With public education increasingly under attack, it is imperative that we persistently ask: What is education for? What qualities and abilities does a just society need in its citizens? In this program we will focus on several dimensions of K-12 education in today’s society. We will consider questions such as: What makes an effective teacher? In what ways should curriculum be structured to serve learning, development, and citizenship? How effective are current policies in education such as No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top?
In this first quarter of the program there will be a strong focus on issues of development as related to learning and education. We will examine the nature of learning from cognitive, neuropsychological, interpersonal, and socio-cultural perspectives. We will also study theories of cognitive, moral, and social development because of their power to illuminate our histories as students and teachers, and for their value in understanding the practice of teaching and the process of becoming a teacher. In the second quarter we will use this fundamental knowledge in our examination of educational policy, classroom practices and the function of schooling.
This program uses the format of many Evergreen programs: a healthy combination of theory and applied experiences. It will require self-discipline, individual work, and group work. Active involvement both in and out of class is a really important part of the learning process. Please follow the schedule closely and attend all seminars, workshops, lecturettes, group meetings, and experiential activities. To accomplish the program objectives it will be important to actively attend and contribute to class and to prepare for peer learning opportunities.
Pending successful completion of program work, credits will be awarded in: developmental psychology, theories of learning, adolescent literature, fieldwork in teaching and learning, and communication.