EDUC 4 6utline ?

OOstout.html

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

Dr. Maureen Stout

email: maureenstout@telus.net

telephone: 604-317-2491 (cell)

Burnaby Campus

Office Hours/Location: TBA

Tuesday & Thursday

10:30-12:20 pm EDB 9651

PREREQUISITE:

None.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is an introductory course aimed at a wide range of students. In it we

will cover a variety of readings that address fundamental philosophical, social, historical and other

issues regarding teaching and learning. The principal purpose of this course is to develop a better

understanding of the multifaceted nature of teaching, learning, schools and school systems. Through

small group discussions students will learn with and from each other, and experience teaching first-hand

through group presentations. As a writing-intensive course, students have the opportunity to develop

their writing abilities in three important educational genres, described below. In these writing

assignments, and throughout the course, an emphasis is placed on connecting personal experience,

observation and belief. By the end of the course, students should not only be deepening their knowledge

of fundamental educational issues, but also developing perceptive reading, critical thinking, and effective

writing skills.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1) Reflective Essay

(25%):

After reading and discussing some examples of educational writing, you will

write a short essay that draws on personal experience or observation. A draft of this will be due early in

the course, feedback given, and the final version will be due around the middle of the term.

2)

Group Teaching Assignment

(25%):

As part of a small group, you will plan and lead a

45 -

60

minute class on some educational question or problem, and subsequently discuss the teaching choices

you made. Some time will be given in class to work on these assignments.

• 3) Persuasive Essay

(25%):

Drawing on models of persuasive writing discussed in class, as well as on

knowledge gained in the course, you will write a short op-ed piece, suitable for a general audience, on

an educational topic which is important to you. A draft will be handed in for feedback, with the final

version due near the end of term.

4) Journal

(25%):

From the beginning of the course, and continuing to near the end of term, you will

keep a journal of observations, reflections and questions prompted by the course experience.

1 of 2 ?

11/12/08 11:53 AM

---

EDUC Outline

?

OOstout.html

Required Readings:

1) Canestari, Alan S. and Marlowe, Bruce A. (Eds. 2004). Educational Foundations: An Anthology of

Readings: Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. ISBN-10: 0-7619-3031-0.

2)

Robertson, Heather-Jane (2007). Great Expectations: Essays on Schools and Society. Ottawa, Ont:

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. ISBN: 978-0-88627-544-0.

I may bring in other readings of interest during the course if time allows.

Students in all Faculty of Education courses are encouraged to review policies pertaining to academic

integrity available on the Undergraduate Programs website:

http://www.educ.sfu.calugradprogs/student_resources/index.html.

2of2 ?

11/12/08 11:53 AM