Content Area Reading and Differentiated Teaching and Learning – EDUC 221

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare teacher candidates for secondary teaching in developing differentiated instruction and learning strategies for the integration of multiple literacies within the content areas. Emphasis is on engaging learners through strategies on vocabulary and comprehension incorporating practices of collaboration and reflection.

Rationale

The learning of content area, secondary teacher candidates must develop competencies in instructional skills of literacy, thinking, and study in the content areas.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each forum. Each thread must be 300 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to two other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 100 words. For each initial thread, use the provided templates and copy/paste into the discussion. (CLO: A, B, D, E, F, G, H, I)

Content Area Reading Assignments

The candidate will practice content area literacy skills by applying and demonstrating strategies in the areas of vocabulary, questioning strategies, graphic organizers and notetaking, and creating assessments. The candidate will complete all of the content area tasks using the provided templates in the applicable module. (CLO:   A, B, D, E, F, G, H, I)

Evaluating a Content-Area Text Assignment

The candidate will select a literary or informational text to examine and evaluate for instructional learning in a content-area classroom. The evaluation will include an overview and summary of the text, an evaluation of the readability and reader-task considerations, and a rationale for use. A template is provided. (CLO: A, B, C, E)

Literacy Position Statement Assignment

The candidate will develop a philosophy of literacy in the content areas.  The candidate will develop a position statement articulating their understanding of adolescent literacy and how it connects to their content area. The literacy position statement must include theory, research, and best practice from the course readings and study. The position statement must include at least two scholarly sources in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible. A template is provided. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I)

Literacy History Journal Assignment

The candidate will examine and reflect on their own reading beliefs and practices and how these impact their instructional decisions and learners.  The candidate will create a literacy journal to demonstrate different experiences learned in relation to adolescent literacy.  The journal will include six activities and use current APA format. A template is provided.  (CLO:   C, D, E, G, H, I)

Reading Strategy Presentation and Reflection Assignment

The candidate will select a reading strategy and demonstrate its use in the content areas. Candidates will write a 300 word description of the strategy including research to support it and an explanation of how to modify its use across the curriculum.  Candidates will prepare a 3-5 minute demonstration video of how to use the strategy using Adobe Express. The candidate will write a 200-word self reflection. A template is provided. (CLO:   A, B, D, E, F, G, H, I)

Differentiation Module Assignment

The candidate will investigate differentiation in the content areas and complete a case study from the IRIS Module “Differentiated Instruction: Maximizing the Learning of All Students.” A template is provided. (CLO: A, B, D, E, G, H, I)

Writing to Learn Reflection Assignment

The candidate will reflect on the difference between learning to write and writing to learn in the content areas.  The candidates will explore and practice writing strategies that can be used across the curriculum.  A template is provided. (CLO: A, B, D, E, F, G, H, I)

Quizzes (3)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned modules: weeks. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 10-20 multiple-choice questions.  Candidates have a 1 hour and 10 minutes time limit. (CLO: A, B, D, E, G)

Quiz: Special Education Terms

Each quiz will cover the special education terms introduced in the course. The quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 20 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 1 hour and 10 minute time limit. (CLO: D, E) VADOE Learning Disability Guidelines (HB 842)