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General Studies 11
Spring 2010
1/16/2010 - 5/25/2010

Exploring Education

General Studies 11 (GNST 11)

Course Number: 23154

3 Units

General Studies 11:

General studies 11 provides students with an introduction to the field of teaching and education. The primary format of this course is directed observations of elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms. In addition, students will examine the changing issues in education and their implications on teaching practice and theory. Math and Science teaching methods will be addressed. (2 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab.) Transfer: CSU; UC.

Instructor:

Carey Kopay, Biology

Pharmacology, BS, UCSB

Master of Biological Sciences, UCSB

Single Subject Teaching Credential, Biology, National University
Office Hour:  Tues 12:00-1:00pm Room 2027

Email: ckopay@chabotcollege.edu

Course Layout:

1.       Classroom Observations /Field Experience:  Students are required to complete a total of 54 hours in a designated science or math classroom over the semester, under the mentoring of a middle school or high school credentialed science or math teacher.  Within the classroom setting students will perform a variety of functions, which may include documented observations of classroom instruction and behavior management strategies, tutoring students, assisting in setting up lab activities or demos, helping students with lab activities, or presenting a lesson.

2.       Seminars / Field Trips: Students will also participate in scheduled seminars and workshops throughout the semester pertaining to teaching and education.  Students must attend a minimum of 12 hours of seminars or workshops focused on teaching, or math/science education.  These activities must be approved by the instructor, and students will complete written summaries of these events addressing one or more of the course objectives listed below. 

3.       Lecture & Online Discussions:  Classes will meet for 2 hours every other week to discuss classroom experiences, hear presentations from guest speakers in the education field and discuss various topics.  Students will explore education requirements for teaching, and topics related to learning theory, content standards, and education policy.  In addition to in-person meetings, students will also participate in online discussions relating to selected readings and topics, requiring an average of 1 hour per week of online work using the Blackboard site.

Course Objectives:   

After completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Recognize the challenges and rewards facing teachers in contemporary public school classrooms;
2. Discuss current models of teacher preparation;
3. Identify the relationships among teachers and other personnel who work in the public school classrooms;
4. Identify current topics related to teaching in the public schools;
5. Describe a pathway to pursuing teaching as a career.
6. Describe current theories in teaching Math and Science
7. Identify the content standards of science or mathematics at grades 7-12
8. Describe teaching methodologies including inquiry-based approach, information-based approach, use of technology and early intervention in the Math and Science subject area.

Course Grading:

Letter grades will be determined based on a percentage of total points.  Students earning more than 90% will receive an A, 80% = B, 70% = C, 60% = D, less than 60% = F. 

Completion of Volunteer Paperwork/Fingerprinting               25

Completion of TB testing                                                        25

Seminar Reports                                                                      50       

Observations Hours                                                                100

Homework Assignments                                                         50

Final Paper – Self Reflection/Assessment                              50       

                                    Total Points:                                        300

Attendance:

Attendance is expected for all classroom observations and scheduled lectures.  Students must contact both the instructor of record for this course and their mentoring teacher in advance of an absence.   Students missing more than 6 hours of observations, or 4 hours of lectures may be dropped from the class.

Stipends:

Students are eligible for a stipend for completing GNST11 with a grade of C or better.  A stipend in the amount of $600 will be processed at the completion of the course.  Students will be responsible for all costs associated with transportation to school sites, transportation to seminars or field trips, and transportation to the district office for fingerprinting.  Students missing more than 10 hours of classroom volunteer time may be denied the entire amount of the stipend.  Stipends are provided by the University of California through funding from the Noyce Foundation.

Deadlines for Volunteer Application:

1. TB testing – completed by September 5^th

Offered at no charge to student in the Health Center.  Students must make an appointment.  Students must submit TB test results to district office.

2. Volunteer Paperwork & fingerprinting – completed by September 8^th

Hayward Unified School District, Superintendent’s Office.  24411 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94541.  Fingerprinting is provided at no charge to the district.

Classroom Conduct: 

Students volunteering in classroom will agree to adhere to the following guidelines:

·        Perform only the duties described by the job description and/or school site supervisor.

·        Always work with students in a location that is supervised by school site personnel and will notify the supervisor if asked to work in an unsupervised setting.

·        Follow school rules and behave appropriately when with students on & off school grounds. 

·        Support school policies and curriculum.

·        Honor confidential information.

·        Only be on school grounds for assigned volunteer job times unless I make other arrangements with the school administration.

·        Be free of the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs when with students on or off school property.

·        Never purposefully endanger the life or health of a student.

·        Inform the supervisor of any changes in address, phone numbers, or emergency contact, and inform the supervisor for absences or termination of volunteering.

In addition to the above, students should remember to silence their cell phones, refrain from texting or making phone calls on campus, do not bring cigarettes, matches and lighters onto campus, avoid using profanity, and dress more like the teachers than the other students.  Violating the above guidelines for student conduct may result in students being dropped from the course.