This course’s purpose is to support students in their transition to college level academic work. The emphasis is on metacognition, study habits, and participation in the spectrum of learning opportunities at the university. This course aims to direct students to the academic, social, cultural, recreational, and spiritual resources available to them and to provide direction in accessing the resources. Additionally, students will learn how to effectively advocate for their learning by participating in academic coaching, office hours, events, and other learning opportunities. Goal setting, academic learning reflections, and study plans and strategies are components of this course.
Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included. This course may be repeated for credit.
This course is a one-hour classroom and field-based learning experience constructed around student preparation for the next steps after graduation. Students will learn about effective communication, constructing essential documents, impression management during important social occasions, and how to present a best self during interviews and similar professional interactions. Included in the curriculum will be seminars with business and academic leaders who will be able to provide guidance and coaching. At the end of the capstone course, students will be better prepared professionally, socially, and spiritually to enter the next stage of their life.
This course prepares students to effectively teach health and P.E. in grades PK-6. In addition to PK-6 health content and methodology, it includes exploration of developmentally appropriate movement education methods for PK through grade 6 as well as ways to use movement activities to help children learn academic content areas other than health and P.E. (such as math, science, social studies and language arts).
This course provides an exploration of science content and skills, as well as teaching/learning materials and strategies for helping preschool through grade six students learn science. It includes an overview of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for science at these grade levels and exploration of discipline specific pedagogy and reading strategies.
This math methods course prepares prospective elementary and middle school teachers with knowledge of methods and materials needed to teach math effectively. EC-6 math content is briefly reviewed as students explore research validated ways to develop children’s problem solving and reasoning abilities as well as their understanding and use of whole numbers, decimals and fractions. Active learning using models and inquiry is emphasized.
This course is an introduction to theories, pedagogical considerations and current methodology, including technology integration, in the teaching of social studies to elementary age children. Students gain experience in applying this knowledge through instructional design projects and simulated teaching experiences. The course includes an overview of PK-8 social studies content including Texas history and world geography and an exploration of discipline specific reading strategies.
This course explores EC-6 fine arts content and methodology. It includes development of knowledge, skills and dispositions identified in the art, music and theatre Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) as well as ways to integrate fine arts into learning in other content areas.
This course provides an exploration of social studies content and skills. Social studies content will include World History, Geography, and Texas History. The course will introduce students to teaching/learning materials and strategies for developing concepts and skills for middle to high school students. Integration of technology and interactive learning are integral aspects of this course.
