M.A. in Teaching courses available for nonmatriculated graduate students

If you are a teacher seeking professional development or a motivated adult seeking certification outside a traditional program, consider taking our online and blended courses as a nonmatriculated student. Courses are offered by term (see below).

FALL TERM COURSES

EDU-660511: Child and Adolescent Development (3 credits)
This course covers child and adolescent development in the context of social and cultural influences. Topics include: physical, psychological, and cognitive development; theories of learning and language acquisition; genetic and environmental factors affecting development, especially in multicultural urban settings; individual differences in abilities and differences in developmental patterns; developmental issues and learning needs of students with special needs; and cognitive, social, motor skills, and technology. Matriculated students complete at least 10 hours in an urban classroom (appropriate to the certification area) working with a certified teacher to explore the relevance of the topics they are studying to a classroom setting. Observation assignments will integrate theoretical and research-based concepts with classroom practice. Nonmatriculated students do not participate in the field experience.

EDU-660515: Effective Urban Schools (3 credits)
This course critically examines the philosophical, historic, social and legal foundations of education, as well as contemporary structures, functions and issues in American urban educational systems. The course provides additional historical context for the subsequent course, Teaching Diverse Learners. Topics include: broad historical and social contexts within which American schools developed; present and historical relationships between schools and communities; diversity, equity, individuality, and schooling; schooling and democracy/citizenship; social structures and cultures of schools; teachers as members of learning communities; computer use in schools; rights and responsibilities of education stakeholders; and contemporary debates and alternative visions of schooling. Matriculated students complete at least 10 hours observing or participating in school and community-based experiences in settings where their schools are located. Nonmatriculated students do not participate in the field experience.

EDU-660521: Teaching and Curriculum (3 credits)
This course examines research-based approaches to curriculum development, the relationships between curriculum and classroom management, and the relationship between the curriculum and students’ individual differences and capabilities. Students learn how to use their subject matter knowledge to develop instructional objectives, and to develop or adapt instructional materials appropriate to the grade levels they are teaching. Students learn how to use technology for both instruction and information management, and to identify use and evaluate technologies appropriate to the subjects and levels taught. The study of curriculum is related to the students’ areas of certification. Topics include: research and theories related to curriculum and instructional strategies; curriculum construction, development of instructional objectives and materials, lesson planning and presentation; pupil evaluation; and technology mediated methods and materials.

EDU-660531: Literacy (3 credits)
This course includes a critical consideration of theoretical perspectives about language acquisition and the wider social context of literacy in U.S. society in the 21st century. Various forms of literacy and communication, such as reading, writing, speaking, listening and computer skills, and varied media, such as film, television, art and music, are explored. Topics include: developmental issues in language acquisition; instruction for literacy in multicultural classrooms; teaching English as a second language; and reading and writing difficulties.


SPRING TERM COURSES

EDU-660513: Teaching and Learning (3 credits)
This course examines the complex relationship between teaching and learning; relationships between various teaching strategies and students’ learning styles and needs; different teaching strategies that work with children of different ages; and relationships between students’ assumptions, beliefs and attitudes and their own teaching styles. Students reflect on their own experiences as learners to gain insight into these issues. The study of teaching methods and microteaching sessions is related to the student’s area of certification. All students study special issues facing children learning English as a second language. Topics include: theories and research related to teaching and learning; general teaching methods and materials, and developing instructional objectives; advantages and disadvantages of various teaching methodologies; instructional and behavioral components of classroom management; techniques of self assessment and assessment of student learning; and uses of technology to enhance learning, including computers as an interactive medium and as a tool, and the cognitive and social aspects of technology mediated learning. Matriculated students complete at least 10 hours in an urban classroom (appropriate to the certification area) working with a certified teacher to begin developing their own approaches to teaching. Nonmatriculated students do not participate in the field experience.


EDU-660514: Exceptionalities: Individualized Learning (3 credits)
This course provides an overview of theories and research about students with special needs and a range of exceptionalities, as well as issues and strategies in developing educational programs and adapting instruction to meet the needs of all students. Students develop awareness of and sensitivity to individual differences and learn how to individualize instruction in the context of their certification areas. Topics include: physical, emotional and learning disabilities; gifted and talented students; gifted and talented students and computers; individualizing instruction for all students; uses of assistive and adaptive technologies and computers to meet special needs; inclusion; and assessing behavior problems and planning, implementing, and evaluating interventions. Matriculated students complete at least 10 hours in an urban classroom (appropriate to the certification area) working with a certified teacher to explore the relevance of what they are studying to a classroom setting. Nonmatriculated students do not participate in the field experience.


EDU-660523: Educational Evaluation in the Content Area (3 credits)
This course develops skills in evaluating both student learning and teaching effectiveness within the fields of math, science, English, French, Spanish and social studies. The course emphasizes using research-based inquiry into one’s own practice as a teacher to improve curricula, teaching, and learning. Topics include: principles and forms of assessment of student learning, especially in relation to the certification area; uses of technology in the assessment of student learning; national, state, and local instruments for assessing student learning and their use in enhancing student learning and teaching effectiveness; and principles and forms of classroom research.



EDU-660533 Literacy Across the Curriculum in the Content Area - (3 credits)
This course examines the role of reading, writing and language within the curriculum and the impact of literacy on specific content areas. Students develop strategies and skills in exploring relevant content literature and using technology to acquire and manage information. Students gain experience in designing and implementing literacy lessons within the fields of math, science, English, French, Spanish and social studies.


SUMMER TERM COURSES

EDU-660512: Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits)
This course addresses diversity in contemporary urban schools, the ways children and families from various cultures are affected by and affect urban schools, and the role of the teacher and the curriculum in creating an open and tolerant environment conducive to learning. Students understand how to adapt instruction to the needs of diverse learners. Topics include: immigration, global issues, and education; cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic diversity; related behaviors, attitudes, family structures, and expectations; community contexts of local schools; teaching, curriculum, and diversity in the student’s certification area; and equity and cultural issues in computer use. (The classroom observation component is not required for nonmatriculated students). Course includes online work with some scheduled face-to-face meetings held at Empire State College centers in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Latham (Capital District), New York City (Manhattan) and Hudson Valley (Hartsdale)


EDU-660529: Content Area Study (3 credits)
An array of topics in the fields of math, science, English, French, Spanish and social studies, will be available to enable candidates to strengthen their content area background. While learning new content, students will develop lessons, teaching methods, and materials for use with their own pupils. Nonmatriculated students will enroll in the online course only.