Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - EDUC 326 OL01

Creating Positive Learning Communities (3)

Class Number: 6142

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • 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 is a fully asynchronous course that is delivered online. You will be expected to reach out to your classmates in order to complete certain assignments.

In this course, students are introduced to creating positive learning environments through a (w)holistic and relational paradigm. The concept of relationality is threaded through the three modules that guide the course: the relational child, the material environment, and the pedagogical leader. The focus will be on theoretical and practical approaches to creating communities of belonging.

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Develop a perspective of a classroom as a co-constructed community of belonging
  • Understand that children are relational beings: a ‘whole child’ is never separate from their environment, the influences of their family of origin, their cultures, the cultures they navigate, nor from the systems that exert force on how they experience life.
  • Cultivate learning environments with continuous, ongoing processes which acknowledge and honour diversity; promote diverse ways of learning, being, and expressing needs; and create opportunities for engaging in relationships.
  • Understand that, for teachers as pedagogical leaders, creating and sustaining affirmative learning environments is an ethical responsibility.

Grading

  • Class Discussions (2) 10%
  • Class Podcast 20%
  • Educational Case Study 25%
  • Case Video Analysis 25%
  • Quizzes (4) 20%

NOTES:

There is no final exam.

REQUIREMENTS:

This is a fully asynchronous online course, you are expected to regularly participate in the learning activities available online. These will be both individual and group activities, so you are expected to reach out to your classmates to complete work.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All required readings are available on Canvas

All recommended readings are available on Canvas

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.