MON FRASER UNIVERSITY

I

Summer Semester 2001

EDUC377-4

Joyce Jackman

Special Topics: ?

Office: EDB 9508

Middle School Theory & Practice ?

Phone: 291-5995

Wednesdays 17:30-21:20 in EDB 8620 ?

E01.00

?

E-mail: jjackmaa@sfu.ca

PREREQUISITE

EDUC 401/2

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is a "hands on, minds on" approach to understanding and implementing exemplary

middle school practice. It is designed for preservice and beginning teachers who are, or anticipate

teaching at the middle level. It will examine theoretical foundations and practical approaches to the

purpose and nature of middle school pedagogy. Participants will engage in a variety of learning

activities and experiences that reflect sound middle school practice, and will be required to examine

and analyse these in light of the constructivist and developmental theories addressed. Particular

attention will be paid to the essential components of the exemplary middle school, including

interdisciplinary studies; teaming at the middle level, for teachers and for students; advisory; and

exploratories. This course will also be of interest to those who anticipate teaching upper intermediate

(Grades 5-7) students in the conventional elementary school, and to experienced teachers who are

new to the middle school model.

OBJECTIVES

• to provide an understanding of historical and current trends in middle school practice;

• to provide an understanding of the unique developmental characteristics of early adolescents;

• and to provide practical instructional experiences which apply and examine the essential elements

of middle school pedagogy, curriculum and organization.

REQUIREMENTS

• Research project (30%)

• Group Unit-Plan Design (30%)

• Portfolio of mini-assignments (30%)

• Participation (10%)

REQUIRED READINGS

1.

Bambino, D. (1999). Teaching Out Loud: A Middle Grades Diary. Ohio: NMSA. ISBN 1-56090-163-2

2.

National Middle School Association (1995). This We Believe: Developmentally Responsive Middle

Schools. Ohio: NMSA. ISBN 1-56090-105-5

3.

Custom Courseware will be available for purchase at the SFU Bookstore.

Further readings of articles and chapters will be required and/or recommended. A photo-copy fee

will be applied. Copies of recommended readings will be available in CET, and/or put on reserve in

the library.