ACL - Adult Continuing Literacy Education

This course is designed to review and apply content- area knowledge tested on the Language Arts, Reading Comprehension, and Writing components of the Basic Skills Test and to address test taking strategies. Emphasis is placed on developing and practicing reading comprehension strategies and practical, hands-on exercises; reviewing the writing process with emphasis on developing an argument essay; and grammar and usage review. Importance is placed on practical applications of reviewed concepts. The online component will foster communication among the students and with the instructor, to answer content-area and test-related questions between course sessions, and to build a community among the takers. This developmental course can only be used for elective credit. Total degree credit for developmental courses is limited to 5 quarter hours. Prerequisite(s): None 2 quarter hours

The seminar provides strategies that help new students learn how to be successful students in a college environment, develop a sense of commitment to the NLU community, and gain a greater self-awareness of academic and professional goals. Prerequisite(s): None 0–2 quarter hours This developmental course can only be used for elective credit. Total degree credit for developmental courses is limited to 5 quarter hours.

Basic writing skills are taught in this course. Emphasis is placed on topic selection, organizing ideas, and grammar. Student awareness of strengths and weaknesses is increased to encourage the use of self-monitoring strategies, e.g., editing and proofreading. This course is designed for students preparing to enter the required English Department composition courses or for anyone wishing to build self-confidence in writing abilities or to successfully complete writing projects. Prerequisite(s): Writing Sample 3 quarter hours

Principles and practices of prior learning and its assessment will be surveyed. Students' learning obtained through personal and professional experiences will be analyzed. Students will prepare a portfolio documenting this prior learning. Prerequisite(s): Previous postsecondary education and admission to a degree program utilizing Credit by Portfolio. 2 Quarter Hours

An examination of competing histories of adult education activities in the United States, as well as a review of the historical and philosophical forces that have shaped the field. This course facilitates an active, flexible connection between various theoretical perspectives and actual practices and encourages the student to construct a personal philosophy. Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing is required. ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

An introduction to the content and pedagogy of the Masters Program, emphasizing understanding self as learner and leading to a critical examination of adult development as it relates to learning theory, self-directed learning, and learning how to learn. Prerequisite(s): ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

An introductory seminar that provides a context for subsequent courses. Helps to identify issues and provides an informal setting in which community college educators discuss common concerns and brainstorm solutions. Provides structure and team-building for students beginning a blended format (part online and part face-to-face classroom) certificate. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Certificate program in Teaching and Learning in Community Colleges. 1 semester hour

Introduces methods of designing and facilitating courses and training seminars. Topics include needs assessment, instructional objectives, facilitation strategies, instructional materials and evaluation. Consideration is given to individual learning styles and culturally relevant curricula. A variety of instructional models and delivery formats including online instruction are addressed. Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing is required. ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

An examination of program planning and development and the ways in which context, situation, and vision influence these processes. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Adult Education Masters Program or approval of the department. Simultaneous enrollment in Leadership in Adult Education: Administration ACL 520 is required. ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

This course provides the adult educator with the conceptual tools and skills necessary for effective planning, management and evaluation of educational programs for adults. The course identifies and utilizes key resources and facilitates a team approach to program planning and implementation. The emphasis is on translating theory into successful practice. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing is required. ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

This course is geared for those who work or will work in advising and guiding roles with adults and will examine adult education practice in the context of social discourse on the construction of social knowledge. Emphasis will be placed on the critical examination of participants' practices, theories and beliefs as well as self-awareness, and applicability to various learning environments. Topics of current interest will be covered. Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing is required. ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

This course provides adult educators with a broad base of knowledge of theory and practice with second language students. First and second language acquisition theories, cognitive, affective, sociocultural, and linguistic aspects of language learning and teaching, and popular methods in language teaching and classroom practices will be covered. Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

Examines the problems, concerns, agreements, disagreements, and other important aspects of the adult and continuing education field. Helps student become knowledgeable about subjects vital to program operation and progress and increases awareness of trends in the field. Prerequisite(s): Consent of advisor. ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

This course explores the fundamental concepts of current computer technologies in higher education to support the learning of community college students. It is intended for classroom teachers who are interested in effectively integrating technology into the teaching and learning process in ways that create more engaged learning opportunities for their students. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Certificate program in Teaching and Learning in Community Colleges. 3 semester hours

Explores current educational technologies - interactive video, online courseware, multimedia, and computerized instruction - in the context of best practices in adult education. Prerequisite(s): ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

This course is a comprehensive overview of workplace education and training from its historical evolution to current methods, trends, and issues. Participants will explore both the theory and practice of designing, implementing, evaluating, and managing effective programs for adult learners in the workforce with an emphasis on the developing trends of training. Prerequisite(s): ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

This course is designed to enhance understanding and awareness of issues related to diversity. Attention will be paid to how a variety of perspectives can be brought to bear on the issues we face in contemporary society and how organizations can best achieve their best diversity and inclusion goals. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing is required. ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

This course is designed to introduce effective communication strategies within the workplace, including written communications, oral presentations, PowerPoint, and electronic communications (email and Internet). Students, being familiar with the technologies of business communication, will develop skills for the succinct and accurate transfer of information and knowledge. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing required. ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

Introduces students to graduate study in the Department of Adult Education with an emphasis on blended, online, or web-enhanced delivery of coursework. Students will be introduced to the software used in the program, become familiar with academic expectations for graduate students, and be introduced to the field of adult education, whether it be for facilitating adult learning or literacy instruction, through a preliminary examination of the disciplines, history, philosophy, traditions and practices. Provides structure and team-building for students. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Adult Education Masters Program 1 semester hour Replaced with LAE540

