EDC 365D: Classroom Interactions

Fall 2005

Unique# 08490

 

Instructor: Jennifer Christian Smith

Office: SZB 462B

Phone: 232-9682

Email: jenn.smith@mail.utexas.edu

Office Hours: Tuesdays 3:30-4:30, Thursdays 11:00-12:00, and by appointment

AIM: drjennsmith

 

Master Teacher:

Janis Lariviere

Office : PAI 4.04

Office phone: 471-9841

Home: 327-2746 Cell: 751-6187

Email: jlariviere@mail.utexas.edu

Office Hours : By appointment

Teaching Assistant: Sera Yoo

Office: SZB 518B

Phone: 232-3957
Email: syoo@math.utexas.edu

Office Hours : By appointment

 

Course Description:

This course contributes to the professional development sequence by providing prospective teachers with the opportunity to examine and analyze classroom instruction. Specific aspects of classroom interactions will be explored and analyzed as they relate to mathematics, science or computer science instruction. A supporting field experience that consists of observing and teaching in a secondary school setting will provide an opportunity for students to understand the complexity of interactions in the classroom.

 

Course Information:

•  Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30-2:00 in SZB 316.

•  This course will as “paperless” as possible. Some assignments will be posted, submitted, and returned via BlackBoard. (MS Word is preferred for written assignments.) I will occasionally post assignments on BlackBoard without specifically mentioning them in class. It is your responsibility to check BlackBoard regularly for course announcements and assignments. To access BlackBoard, go to http://courses.utexas.edu , and log in with your EID.

•  Instructions for submitting an assignment via BlackBoard:

•  From the course page, click on TOOLS.

•  Click DIGITAL DROP BOX.

•  Click SEND FILE. (Note that if you click ADD FILE, your file will be added to your account on BlackBoard, but it will NOT be sent to me. I will only get it when you use the SEND button.)

•  Click BROWSE to select the file from your machine/disc/USB stick. Give it a descriptive title, like "Eliza Sanchez, Assignment 2."

•  Click SUBMIT.

 

Course Materials:

•  Course readings: A packet of readings will be made available at IT Copy. Please bring your copy of the day's reading assignment to class for reference during discussions. Additional readings may occasionally be posted on BlackBoard as PDF files.

•  You and your teaching partner will need to provide 6 mini-DV videotapes in order to record your teaching experience. You will also need several CDs in order to transfer your videos to CD.

 

Course Evaluation:

(A) Participation in clas s (25%) - This grade will be based upon student attendance, preparedness for class, and participation in class discussions and activities. Absences and lack of contribution will affect this portion of your grade. If you have more than two unexcused absences, your course grade will be affected! (See rubric below.)

(B) Field component (35%) – This class requires at least 14 hours in the field, of which 6 hours will require the student to instruct a class of high school students over several days. The field component aspect of the course that will be assessed includes (but is not limited to) documenting the field hours, developing lessons with your partner, videotaping the lessons, analyzing data from your teaching experience, and presenting the results of your reflections and analyses in class. (See handout.)

(C) Electronic journal (30%) – You will be required to keep a reflective journal of your experiences in the field during this course. This journal will be kept online. You will also be required to participate in class discussions online via the journal. (See handout for more information.)

(D) Final Reflection Paper (10%) – This 7-10 page paper will be due on the scheduled final exam day. The paper will be comprehensive and will draw upon information learned throughout the semester. You will receive more information about the paper later in the semester.

 

Grades for the course will be awarded based upon the following percentage points:

100 – 90% - A

89 – 80% - B

79 – 70% - C

69 – 60% - D

59 or below – F

Grades on written assignments are awarded according to the following rubric:

A Work is complete, original, insightful, and of a level of quality that exceeds expectations for the course. Assignments demonstrate in-depth understanding of the course issues, a high level of analytical skills, reflection, and creative thought, and are clearly presented with negligible errors in grammar and source referencing (where appropriate).

B Work is complete, of a level that meets expectations and is of a quality that is acceptable and appropriate for the course. Assignments demonstrate a solid understanding of course issues, good analysis, reflection, and creative thought, and are clearly and neatly presented with limited errors in grammar and source referencing (where appropriate).

C Work is partially incomplete, late, and/or of a level that only partially meets expectations for the course. Assignments demonstrate inconsistent or superficial understanding of course issues with little analysis, reflection, or creative thought demonstrated and/or contains significant grammatical errors and inconsistent or non-existent source referencing.

D Work in incomplete, late, or of a level that does not meet expectations for the course. Assignments demonstrate limited understanding of course issues and exhibit little analysis, reflection, or creative thought. Assignments contain significant errors.

 

Participation Grade Rubric

Grade

Attendance

Preparedness

Participation

A

No absences, or one excused absence (due to an emergency or medical situation.) Always prompt.

Has clearly read the reading assignments prior to class; has reflected upon them and is prepared to discuss them.

In small and large group discussions, participates frequently and appropriately. Comments are insightful and contribute positively to the discussion. Respects and listens to the perspectives and ideas of classmates.

B

One or two excused absences. Occasionally late to class.

Has clearly read the reading assignments prior to class, though has not always reflected on them or is moderately prepared to discuss them.

In small and large group discussions, sometimes participates, and participation is generally appropriate. Comments are sometimes insightful and contribute positively to the discussion. Generally, though not always, respects and listens to the perspectives and ideas of classmates.

C

More than two absences, or frequently very late to class.

Has skimmed the reading assignments or has not read them, and is clearly unprepared to discuss them.

Does not participate in class discussions, or participation is frequently inappropriate. Comments are off-topic or otherwise do not contribute positively to class discussion.

If your participation does not meet the standards for a C above, you will receive a participation grade of D. This is bad.

 

Course Policies:

•  Attendance is the responsibility of each class participant. Two or more absences may reduce your grade. Please inform me in advance of your absence via phone or email. Do not schedule make-up exams or labs, or meetings with other instructors during class time. These will be regarded as unexcused absences.

•  Reading assignments need to be completed on time. Completion of the required assignments will assist each class participant in engaging in the weekly conversation. Read, reflect, and prepare in order to participate effectively in class.

•  Written assignments are due before class on the due date; i.e., 12:30 pm. Late assignments will be marked down by at least one letter grade, and will not be accepted if they are more than one week overdue.

 

Note:    Any student with a cognitive or physical disability who requires academic accommodation should contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 471-6259.  For information see: www.utexas.edu/depts/dos/ssd/