80 EDUCATION COURSES (ED). Note: Many education courses can be taken at the 500 level (for graduate credit) by post-baccalaureate certification candidates ONLY. See Graduate Catalog. ED 101. Strategies for Academic Success. (3) Provides the basics necessary to help students achieve their academic potential in college-level courses in all fields. Topics include organizational and analytical skills, reading comprehension, communication skills, vocabulary enrichment, research practices, effective study techniques, goal setting, assertiveness training, and time and stress management. FA, SP. ED 184. Introduction to Educational Technology. (2) The central focus of this course is the use of technology as a catalyst for changing teaching and learning in ways that better support the acquisition of higher-order thinking skills by all students. Thus, the course will include an introduction to the National Educational Technology Standards and the historical and current trends in educational technology addressing specifically national standards and how they impact learning/schools; profiles of NETS (National Education Teaching Standards) for teachers and students; integration of the standards into the classroom; analysis, evaluation, and creation of media and its effect on schools, learning, and society. Credit for taking this course at another institution will not be accepted, unless the AAT degree was earned through a Metropolitan Community College. Co-requisite: ED
185. Prerequisite: Successful completion of English Composition I. FA, SP. ED 185. Practicum. (3) Pre-service experience with a TEXT mentor in a K-12 classroom. Serves as an early screening process for teacher candidates. Course requires observation/ participation which must be met during regular K-12 school days. Candidates will meet on-campus, be introduced to MoPTA, program policy, and reflective writing. The Missouri Educator Profile (MEP) will be taken as part of this course. This course is an important part of entry to the School of Education. Developmental recommendations may be made as a result of this course. Practicum can only be taken at Avila University. Credit for taking this course at another institution will not be accepted, unless the AAT degree was earned through a Metropolitan Community College. Transportation is required. If necessary, candidates will be allowed to retake Practicum one time after waiting at least one subsequent semester in which the course is offered. Fee required. Part of the fee is non-refundable due to the security background check clearance requirement. ED 184 must be taken concurrently with ED 185. Prerequisite: Successful completion of English Composition I. Field-based component required. FA, SP. ED 206. Creative Activities & Physical Movement. (3) The course gives the preparing teacher knowledge to understand the importance of the arts and physical education as well as strategies and skills to help children express themselves in a variety of creative ways using art, music, drama and physical
movement. Activities are presented and practiced to enrich and enhance teaching of academic subjects through these modalities. Course is open to education students only. FA, SP. ED 229. Developmental and Educational Psychology. (3) An in-depth exploration of learning and motivation theory, cognitive, moral, psychological, and physical development. Additional topics include an examination of social-emotional difficulties of children, and the influence of the classroom environment on learning. FA, SP. ED 230. Children’s Literature. (3) Extensive reading of children’s literature; criteria for selection and evaluation of books; relation of literature to the reading program and to children’s needs, abilities, and interests; and the integration of literature across the curriculum. Metacognitive and reader-response strategies supporting student learning is also a focus. Field-based component required. SP. ED/PY 235. Psychology of the Exceptional Child. (3) Designed to provide an introduction to the various areas of exceptionality (gifted, intellectually disabled, learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, etc.). Social, educational, and family characteristics of exceptional children are explored. Samples of the unique teaching methods, materials, and techniques of instruction are studied. In addition, laws and regulations covering exceptional students are presented. Fieldbased component required. FA, SP.
ED 245. Tests and Measurements. (3) A study of the role of evaluation in the instructional process, standardsbased information and assessment, and basic statistical concepts and common terminology related to educational measurement. Practice in developing classroom tests, preparation of outcomes and the study of performance-based assessment are provided as well as information regarding commonly used formal tests in school districts. FA, SP. ED 287. Multicultural Foundations of Education. (3) This course will provide an examination of education including philosophical, historical and social foundations, teaching as a profession, diversity and multicultural issues in education, critical questions, and other innovations. All levels of schooling are explored including elementary, middle school, and secondary education. Prerequisites: Completion of one English composition course with a grade of “C” or better and sophomore status. FA, SP. ED 314. Methods and Educational Technology. (2) The focus of this course is teaching candidates to use technology for differentiating instruction to meet the needs of every student in every lesson. The course provides critical tools to meet the demands of teachers and learners. Candidates will explore how to differentiate instruction using technologies such as internet, wikis, blogs, podcasts, photo sharing, virtual offices, simulation and game-based learning and other emerging technologies. This course explores learning-theory research and