EDUC 412-4

DESIGNS FOR LEARNING: SECONDARY LANGUAGE ARTS

(D01.00)

Tuesdays, May 8 – July 31, 13:00 – 16:50 Susan Barber

WMC 2532 Susan_Barber@sfu.ca

PREREQUISITE:

Educ 401/402

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course will examine the main theories and practices of teaching English in secondary schools. One key principle is that present and future educators best develop competency in the teaching of reading and writing, the selection of literature and facilitation of critical discussions in a safe and supportive environment; one that encourages experimentation and creativity, as well as that of receiving peer and instructor feedback to deepen and extend their skills and knowledge in the field. Designated as “W”, or writing-intensive, this course will allow students to enhance their learning through writing and engage in writing experiences in the forms related to the discipline. In addition, current issues in the ethics and aesthetics of teaching English will be surveyed with a view to becoming more aware of how literature both reflects and influences society and the individual. Students will have opportunities to analyze, develop and apply techniques for on-going language arts assessment and evaluation.

Please access the course website and syllabus after April 30 at: http://www.sfu.ca/~smbarber/educ412.htm

Here is the class blog: http://educ412.blogspot.com/

ASSIGNMENTS:

Portfolio – 60% Students will complete three smaller assignments for which they will receive feedback and be able to revise before resubmitting for an overall Portfolio grade.

Lesson presentation – 20%

Participation – 20% Students are expected to attend each class, actively participate in discussions and group activities (including a play at Bard on the Beach), maintain a reading log, and present their best ideas from their Portfolio. (There is no final exam).

REQUIRED READINGS:

Maxwell, Rhoda J. and Meiser, Mary Jordan.(2005). Teaching English in Middle and Secondary Schools. (Fourth edition paperback). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall. (ISBN: 0-13-114007-8).

Additional readings will be handed out in class or will be available on the course website.