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This course is for teachers and prospective teachers interested in gaining practical classroom skills, regardless of grade level or subject being taught. No matter their background, intelligence, or skill level, all students have the right to be taught by teachers who possess a strong set of well-researched and field-tested teaching skills. Learning to effectively teach is the purpose of his course, whether you plan on becoming a classroom teacher or not.
GOAL: If your goal is to become a great teacher (no matter what subject or grade level) then you must master the the teaching skills required to manage a classroom and meet the needs of your students.
Upon successful completion of this course you will have a firm foundation in teaching and classroom management skills, including: The Basic Teaching Technique, Accelerated Learning/Study Skills, Direct Instruction, Positive Discipline, Proximity Management, Cooperation and Contracts, Correction/Self Correction, Format and Pace, Testing, Scripts, Reading Mastery, Interventions.
MEASURABLE OBJECTIVES
1. Students will submit a complete contract, indicating desired outcomes.
2. Students will demonstrate ten teaching and classroom management skills.
3. Students will submit portfolios reflecting cooperation, format and fast writes.
4. Students will submit, as part of their portfolio,150 questions and appropriate answers.
5. Students will submit one 15-minute audio file demonstrating the ability to construct a lesson.
6. Students will integrate a script into their audio lesson.
7. Students will develop, document and submit a minimum of one intervention.
8. Students will be evaluated daily on their ability to start on time, stay on task, complete assignments.CASES
Because knowing how to construct a Positive Discipline Intervention is so critical to student success, you will be asked to construct various interventions based on a variety of disruptive behaviors. Interventions must be submitted in the appropriate format and on time.
CONTRACTS
Because learning to live by your word is so important, you will be required to design a contract. The format for this contract is available at Contracts (http://www.brainsarefun.com/Contracts.html).
CURRICULUM
To be posted.
GRADING
1. Students will be tested for cooperation, format, volume, pace and skill. Final Grade Value: 35%
2. Portfolio format. Final Grade Value: 20%
3. Questions. Final Grade Value: 15%
4. Audio Lesson. Final Grade Value: 15%
5. Behavior and participation: Final Grade Value: 15%Final Grade: All students are expected to complete this class with "firm" skills, preparing them to eventually become master teachers. There shall be only two grades awarded: "firm" and "needs remediation." The grade of "firm" is awarded to students achieving a score of 85%, or better.
MISSING CLASS
Missing class is the student's responsibility. Realizing that extenuating circumstances do exist, see Mr. Donaldson with your solutions, not excuses.
I may be reached during office hours or by email.
EXAMS
Because students are evaluated daily, as described above, there is no final exam beyond insuring that all material has been submitted on time and in appropriate format.
PARTICIPATION
Because this course is designed to help you become an effective teacher, with a wealth of teaching skills at your disposal, participation shall be equated with "cooperation." Students not able to cooperate with a subject being taught may be identified as "disruptive" and may be assigned to another skill level for remediation.
DAY ONE
Required: Seating is alphabetical. When you arrive in class please find your seat marked with your name. This will help me learn your names, a critical part of the course. Students are to bring to their first class a one inch thick three-ring binder, 100 sheets of unlined 8 1/2 by eleven paper (three hole punched) and three pens and/or sharpened pencils. Students shall be graded on their cooperation with this requirement.
QUESTIONS
There will be a time set-aside during most classes for questions. In most cases I will ask you to write your questions down and submit them to me at the end of class. If a question is worth asking, it is worth writing down. I will answer your questions at the appropriate time. Questions such as "What are we going to do today" shall not be answered.
SUGGESTIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL COURSE
1. Cooperate
2. Participate
3. Stay Involved
4. Write furiously
5. Create fat portfolios
6. Master skills
7. And above all, find out what fun means for you.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: SYLLABUS, TEACHING SKILLS FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS © January 2005 by Rory Donaldson. All rights reserved. In order to help reverse the tide of academic failure and optimize success, individuals may copy brainsarefun solutions for non-commercial use at no charge. Contents may not be sold or repackaged in any manner without the written permission of Rory Donaldson. Since all material is copyrighted, please ensure that this entire copyright notice and contact information continues to be attached to each article you download. Mr. Donaldson appreciates the feedback. Additional solutions may be viewed and downloaded at no charge by logging on to brainsarefun.com. Titles are being updated, edited and added regularly. To view most recently added titles you may click here.
Suggestions and comments encouraged, email: roryd@brainsarefun.com.
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