Education Department
Undergraduate Course Descriptions
ED 214 Exploring the Learning Community Environment (2)
Designed to familiarize prospective K-8 teachers, transfer students with prior Education
courses, and students from other disciplines with the nature of the teaching profession,
including academic and personality competencies for effective teaching and working with
elementary-age children. Thirty (30) hours of supervised classroom experiences in K-8
classrooms, and seminar classes on campus are required. Satisfies the university sophomore
practicum requirement.
ED 2xx Classroom Leadership and Management (2)
Provides students interested in Education continued development of an education portfolio and
the relationship educators have to national and state standards. Effective processes and
styles, as well as current best practices, relating to classroom management and the leadership
exhibited by successful teachers receive focus. Practicum, including some virtual experiences,
and a field placement will require students to assist and teach lessons. Prerequisite: Taking or have taken ED 214.
ED 241 Teaching Methods: Creative Expression (4)
Exploration of the means of stimulating creative expression in an educational setting. Art, music,
dance, photography, and video as expressive media are included as appropriate. Includes practicum
experience. Prerequisite: Two fine arts courses or permission of instructor.
ED 320 Teaching Methods: Literacy and Communication I (6)
Development of knowledge, skills, and a positive attitude relating to teaching reading, language
arts, and children's literature in grades K-4. Extensive practicum/field placement requiring
students to observe, assist, and teach lessons in individual, small, and large group settings.
Includes Junior Practicum experience. Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Teacher Preparation Program.
ED 321 Teaching Methods: Literacy and Communication II (6)
Development of knowledge, skills, and a positive attitude relating to teaching reading, language arts,
and adolescent literature in grades 5-8. Extensive practicum/field placement requiring students to
observe, assist, and teach lessons in individual, small, and large group settings. Includes Junior
Practicum experience. Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Teacher Preparation Program and ED 320.
ED 3xx Differentiated Instruction in the K-8 Classroom (4)
Addresses the study of learners, learning theory, and teaching practices within the regular classroom setting.
Teacher candidates will study learning theory and factors that have the greatest influences on the acquisition,
storage, retention, transfer, and retrieval of knowledge, focusing on teaching strategies and learning.
Understanding of and dealing with learning differences, the learning environment, social interactions,
assessment, communication, and collaboration as well as reflection and self-assessment of their knowledge,
skills, and dispositions for teaching diverse and special needs students in the regular classroom are stressed.
This course includes a practicum. Prerequisite: ED 214 or Permission of Instructor.
ED 330 Teaching Methods: Science, Mathematics and Society I (6)
Experiences in teaching and learning science, mathematics, and social studies in grades K-4.
Methods and materials of instruction survey focusing on integration of subject areas. Emphasis
on implementing National Science Education Standards, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
(NCTM), National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and Alaska Department of Education (ADOE)
standards. Includes Junior Practicum experience. Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Teacher
Preparation Program.
ED 331 Teaching Methods: Science, Mathematics and Society II (6)
Experiences in teaching and learning science, mathematics, and social studies in grades 5-8.
Methods and materials of instruction survey focusing on integration of subject areas. Emphasis
on implementing National Science Education Standards, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
(NCTM), National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), and Alaska Department of Education (ADOE)
standards. Includes Junior Practicum experience. Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Teacher
Preparation Program and ED 330.
ED 344 Teaching Methods: Health And Physical Movement Education (4)
Examination of the knowledge, behaviors, skills, and attitudes necessary to teach Physical
Movement Education in grades K-8. Emphasis on content areas, teacher roles, methods of
instruction, growth and development issues, and the importance of comprehensive school health
education. A public school practicum/field placement provides an opportunity to observe and
participate in health and physical education/movement. Prerequisite: ED 214.
ED 347 Evaluation of Student Learning (3)
Study of the theory and practice of educational evaluation with an emphasis on knowledge and
skills to construct and interpret teacher-made and standardized tests. Use of informal
techniques to assess the cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and social growth of students
in grades K-8. Includes Junior Practicum experience. Prerequisite: Formal admission to the
Teacher Preparation Program.
ED 363 Computers and Technology for Teachers (4)
Introduction to the use of computers and other technology to enhance teaching and learning.
Topics include operating information, current research regarding Computer Aided Instruction
(CAI) and applications of technology in a learning community environment. Practical field
experiences are required. Prerequisite: GS 100 or demonstrated competency and ED 214.
ED 453 Multicultural Education (3)
Examination of the meaning of culture and the influences of culture in education.
Specific study of teaching, administration, and effectiveness of schooling as they
relate to multicultural student populations. Practical field experiences are required.
Prerequisite: ED 214.
ED 485 Student Teaching (12)
15-week practicum designed to progress through the full range of teaching responsibilities in a school environment.
Daily evaluation by the supervising teacher, and periodic observations by a university supervisor, assess student
teaching progress. A weekly seminar conducted by university faculty addresses meeting the challenges of the
teaching profession. Meets Senior Project and University Portfolio requirements. Prerequisite: Successful
completion of all undergraduate coursework, and approval of the Teacher Education Committee.
ED 486 Advanced Practicum in Elementary Teaching (6)
Designed for individuals who have had extensive teaching experience. This practicum stresses comprehensive
classroom management skills to assist the prospective teacher in developing all the competencies which are
normally a part of the student teaching experience. Documented teaching experience along with advisor and
director approval required. Approval of Teacher Education Committee required.
ED 380, 480 Directed Study (1-12)
Designed for students who wish to pursue topics not available in regularly scheduled classes. A plan of
study is developed with the assistance of a professor in the Education Department. Approval of advisor,
department chair and Academic Dean required.
ED 285, 385, 485 Practicum (1-4)
Designed for students desiring additional field experience in K-8 classrooms. Approval by advisor required.
Cooperative guidance provided by an Education Department faculty member and an on-the-job supervisor.
ED 290, 390, 490 Seminar (1-3)
Designed to provide participants with in-depth studies of topics of interest. Facilitated by Education
Department faculty members.
ED 292, 392, 492 Special Topics (1-3)
Special topics in various fields are offered as needed. Appropriate course descriptions are published as topics are developed.
