon the foundation provided by parents; how educators form constructive educational partnerships with parents; awareness of community resources for parents and their young children.

Development of practice skills in the use of appropriate, creative methods and materials for integrated education of young children; emphasis on the use of play and hands-on activities as well as planned experience and instruction that provide students with opportunities to explore and manipulate ideas and concepts as they explore and manipulate the world; practical implementation of integrated instruction in the curricula areas noted in the course description for GED 311.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite or Corequisite: GEDN 311

The uses of oral language (building vocabulary, expression and comprehension of the spoken word), general cognitive skills (attention, memory, use of symbols, self-regulation), the concepts underlying reading and writing, and specific literacy skills (such as symbol to symbol correspondence) as the context of and initial steps toward literacy for young children. Motivational issues that pertain to the development of reading skills are explored. Emphasis on meeting the needs of young children, including those with limited proficiency in English, who enter day care, nursery school, and other early childhood and early intervention programs with inadequate literacy-related knowledge and skills.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite or Corequisite: GEDN 201

Introduction to educational programs for infants, toddlers, pre-K students, kindergarten students, and first and second graders with disabilities. Review of developmentally appropriate integrated curriculum content; materials and activities in language arts, books, music, art, blocks, sand, water play, cooking and other play activities; parents as collaborators. Comparison of early intervention and early childhood special education programs reflected in Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Comparison of least restrictive environment and natural environment approaches.
Prerequisite: GEDN 311 or GEDN 312 and GEDN 316 or GEDN 317

Setting up and managing play and learning activities in safe and developmentally appropriate environments for infants, toddlers, pre-K students, kindergarten students, and first and second graders with disabilities. Understanding temperament and its impact on the parent-child and teacher-child relationship; supporting positive parent-child interactions. Role of the teacher in guiding young children in the development of self-discipline and communication and social skills necessary for constructive peer relations and group living; interventions for prevention and management of challenging behaviors.
Prerequisite: GEDN 311 or GEDN 312 and GEDN 316 or GEDN 317