500

This course explores the definitions, purposes, and theories of assessment and curriculum differentiation in early childhood settings. The implication of assessments, ethical concerns, and appropriate assessment practices are discussed. Candidates learn various forms of authentic and other performance-based assessments appropriate for young children from different cultural, linguistic, and social economic backgrounds. Candidates learn meaningful ways to collect data on child performance, analyze and interpret teaching effectiveness, and utilize the assessment results for curriculum planning and differentiations. At least five hours of observation in early childhood settings are required. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 semester hours

In this course, candidates explore various types of educational inquiry and assessment by studying their own educational settings and contexts. Candidates investigate topics that are of interest to them and learn how to critique published research. Candidates collect and evaluate their own data to understand their classrooms and students’ behaviors and attitudes. Working collaboratively and/or independently on projects and assignments, candidates learn different approaches to data collection and assessment, considering issues of credibility, reliability, and validity. Candidates engage in a small scale site-based project, or its equivalent, to acquire practical skills of researching and evaluating educational phenomena. Prerequisite(s): None 3 semester hours

In this course, candidates explore research paradigms that underpin practitioner and action research and the corresponding methods of educational inquiry. Candidates examine their assumptions regarding the value of practitioner-oriented research and develop skills to conduct small-scale research projects within the areas of their specialization and interest. Course readings and assignments are used to exemplify various methods and styles of conceptualizing, conducting, and presenting research. Candidates learn to evaluate published research and scholarly works and to express themselves creatively in writing and presenting their research projects Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course is the first in a four-course action research sequence. It introduces the nature and processes of teachers' classroom inquiry to enlighten instruction and improve student learning. Towards this end, the course introduces traditions and conceptions of action research and its relation to other forms of inquiry. It emphasizes the role of teachers as researchers of their own practices and contexts in terms of their students' learning and construction of meaning. Candidates begin to explore their classrooms as complex systems shaped by interpersonal, cultural, and political/structural dynamics. Candidates build a framework for their own action research as they write their autobiography and their action research proposal. This course is for students in the M.Ed. Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Program. Prerequisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 semester hours

The course introduces traditions and conceptions of action research and its relation to other forms of inquiry. The teacher’s role as researcher of their own practices and contexts related to students’ learning and construction of meaning are explored. Candidates investigate their classrooms as complex systems shaped by interpersonal, cultural, and political/structural dynamics, building frameworks for action research through writing an autobiography, action research proposal, and literature review. Candidates learn how to become teacher researchers and change agents in their classrooms. The course is offered for 2 SH in the Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Program and for 3 SH for candidates with a Teacher Leader major. 10 field hours are required. Pre-requisite(s): ESR 531 ( required only for TLA program candidates). Co-requisite(s): None. 2 or 3 semester hours

Candidates continue their action research study, collecting and analyzing data, using data analysis to draft responses to research questions, and critiquing, synthesizing, and reflecting on relevant literature. Through recursive cycles of planning, implementing, observing, reading, conversing, and interpreting, they use emerging analyses to make meaning of student classroom experiences and self-experiences. By incorporating appropriate technology throughout these processes, candidates explore ways to enrich student experiences and enhance classroom success. The course is offered for 2 SH in the Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Program and for 3 SH for candidates with a Teacher Leader major. 10 field hours are required. Pre-requisite(s): ESR 532. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 or 3 semester hours

Candidates complete their action research cycle, becoming aware of the relationship of the research process to personal professional, and institutional change. Candidates reflect on their data, construct patterns, note changes in their practices, and prepare a final product communicating insights about their work and student learning. This action research project utilizes relevant technological formats as candidates explore uses of their inquiries to enrich professional and institutional change and explore ways to continue the self-assessment processes of reflective practitioners. self-assessment processes of reflective Teaching, Learning, and Assessment program and for 3 SH in the Teacher Leader program. 10 hours of field experiences are required. Pre-requisite(s): ESR 533. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 or 3 semester hours