Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - EDUC 472 D400

Designs for Learning: Elementary Language Arts (4)

Class Number: 4457

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EDUC 401/402 or corequisite EDUC 403.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focuses on developing knowledge, skills and strategies to create a rich and stimulating language arts program in the elementary classroom. Issues in reading, writing, speaking and listening will be examined through current theory and teaching practice.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will be delivered completely online via Zoom Tuesdays from 8:30am to 12:20pm.   Students are expected to be online and available during scheduled class times.  See the 'Grading Notes' section for further details.


Joining theory and practice, this course will provide future and practicing teachers a deeper understanding of the developmental nature of reading, writing, oral and digital literacies in the elementary grades. Students will have opportunities to explore and critique a range of children’s literature and recognize the holistic value of engaging with narrative writing. In addition, we will examine current issues relevant to teaching language arts, including multiculturalism and diversity, “at risk” students, ELL learners, refugee education, disabilities and the impact of technology on learning, including coding.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students will become familiar with a repertoire of instructional strategies, activities, and resources related to the New Curriculum. A particular focus will be on integrating Indigenous ways of learning into daily teaching, and working with children at their level in advancing reading and writing skills. Students will have opportunities to analyze, develop and apply techniques for ongoing reading assessment and evaluation.

Grading

  • Participation (includes class attendance and punctuality on Zoom meeting times) 20%
  • Research Paper 30%
  • Canvas Narrative Portfolio 20%
  • Integrated Lesson Presentation 30%

NOTES:

There is no final exam for this course.

We will try to adhere to the pre-Covid-19 plan in terms of textbook, readings, activities on Canvas, and assignments. However, instead of having readings and discussions in the classroom, we will do this on Zoom.

  1. Students will receive detailed information about the first class before May 4. (Please check your SFU email for messages from me.) The first class will likely be a one hour meeting on Zoom at 8:30 am on May 12 where I will introduce the Zoom platform, Canvas site, course goals, and go over the syllabus. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. At the end of the first class, you will proceed to Canvas and become familiar with the various parts we will use. You will have some homework (reading and discussion questions) to complete before the second class. The new syllabus will also be posted by May 4 with assignments and due dates listed.
  2. Before Class 2, May 21, you will be assigned to a Zoom discussion group. At first, this will be random groupings, with about 10-12 people per group where we discuss the readings and look at examples from the classroom. You may be asked to contribute ideas/resources from research or your teaching experience. Approximately in Class 4, you will be assigned to a group with members who have similar interests in teaching the same grades. Here you will be asked to collaborate on creating lesson plans based on class ideas. After practicing a couple of times, your group may present on how you developed your plan, what it entails, followed by your rationale for teaching it in this way.
  3. We will adjust our activities as we learn what is working well, and what might work better. For now, a portion of each class time will require you to be on Zoom for a minimum of one hour.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

If you are not familiar with Zoom, I suggest you give it a try. This is a free service for a 40 minute session. Before you “host a meeting” you should adjust your volume on your computer to “medium”. When you first enter the “meeting room” you will need to choose “with video” and then unmute your microphone (bottom left icon). You can then “add participants” by choosing to send the url to anyone via email. If you are not the host, but receive an invitation, just click on the url.

Please note: to maintain privacy, do not record the session.

REQUIRED READING:

Tompkins, G., Bright, R., & Windsor, P. (2018). Language and literacy: Content and teaching strategies. Toronto: Pearson Canada.  ***Seventh Canadian edition.

6th Edition eText is acceptible.
ISBN: 9780134095899

Additional materials will be handed out in class or accessed online.

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.