Course Description
This 1-unit course is designed to introduce graduate students to pedagogical theory, skills, practice and technological tools that can be implemented in the college classroom and other learning environments. Through short readings, discussions, demonstrations and hands-on practice, we will address such issues as: learning philosophies, cognitive skills, learning styles, course design logistics, learner-centered activities, assessment tools, teaching technology, classroom dynamics, and ethics. Students will design and critique their own course materials and gain practical experience in presenting their material in a collegial setting.
Course Objectives
- Students will be acquainted with different pedagogical philosophies and will have reflected on their own learning experience in the context of these philosophies.
- Students will be able to evaluate a variety of instructional approaches and select appropriate formats for different learning styles and environments.
- Students will gain experience in designing course materials and in trying out various teaching techniques.
- Students will appreciate the advantages and caveats associated with electronic learning platforms and will be introduced to an assortment of classroom learning technologies.
- Students will be able to design a course syllabus, identify course objectives and learning outcomes, select and develop appropriate learning activities and assessment tools, develop grading rubrics, and use evaluation methods to critique and document the effectiveness of their teaching.
- Students will become familiar with the specific policies and logistics of teaching a course at the University of Arizona, including guidelines and suggested strategies for dealing with classroom behavior, student crises, special needs, and violations of the Code of Academic Integrity.
