EDUC 200 Principles of Education

This course examines historical, philosophical, legal, and sociological principles of education. Emphasis is placed on current issues and terminology in the field of education.

Please note, this course is not part of a program leading to eligibility of a Virginia state teaching license (or license in any other state). Individuals seeking to obtain a state teaching license should contact soelicensure@liberty.edu for recommended course options.

The candidate will be introduced to major concepts in the field of education. This introduction will assist the candidate in developing and refining choices related to his/her involvement in education. The course will help the candidate determine his/her motivations for becoming a teacher, what vocational areas exist in education, and what he/she can expect to encounter in the educational field.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

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 candidate is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each forum. Each thread must be at least 300 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the candidate is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 100 words. (CLO: A, D, G, I)

Philosophy Reflection Assignment

The candidate will articulate a personal philosophy of education informed by a biblical worldview and explain its application to teaching practice. The candidate will provide brief, focused responses addressing the aim of life, the purpose of education, and practical implications for curriculum, instruction, and student relationships. This assignment emphasizes integrating faith-based principles with educational philosophy to guide decision-making and classroom interactions. (CLO: E, F, I)

Biblical Analysis Using Learning Theory Assignment

The candidate will analyze how psychological learning theories intersect with biblical teaching by examining a worldview statement and selected Scripture passage. The candidate will provide concise, 30-word responses in the template to explain how the passage reflects human capacity for learning as created in God’s image. This assignment emphasizes integrating biblical principles with educational theory to support faith-informed instructional practices. (CLO: E, F, H, I)

Metacognition Strategies Reflection Assignment

The candidate will select two metacognitive strategies from Chapter 4 and explain how each can be implemented in classroom instruction. The candidate will write a structured, APA-formatted paper of at least 425 words that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. The paper will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each strategy, propose alternative applications, and evaluate alignment with a biblical worldview to demonstrate reflective and informed teaching practice. (CLO: A, B, C, H)

Interview Assignments (2)

The candidate will be required to create questions in addition to those provided, interview a teacher, and summarize the findings in the assignment template. This assignment will be submitted in 2 parts: submission of the questions and details of the interview and submission of the completed template that is based on the candidate’s interview responses. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I)

Planning Assignment

The candidate will create 5 open-ended questions in addition to the 5 provided in the course. These questions will be based on the textbook readings and used for the purpose of interviewing a teacher. These questions will require information about the interviewee and the assignment questions he/she will be asked.

Interview and Reflection Assignment

The candidate will conduct an interview of a teacher using all 10 questions from Part 1 and will complete the provided template that will showcase the questions and answers received. A textbook reference or biblical integration will be required. Current APA format must be utilized.

Learning Objectives and Assessments Assignment

The candidate will rewrite non-measurable objectives into clear, measurable objectives that specify observable student outcomes. The candidate will identify summative assessments aligned with each revised objective to ensure validity and instructional relevance. Finally, the candidate will compose a 100-word reflection explaining assessment choices, key selection factors, and preferred assessment for personal teaching practice. (CLO: A,C,H)

Integrating a Lesson with a Biblical Worldview Assignment

The candidate will design a lesson plan that integrates academic content with a biblical worldview by selecting a grade level, subject, and topic. The candidate will write a measurable learning objective, respond to five worldview questions, and explain how the lesson reflects biblical principles. Additionally, the candidate will describe student activities, assessments, and active learning strategies that align with both educational objectives and a biblical perspective. (CLO: E, F, H, I)

Classroom Management Assignment

The candidate will develop a classroom management plan by selecting a grade level and identifying five age-appropriate procedures for the first day of school. The candidate will explain how each procedure supports effective classroom management and student learning, and provide detailed, practical rehearsal strategies to ensure students understand and consistently apply the procedures. This assignment emphasizes proactive planning to create a structured, positive learning environment. (CLO: A, B, C, D, I)

Classroom Rules Assignment

The candidate will develop a set of four to five classroom rules appropriate for a selected grade level and explain the rationale for each rule. The candidate will also identify potential implementation challenges and propose strategies to address them, ensuring the rules foster a positive and structured learning environment. This assignment emphasizes proactive classroom management and reflective planning for effective student behavior and engagement. (CLO: B, C, D, G, H, I)

Biblical Worldview Reflection on “Including Isaac” Assignment

The candidate will analyze the short film “Including Isaac” through a biblical worldview, focusing on themes of human dignity, community, and inclusion. The candidate will compose a two-paragraph, 300-word reflection that integrates at least one Scripture reference, evaluates cultural assumptions, and applies biblical principles to educational practice. The reflection will include practical steps for creating an inclusive classroom that honors God’s design for diversity. (CLO: A, B, C, D, G, I)

Quizzes (3)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned modules: weeks. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain multiple-choice and true/false questions, and have a 90-minute time limit. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I)