Section 9
Methods for Instruction
Methods for instruction are varied and include (examples)-
-
cooperative or group learning (in ELE
3600 there are 3 major group assignments and several mini lessons using
break out groups)
-
teaming (students are shown the relationship between using
groups in the college classes and working in teaching teams in schools)
-
total class instruction (while lecturing is kept at a minimum,
there are times every session for class discussions)
-
individual instruction (instructors are available for individuals
to discuss their concerns & students are expected to search for their
own resources
*)
-
active
learning for both elementary & secondary is emphasized (working
together and alone to solve problems an integral part of many classes)
-
field trips (in ELE
3600 students take 3 field trips, two museums and a cemetery, plus
plan two others, one for their unit plan)
-
technology (students are encouraged to use the WWW to find
resources as well as e-mail to communicate with their instructor outside
of class)
-
Constructivist learning
* Students must review articles on how to teach social studies
to learn best practices in such professional journals as Social Education
or Social Studies & the Young Learner as well as other
sources. Through class instruction and readings students are introduced
to numerous teaching strategies and are given opportunities to use them
in both their methods classes and in their field experiences.
In social studies methods courses not only are the social studies disciplines
emphasized in Michigan (economics, geography, history, & political
science), but also the additional disciplines of NCSS, psychology, sociology,
anthropology plus law related education.
These methods are evident in the course
descriptions,
instructor
syllabi or Form XXX for-
Elementary
Undergraduate
Elementary MAT
Secondary Undergraduate
Secondary MAT
.