* Prospective NCAA Division I and II student-athletes should visit the NCAA Eligibility Center website (www.eligibilitycenter.org) and seek the NCAA's acceptance of a particular Education Provider's virtual course prior to registration.
Do you think becoming a teacher is in your future? Would you like to work with young children as a teacher's helper? Are you thinking about the "shock and awe" of becoming a parent someday, and want to know how you can become your child's first, and best, teacher? If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, Kindergarten Apprentice Teacher is the course for you.
Taking Kindergarten Apprentice Teacher will help you become knowledgeable about learning styles - including yours, characteristics of young learners, lesson planning, and teaching techniques. As the course progresses you will head out into your community to observe classroom instruction and young students. You will present natural science lessons to kindergarten students, design an original lesson and take a leadership role in the classroom. Be prepared to be independent, responsible and ready to learn a great deal!
It is essential that you, as a student, have a kindergarten class that is receptive to your presence in the class and that you are able to travel to the elementary school. By the second week of class you must identify your cooperating kindergarten teacher. You will also be observing an alternative kindergarten class, but it is not necessary for you to know who your cooperating teacher is until the second quarter. Your site coordinator should be able to help you with these arrangements.
Students will be evaluated on weekly contributions to discussions, reading assignments, lesson preparation and delivery as well as a variety of other experiences and assignments related to understanding cognitive processes inherent in young children. An active research project is also required.
Learning Objectives:
1. To understand and create the components of a successful learning experience for young children.
2. To investigate national standards, state frameworks and local curriculum for Science education.
3. To investigate current trends, alternative programs and issues in the world of education.
4. To use technology to enrich and expand learning experiences for all students.
Academic Content:
Investigation of the world of education and its philosophies, facilities and instructional resources as it applies to young children.
Kinds of Assignments:
Assignments generally fall into three categories related to the following topics:
1. Getting Ready for the Classroom:
Examples of these assignments might include classroom observations, interviews with the cooperating teacher and an administrator and getting to know your school community.
2. Investigation of Specific Topics Related to Education:
Examples of these assignments might include: exploring educational websites, checking out charter schools, investigating handbooks and learning about a preschooler's thinking and learning patterns.
3. Work in the Kindergarten classroom is the focus of Kindergarten Apprentice Teacher.
Students will prepare and deliver science lessons in kindergarten classes, perform and interpret basic Piagetian experiments, and get a hands on understanding of the inquisitiveness and nature of a young child's mind.
