Syllabus

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Miami Dade Community College

Rebecca Sanchez

Orientation  information

Dear student:

Welcome to Introduction to Education (EDF 1005 - #150648).  The purpose of this letter is to explain how this course works and to provide you with the information you will need to complete this course successfully.  I recommend that you keep this letter handy throughout the semester.

Instructor’s philosophy / approach

I take this course and the profession of teaching very seriously. As professionals teachers work without a great deal of direct supervision and often function independently. Part of passing this class requires you to begin functioning independent of immediate or direct supervision. I will hold you to a high standard.  Submission of “late work” will be penalized a reduction of 5 points per day your grade meet course requirements. If you fail to attend an orientation or miss the scheduled midterm session, you are running the chance to be withdrawn from the course.

General Information

This course is designed for students who either prefer not to attend, or who are unable to attend traditional classes.  In some ways it is a better course through Open College since the course allows you to study at your convenience. However, this method of learning is not without drawbacks.  Interaction with me is not as easy as it would be in the traditional classroom setting.  Spontaneous discussion and instant feedback are more difficult to achieve.  You must call me or visit my office if you need assis­tance, my number is above. Or 305-237‑3123 is the general Open College number.  If my line is busy you can hold for an answer, or  if I am unavailable my phone will ring to the general office number.  BUT, remember you must CALL if you have a PROBLEM!! 

More importantly, success in this type of course requires consid­erable self‑discipline, particu­larly when it comes to completing the lessons. Once you get behind it becomes extremely difficult to complete your work in time for the required exam. It will be necessary for you to set a rigid schedule for yourself. Each individual's study habits vary, but I expect that at least 12 hours of study time per week will be necessary to achieve a grade of "C" or better.  I have given you some guidelines for scheduling, these are on your Course Calendar. 

The amount of correspondence involved in the course requires the use of a computer mailing list to correspond with you.  Your address will be up‑dated once a week from the College's master student record system.  If your address changes you must change it  with the Office of Registration.

Course description

The principles of education with emphasis on the social, historical, and philosophical foundations of public education. This course considers conflicting views, their bases and implications. It meets teacher certification requirements in the area of sociological foundations. (3 hr. lecture).

More importantly, success in this type of course requires considerable self‑discipline, particularly when it comes to completing the lessons. Once you get behind it becomes extremely difficult to complete your work in time for the required exam. It will be necessary for you to set a rigid schedule for yourself. Each individual's study habits vary, but I expect that at least 12 hours of study time per week will be necessary to achieve a grade of "C" or better.  I have given you some guidelines for scheduling, these are on your Course Calendar. 

Course materials

Study materials are available at any of the Miami‑Dade campus book‑ stores.  You will need to purchase the textbook, Those Who Can, Teach, 9th edition, by Ryan and Cooper.

The above material is to serve as your teacher and self‑assessment for successfully completing this course.  I am available and willing to serve as a teacher/consultant, but you will be expected to learn on your own. I suggest that you start each chapter of the text by reviewing the chapter objectives included in this packet; the objectives will list the most important ideas and concepts from which you will include in your final project.  After reading each assigned chapter answer the short essay questions included in the homework assignments.

Course requirements

You are required to complete 3 homework assignments, 4 writing Projects, your philosophy of education, and complete fifteen hours of field experience.

The required FIELD EXPERIENCE MUST be completed in a public school in a regular classroom with a certified teacher. This is a State Department of Education requirement and failure to complete the field experience will result in a grade of “F”.

EXAM / PROJECT

You should work at a pace that allows you to be ready for the announced examination/project schedule.  This course is organized to reduce your visits to campus, but you must remember that you will be required to attend the midterm and final exam/project. 

Grading criteria

Your final grade will be based upon the total number of points you have accumulated during the term.  Points will be given for the homework assignments, the writing projects, and the final exam/project.  Refer to the Grading Criteria below to determine how points are awarded. No points are associated with the field experience but you can only pass this course if you complete the field experience.

Grading scale

Withdrawals and incompletes

Occasionally a student is unable to complete the course on schedule and requests an incomplete.  An Incomplete might be granted under exceptional circumstances and based on instructor’s discretion (see attached memo).  Students planning to withdraw from the course must officially complete a drop card and submit it by the established deadline. Failure to withdraw on time is not an excuse for receiving an incomplete and will result in a grade of “F”.

For administrative details or missing materials, call Social Sciences at 305-237‑3660, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday.

I hope this course will prove to be a rewarding and meaningful one for you.  Please call me if you need assistance with the subject matter, or any other aspect of this course.

Educationally yours,

       HE WHO DARES TO TEACH MUST NEVER CEASE TO LEARN

--Richard Henry Dann

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