Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - EDUC 326 D100

Creating Positive Learning Communities (3)

Class Number: 1448

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of EDUC 100, 220, 230, or 240; or EDUC 401/402, or corequisite EDUC 403.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Prepares student teachers to design positive learning environments in K-12 classrooms. The focus will be on practical approaches to creating a space in which students and teachers can work successfully together toward common goals.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will be delivered remotely.  Students are expected to be available and online during the above scheduled class time.


Creating communities that are meaningful, thriving and enjoyable places of learning requires building trusting and supportive relationships from the outset. It also involves a good degree of knowledge, not only about your subject areas but also about yourself as a teacher and about how to choose an approach that is most valuable to the particular students you work with. This class will help build your abilities in building effective classroom environments. It will provide opportunities to consider different approaches, and to reflect on your own experience and that of your peers as we explore how to create safe spaces where students and teacher can do valuable work together.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • To build awareness of what enables students to feel comfortable, valued and enganged in a classroom
  • To build knowledge and aptitudes in how to create a safe and effective environment, and to lead groups in learning contexts
  • To develop know-how in choosing work and approaches worthy of your students

Grading

  • Reading logs and responses 25%
  • Regular active participation in online discussions, on Canvas and during (videoconference) class time 20%
  • Two short narratives/reflections 30%
  • Presentation (presented to your small group through video-conference) 15%
  • Written reflection of your presentation 10%

NOTES:

  • Please note that this course is in an online format (due to Covid 19) and as such may be further developed/altered by the instructor in consultation with the students. Care will be taken to support students to be as comfortable as possible with the videoconference process, and to build an online community as well as we can under these circumstances. (We’re all learning this together.)
  • Active video conference participation during class time is essential. Not all of the 3 hours will be required for this, but it is important you are available and present during class time. We will likely do some work with the class as a whole, and then take turns in smaller groups. This class/group time will inform all the assignments.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Nelsen, J. & Gfoerer, L. (2017). Positive Discipline: Tools for Teachers. New York: Harmony Books.
ISBN: 9781101905395

Further reading selections will be supplied electronically or by handout.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.