PDS BIO4 Topics in Biology for Teachers (1-4 non-degree sem. hrs.) Licensed high school biology teachers explore topics in biology and laboratory activities that promote rigorous study of science. Participants will apply knowledge to engage high school students (especially those in underserved populations) in meaningful scientific inquiry. Prerequisite: teacher licensure in biology. Offered on demand. PDS NB5 Professional Development for National Board Certification- Completing the Journey (1 non-degree sem. hr.) Teachers focus on the final details of the portfolio entry and become familiar with the assessment center exercises. Focuses on peer review and collegiate collaboration as the portfolio is prepared for finalization. They investigate content-specific to their certification and the alignment to national standards. Serves as an opportunity for teachers to critically consider strategies to improve their teaching and to impact student learning. Pass/fail grading. Prerequisite: PDS NB2. Offered every spring. PDS NB6 National Board Renewal Workshop (1 non-degree sem. hr.) A series of five class meetings to introduce NBCT renewal candidates to the renewal process, provide support as candidates examine their professional growth experiences, and complete their four-part portfolio to demonstrate continued accomplished teaching. Pass/fail grading. Prerequisite: current National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT); approaching ten-year renewal within one (1) year. Offered every semester. PDS POLS 1 Women and Politics (2 non-degree sem. hrs.) Examine women in politics from an international perspective. Teaching in public schools depends on political negotiations; this course illuminates barriers and opportunities for women working in the public sphere. Knowing difficulties and advantages women face allows teachers to equip students with skills, strategies and knowledge to ensure success in a gendered world. Prerequisite: teacher recertification. Offered on demand (summer only). PDS POLS 2 Media and Democracy (2 non-degree sem. hrs.) Explores the political effects of the news media. Teachers in public schools play an important role in students’ development of the skills necessary to become a critical media consumer. Familiarity with media effects improves teachers’ abilities to help students develop media literacy skills, a necessity in democratic societies. Prerequisite: teacher recertification. Offered on demand (summer only). PDS PSY Abnormal Psychology for Teachers (2 non-degree sem. hrs.) Addresses common psychological abnormalities that teachers may encounter in the K-12 classroom. Topics will include depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and topics requested by participants. Discussion and assignments will center on relevant classroom strategies and personal experiences, which will be tied to psychological literature. Prerequisite: teacher recertification. Offered on demand (summer only). PDS REC 1 Disabilities in the Media (2 non-degree sem. hrs.) Through the use of popular media teachers will explore various disabilities, related challenges and prejudices individuals with disabilities may encounter. Discussion of physical, psychological, emotional, and social disabilities allow for examination of how disabilities, and interactions between those with and without disabilities, are portrayed in the media. Ideal for special education and adapted PE teachers. Prerequisite: teacher recertification. Offered on demand (summer only). PDS REC 2 Outdoor Experiential Education and Recreation (2 non-degree sem. hrs.) A series of experiences, discussions, and readings about theories, current issues and practices in outdoor education and recreation. Teachers plan, prepare, and implement outdoor experiences based on standards in the field—including strategies to implement kinesthetic learning into their existing and/or new lesson plans and classroom activities. The class will meet on campus as well as local off campus sites to be announced. Entrance fees, parking and transportation are the responsibility of the student. Prerequisite: teacher recertification. Offered on demand (summer only). PDS SOC 1 Visual Sociology of the Civil Rights Movement (2 non-degree sem. hrs.) Documentary films of the civil rights movement in the United States are used to investigate, discuss, and interpret social movement theories such as resource mobilization, framing, relative deprivation, and political process. Content appropriate for Sociology, World History II, U.S. History, and Government teachers. Prerequisite: teacher recertification. Offered on demand (summer only).
Virginia Wesleyan University 2021 - 2022 Academic Catalog
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