Course Descriptions
Middle Grades Education Field Based
(MEFB)
(faculty, see Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture)
351. Introduction to Middle Grades: Adolescent Development, Philosophy and Organization. (2-6). Credit 3.
Study of young adolescents in domains of physical, social, emotional, cognitive, interpersonal, moral growth and development; organizational structure of middle schools supporting development of young adolescents through teaming and interdisciplinary work; investigates roles and responsibilities of middle level teachers. Prerequisite: Junior classification.
352. Curriculum and Instruction for Middle Grades Curriculum. (2-6). Credit 3.
Study of educational theory and instructional strategies appropriate to middle grades education including planning and development of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary curricula; student centered learning and methodologies. Field based course. Prerequisites: MEFB 351; admission to teacher education; junior classification.
450. Social Studies Methods in the Middle Grades. (2-6). Credit 3.
Trends and issues related to middle grades curriculum development and instruction in social studies and humanities; integration of content, planning, teaching-learning experiences; evaluation of teaching and learning in social studies. Prerequisites: MEFB 352; admission to teacher education; senior classification; Corequisites: MEFB 490; RDNG 470 and 490.
460. Math Methods in Middle Grades. (2-6). Credit 3.
Examines theories, provides practice in teaching methods essential to successful mathematics learning; focuses on content and criteria central to teaching mathematics for understanding, skill development, and problem solving; readings, discussions, analyses; modeling and practicing mathematics teaching and learning. Prerequisites: MEFB 352; admission to teacher education; senior classification; Corequisites: MEFB 470, 490; MASC 450.
470. Science Methods in Middle Grades. (2-6). Credit 3.
Problems-based-learning course integrating science content, scientific inquiry skills and field-based instruction; technology-mediated teaching, learning, and assessment. Prerequisites: MEFB 352; admission to teacher education; senior classification; Corequisites: MEFB 460, 490; MASC 450.
480. Evaluation and Measurement: Program, Performance and Student Achievement in Middle Grades. (2-6). Credit 3.
Studies evaluation and assessment in relationship to student learning and performance; teacher improvement and performance; program alignment with TEKS measured by TAAS; develops understanding of the need for congruence between curriculum, instructional strategies, and evaluation of teaching and learning performance. Prerequisites: MEFB 352; MIDG 352; admission to teacher education; senior classification; Corequisites: If mathematics/science teaching--MEFB 460, 470, 490; MASC 450; if language/social studies teaching--MEFB 450 and 490; RDNG 470 and 490.
490. Organization, Motivation and Management in Middle Grades Classrooms. (2-6). Credit 3.
Field-based course focusing on communication, methodology and management perspectives consistent with democratic classrooms; organizational structures that focus on student centered, inclusionary learning interventions for disabilities; analysis of systemic conditions placing young adolescents from diverse backgrounds at risk. Prerequisites: MEFB 352; MIDG 352; admission to teacher education; senior classification; Corequisites: If mathematics/science teaching--MEFB 450; RDNG 470 and 490; if language/social studies teaching--MEFB 460, 470, MASC 450.
497. Residency in Middle Grades Education. Credit 6 to 9.
Observation and participation in an accredited public school middle grades classroom; techniques of teaching student's teaching fields; appropriate instructional strategies for assigned student population. May be taken two times. Prerequisites: Completion of methods courses; admission to teacher education; senior classification.