Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - EDUC 326 D100

Creating Positive Learning Communities (3)

Class Number: 2434

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: 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 conducted completely online in a synchronous/asynchronous blended mode. We will “meet” at 3:30 PM, Mondays for approximately ONE (1) hour through Zoom (synchronous work). Participation to the synchronous sessions is critical, since there will be in-class assignment tasks done during the class time; also, in principle, the classes will not be recorded for privacy concerns on students’ free and safe interactions. Outside of these weekly meetings, students will work on individual tasks and/or group activities through Canvas (asynchronous work).


This course will inquire into classroom practices of creating positive learning environments. Borrowing ideas from relevant academic literature, public policies and tools, the discussions will focus on relevant practical ideas in classroom such as relationship building practice, reflective educator practice, sociocultural and developmental inclusion, and ‘assessment as co-learning’ in multicultural classrooms. This course will also aid students in understanding what a teacher as a social actor can do in our educational practices with particular attention to BC’s K-12 system in the multicultural context.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Explain key concepts and characteristics of designs for positive educational spaces;
  • Demonstrate the applied knowledge in practical tools for teaching and learning to create safe and positive learning environments.

Grading

  • Online Discussions (asynchronous on Canvas) + In-Class Tasks (synchronous) 30%
  • Reflection Paper or Presentation 20%
  • Small Group Research Project 50%

NOTES:

There will be no final examination in this course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Students are not required to purchase any texts for this course. All assigned readings, videos, and other resources will be available online or through the SFU library.

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 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

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).