Introduces students to the purposes and problems of budgeting and fiscal management in organizations and functional units responsible for adult education activities. Analyzes past program income and expense and teaches students to develop pro forma budgets for future programs and grant proposals. Addresses the need for overall fiscal accountability. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing is required. ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

Provides an overview of strategies and problems related to the marketing and educational programs. Surveys a variety of marketing strategies, relative costs, and methods of evaluation effectiveness. Enables student to conduct market needs analysis and evaluate the probable success of potential program offerings. Prerequisite(s): ACL540 or program director approval. 2-3 semester hours

Provides an overview of legislation and policies related to adult education and examines trends which may affect future regulations. Attention is given to both federal and state legislation as applicable to instructional policies common to given areas which establish instructional parameters in adult education. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing is required. ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

Explores both the rationale for evaluating programs and practical procedures for identifying and measuring variables related to participant reactions, learning, individual behavior changes, and organizational improvement. Prerequisite(s): ACL516, ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

Introduces principles and methods underlying the creation of knowledge. Develops a critical understanding of research and examines knowledge creation as a component of adult and education. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing is required. ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

Explores the theory and practice of group development and creating learning communities. Collaborative learning and developing optimal work teams are emphasized. Attention is given to group roles and relationships, communication dynamics, decision making strategies, diversity, conflict management and the role of power in groups. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing is required. ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

Literacy for the community and families within that community has played a major role in adult education throughout history. This course will explore the historical roots of community literacy programs, examine theories of the political and social implications of literacy development, and present some practical strategies for working in an adult literacy setting. Prerequisite(s): ACL540 Introduction to Adult Education or permission of the program director. 3 semester hours

Students enrolled in this course will demonstrate the ability to apply problem-solving and research skills in an area that is relevant to their career and/or educational goals. Students will address either a specific practical problem or a theoretical question. This course can be taken a maximum of two times. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing and ACL 516 are required. ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

Workshops offer content in an informal atmosphere utilizing the participation model. An identifying statement indicates the area of study and appears on the transcript. The appropriateness and acceptability of workshop credit must be determined in consultation with the faculty advisor. Prerequisite(s): None 1-4 Variable Semester Hours

Provides practical experience in the preparation and implementation of adult education programs. Internships are individually designed to meet the professional development needs of the student. Prerequisite(s): Consent of advisor. ACL540 or program director approval. 1-3 semester hours

Field study courses are designed to allow students to engage in academic activities in locations other than established campus sites. Locations may be overseas as well as domestic; they may be employment sites. Each field study is detailed by an outline of the objectives, learning activities, and evaluation procedures required for that course. Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor. ACL540 or program director approval. 1-3 semester hours

Provides the student with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize learning from all coursework in the program. Students collaborate with the faculty in the development of the course. Emphasis is placed on critical reflection and deepening understanding of self, community, work and the field of adult education. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all core courses in the Masters degree program or the consent of the advisor. ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

Provides an opportunity for students to pursue advanced scholarly study in special areas where they seek further information, or to investigate a practical problem in their area of professional interest. Prerequisite(s): Consent of advisor. ACL540 or program director approval. 1-3 semester hours

Explore current and relevant topics in adult education related to specific practices. The specific focus of the course is determined in advance and specified in the current syllabus. Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing and completion of the adult education core: ACL 501, ACL 503, ACL 510, ACL 516, ACL 540, and ACL 546 1-3 semester hours

The thesis is a formal, written document that investigates a theory or particular point of view as the result of disciplined inquiry. Students must discuss content and methodology with an appropriate faculty member. Prerequisite(s): Consent of department faculty. ACL540 or program director approval. 6 semester hours

The inquiry is an extensive and intensive independent research and action project which is integrative of all course work and addresses the personal and professional goals of each student. Students work in conjunction with a faculty advisor and peers to develop and implement their research. Prerequisite(s): All courses in the Masters of Adult Education Program. ACL540 or program director approval. 1-6 semester hours

Continuous registration required until thesis is complete. Prerequisite(s): Masters standing, consent of instructor, and prior registration for the required number of hours in ACL599. ACL540 or program director approval. 0 semester hours

Provides the learner with an opportunity to apply the theory, research, strategies, and assessment principles gained through foundational coursework in reading and writing in an authentic learning environment. Also enables the learner to receive feedback from a mentor with whom collaboration is encouraged. Accommodates the learner's previous experience and interest through a variety of responsibilities. Prerequisite(s): ACL540 or program director approval. 3 semester hours

Provides the student with the opportunity to be involved regularly in a developmental reading/writing experience (e.g., class, tutoring, materials development) mainly at the level of observation and to be mentored by an experienced instructor. Activity will vary depending on experience and level of interest. Prerequisite(s): ACL540 or program director approval. 2 semester hours

Provides the student with the opportunity to be involved regularly in a developmental reading/writing experience mainly at the level of assisting the primary instructor. Activity will vary depending on experience and level of interest. Prerequisite(s): ACL591RW, ACL540 or program director approval. 2 semester hours

Provides the student with the opportunity to be the primary instructor in a developmental reading/writing experience. Students will be observed and advised regularly. Prerequisite(s): ACL591RW & ACL592RW, ACL540 or program director approval. 2 semester hours