Spring 2025 - EDUC 905 G031
Fieldwork IV (5)
Class Number: 4574
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Rhonda Philpott
philpott@sfu.ca
604.999.1326
Office Hours: On request
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
COURSE DETAILS:
The purpose of the course is to explore teaching and learning from a variety of perspectives and expand on topics explored in Education 811 (Fieldwork I) and all other MEd courses to date. The topics include reflective practice, narrative inquiry, identity and culture in the classroom, beliefs informing practice, language instruction, and models of teaching practice. Students will have the opportunity to observe language instruction in post-secondary and private language institutes/programs or, in some instances, public schools. Throughout the course, students are expected to connect fieldwork experiences to theoretical understandings in language instruction and to more deeply explore/research an area of interest.
Meeting Day:
Thursday, full term (fieldwork dates and times will vary)
Meeting Times:
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Fieldwork dates and times will vary)
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
- In class writing and discussions
- 3-Part Inquiry Paper and Presentation (Collaborative or Individual)
Part 2: Completion of a comprehensive inquiry paper to be submitted at the end of the course.
Part 3: Presentation of paper/findings in an evening class where some Host Instructors, MEd Instructors and all classmates will be attendance.
- Group Lesson
Students will work in small groups to research and to creatively present teaching and learning strategies.
- Fieldwork (6 visits)
Students will observe and, at the discretion of Host Instructors, may engage in teaching of 1-2 mini-lessons in classes for adult language learners. It is expected that students will keep a Fieldwork Journal to document observations, discussions and reflections (aimed at unpacking beliefs and assumptions, investigating the deeper meaning underlying events observed, and exploring implications for future practice).
- Midterm Reflection
Students will write a reflection paper that unpacks various layers of personal/professional understanding pertaining a particular fieldwork event or observation. Students will also write a response to one of their classmates’ reflective papers offering insights and/or asking questions for consideration. Students may use this writing as a basis for the final paper as well as an opportunity to raise new issues and questions regarding fieldwork experiences.
Final Evaluation:
Regular attendance (unless unforeseen illness or emergencies), active participation and punctuality are expected/mandatory. To earn a satisfactory grade, all assignments and consistent attendance (including 6 fieldwork visits) must be completed. Students are expected to demonstrate sufficient ‘readiness’ for comprehensive examinations as reflected in the quality of written submissions, class participation and presentations.Grading
- Inquiry Paper and Presentation 40%
- Mid-term Reflective Paper 20%
- Participation 30%
- Small Group Teaching/Learning Strategy Presentation 10%
REQUIREMENTS:
Inquiry Paper and Presentation:
- Inquiry Paper - 30%
- Presentation - 10%
- Paper - 15%
- Peer Response - 5%
- On-campus participation - 15% (includes instructor & self-assessment)
- Fieldwork participation - 15% (includes self-assessment & Host Instructor assessment)
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
There is no required textbook for the course as it is expected students will, independently or in small groups, revisit ideas and theories introduced in concurrent/previous courses and explore connections relevant to their fieldwork experiences. To augment this course, a variety of required and recommended readings will be posted to the CANVAS course site. Students are expected to read, take notes and come to class prepared to discuss the readings and make connections to fieldwork experiences. These readings will frame the in-class discussions and are integral to your learning in this course. Please refer to specific class outlines provided first class and to weekly CANVAS site modules for articles and references.
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.
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:
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.