Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - EDUC 100W P100

Selected Questions and Issues in Education (3)

Class Number: 7961

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to a small but representative sample of basic questions and issues in education. Students will examine questions relating to: the concept or idea of education; learning and the learner; teaching and the teacher; and more generally, the broader contexts of education. This course also introduces students to different ways of exploring educational questions and issues from philosophical and critical analysis, to historical and cross-cultural studies, to empirical research. Cannot be taken for credit by students with credit for 300 and 400 level education courses. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

The objectives of this course are to introduce students to a selection of ideas and issues relevant to education in general as well as consider what it means to be a teaching professional in Canada today. Units will centre on fundamental concepts such as institutional vs. non-institutional ways of learning; philosophies of non-Western and Western education; the aims of education; the new B.C. curriculum goals; key changes in education such as centering Aboriginal education in the curriculum, along with STEM, creativity and critical thinking; teacher preparation; ethics and teacher-student relationships; and a survey of other current issues such as multiculturalism and diversity; inclusion; social and emotional learning; the impact of technology/media on youth; assessment; and other topics.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course encourages students to examine their own education both in and outside of schools, reflect on how education can be tailored for individual interests at the same time as preparing them for the larger world, and begin to consider some of the more significant local issues, goals and needs. Students will understand the social and political forces that exert pressure on curriculum to change and how to evaluate its usefulness to coming generations.

Grading

  • Participation: attendance, punctuality, group work, discussing readings and completing homework 20%
  • Create and teach a lesson to the class with PowerPoint notes 20%
  • Narrative portfolio 20%
  • Final research paper 40%

NOTES:

(1) An IAUPP 2018-19 Course. Only IAUPP cohort students may enroll into P-section courses.
(2) IAUPP Cohort Students: Contact IAUPP Office (iaupp@sfu.ca) for enrollment assistance.

REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to attend each class, actively participate in discussions and group activities and complete weekly readings; explore personal narratives of learning; lead a lesson and teach the class about something they feel passionate about; and develop a research paper that will be shared with the class in an informal presentation. One over-arching goal is to allow students to explore why developing culturally-sensitive classrooms advances all students as persons and enriches everyone’s education. Honouring and respecting all voices and viewpoints also supports authentic learning and individual efficacy as students. Because this is a “W” or writing intensive course, a portion of instructional time will be set aside for advancing students’ academic literacy in the different forms of writing used in the field of education.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

An array of educational issues in various texts will be provided on Canvas or handed out in class

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS