Reading Instruction and Phonics Theory

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Educators will learn the sounds of American English and the theory of the alphabetic codes by focusing on letter-sound relationships of the alphabetic code instruction.
2. Teachers analyze the introduction to understand the author and his perspectives on the various reading instruction strategies in school systems and their outcomes.
3. Educators will review the history of reading instruction in the U.S and contrast the whole-language literacy compared to creating phonics frameworks for reading acquisition.
4. Participants will utilize the appendices supplement to stages, code sounds to letters, consonant blends, complex and frequently used words to enhance reading instruction.
5. Educators will research this topic, view videos and practice sounds stages from the book to create lessons/activities to improve reading/phonics instruction in classrooms.

W.I.N.S. Communication

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

From this course, participants will:

1. Learn tools to proactively help start communicating on a positive note.
2. Develop listening and empathy skills.
3. Learn ways to intentionally create conditions to help people feel more seen, heard and
   appreciated.
4. Learn key information and ideas related to what is happening in the brain before and during
   communication efforts.
5. Learn common reasons why communication often goes astray.
6. Learn practical ways to cultivate healthy relationships.
7. Develop practical communication skills which can help participants feel more safe and
   connected.
8. Learn how to embed self-care into daily communication.
9. Cultivate social and emotional learning (SEL) and mindfulness competencies as part of
   communication efforts.
10. Understand and apply concepts related to zero, negative and positive sum games.
11. Practice a four-part communication process which can be used during one-on-one conversations,
    group interactions as well as via interactions using technology (email, social media, etc.)
12. Develop the capacity to communicate effectively through intentional, deliberate means.

Assertive Discipline

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Educators will learn how assertive discipline approaches assists and supports teacher rights, authority and responsibilities.
2. Teachers will examine myths and misinformation that often unjustifiably blame teachers for issues beyond their control or authority.
3. Educators will be presented with numerous discipline plans and behavior modification strategies for implementation into the classroom environment.
4. Students will be able to use the specific directives, implementing consequences and on-task behavior strategies for classroom management.
5. Teachers will develop a discipline plan or classroom management activity that utilizes positive recognition along with limits, structure and respect for authority.

Providing Effective Feedback to Foster Student Growth

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

From this course, participants will:

1. Examine the role of feedback in the learning process.
2. Differentiate the key components of effective feedback.
3. Apply best practices and strategies for providing feedback.
4. Develop a strategic feedback plan for an existing unit or project.

Smartphones in the Classroom: Strategies for Effective Implementation

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

From this course, participants will:

1. Examine the advantages and disadvantages of smart phone use in the classroom.
2. Construct an effective smart phone use policy.
3. Assess the educational value of various smart phone applications.
4. Create a lesson plan that effectively implements the use of student smart phone use.

Motivation and Learning

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Teachers will review student relationships and how to make learning easier without lowering standards. They will learn how to use various teaching tips and strategies.
2. Students will read about various quick-tips for increasing motivation and learning. They will examine and apply the various ideas for possible applications into their teaching environment.
3. Educators will examine how motivation works in human behavior and how to get students to be intrinsically motivated. The video: The Law of Attraction and are also viewed to blend mental consciousness concepts into motivation applications.
4. Educators will examine the motivation tips as they relate to instructional content and teaching for classroom implementation.
5. Teachers will learn about assessments, testing, and grading tips as they check for validity regarding testing and how they can be used for motivating students

Engaging Teens and Tweens

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Educators will review the new findings in brain research that explain how the brain learns, make new connections and how our thinking is changed through brain plasticity.
2. Participants will be presented with the various changes that the brain makes during adolescence and explore how technology and the media have changed how the brain functions with the new generations of students.
3. Educators will learn about making material meaningful, how emotions affect the brain and learning as well as how stress affects the brain and body.
4. Participants will explore techniques for managing student psychological states in order to engage them in learning and help them to recall and apply knowledge.
5. Educators will research this topic as it applies to student choices regarding drugs, promiscuity, and alcohol as well as to their broader decision-making abilities.

Tomorrow's Technology in Today's Classroom

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

From this course, participants will:

1. Review the variety and ever-growing availability of technological resources.
2. Design and utilize a wiki program.
3. Utilize and customize virtual communication mediums.
4. Discuss with the instructor and classmates varying platforms for student implementation of technological resources.
5. Produce and implement a virtual survey.
6. Create an online classroom using one of the recommended ecourse sites.

Eliminating Student Excuses

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Educators will develop an understanding of how the mind is programmed to believe and behave in certain negative or positive patterns that are socially conditioned.
2. Participants will analyze the social and psychological beliefs of the 18 most commonly utilized excuses for not exploring or experiencing new ideas, goals or endeavors.
3. Educators will learn about the seven excuses be-gone principals for reprogramming thoughts in order to change limiting, preconditioned beliefs and self-defeating behaviors.
4. Participants will examine the paradigm shifts needed for a new way of thinking and shedding subconscious habits and acquire strategies to develop a new way of being.
5. Educators will write an application essay and develop a lesson or project activity that applies the course content to classroom instruction and school learning environments.