Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2018 - EDUC 861 G031

Study of Learning Environments (5)

Class Number: 6962

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Location: TBA

  • Instructor:

    David Zandvliet
    dbz@sfu.ca
    778.782.5680
    Office: Surrey 5355 (Galleria 5)

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course reviews research on learning environments (also known as classroom climates or classroom ecologies) in terms of psychological and social perspectives on educational experience. Implications for student learning, professional development and evaluating education innovations are examined.

COURSE DETAILS:

Meeting Dates:
Friday, Saturday,
June 15,16 (Surrey)
Saturday - Saturday
July 28, 29, 30, 31, Aug. 1, 2, 3, 4 (Haida Gwaii)

Meeting Times:
June 15 and July 28th (4:30-9:00)
June 16 and July 29th -Aug 4th (8:30-4:30)

Meeting Locations:
Surrey Campus, 13450 102 Avenue, Surrey, BC, Room 3280 (with extended Field Experience in Haida Gwaii)

Course Description: 
Studies conducted by educators on classroom learning environments (otherwise known as classroom climate or classroom ecology) have built on earlier work related to organizational climate and its application to educational settings. Research on learning environments can be described as both descriptive of classroom contexts and predictive of student learning. Today, the study of learning environments has a valuable role to play: in pre-service teacher training; professional development, evaluation of new curricula or innovation and generally as an important field of inquiry in its own right -- the description of a valuable psychological and social component of educational experience.

Other Details: 
This course is an introduction to the study of learning environments. Special attention will be given to assessment and evaluation protocols useful in the assessment of new education programs and for participatory action research.

Please note with regard to the extended and required field experience in Haida Gwaii:
There are some minimal risks associated with this activity including encounters with wildlife, insect bites, scratches or abrasions, etc.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The coursework aims to develop students’ knowledge or abilities related to:

  • the conceptual basis for the study of learning environments
  • current methodologies used in the study of learning environments
  • the evaluation and reflection on current teaching practices
  • the development of an independent inquiry
  • the co-development and field testing of research instruments and protocols

Grading

  • Formative plan for a learning environment study (written) 40%
  • Classroom presentation of a research plan (written and oral) 40%
  • Participation in classroom discussion and design activities 10%
  • Maintaining a notebook / reflective journal while in the field 10%

NOTES:

Due dates for each of the above assignments will be negotiated on the first day of class.

REQUIREMENTS:

Students must attend all classes and complete all assignments.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

A detailed list will be provided on the first day of class.

REQUIRED READING:

A variety of reading will be selected from the research literature, selected journals and government publications. These will be made available after the first class.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Zandvliet D.B. & Fraser, B.J. (Eds.) (in press). Thirty Years of Learning Environments. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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