Category Archives for Classroom Instruction

This course is intended as an introduction to Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is a, “set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn” (CAST, 2012). Students will explore the advantages of designing curriculum with UDL, as well as a variety of technology tools that support its implementation. Over the duration of the course, students will work with an existing lesson plan to address the three principals of UDL, successfully integrate technology, and better meet the needs of students in their classrooms.

This course will examine the learning differences between girls and boys. Their inherent learning and social dynamics are explored. The development differences, structure and spectrum of gender brain operations are explained. Practical considerations for creating the ultimate classroom environments for elementary and secondary schools are profiled. This course will focus on classroom applications for an understanding of how brain-based gender learning affects teaching. The course covers behavior, math instruction, testing and academic achievement to teaching applications in school environments.

This course explores the areas of emotional intelligence as they apply to the classroom. Educators will be able to take the theories of E.I. and put them into practice in the elementary, middle school, and high school environments. Teachers will examine EI instructional strategies in classroom environments and social interactions. Student understanding, counseling and other applications of EI theory are presented. Assignments include research and writings for teacher applications in school settings.

This course presents 46 research-based tools, worksheets and resources which have been field-tested at schools and in dropout prevention programs nationwide. They help teachers, administrators, counselors and special educators who work with at-risk learners. It also explores the 15 strategies identified by the National Dropout Prevention Center. The book has indexes by grade level, job title and by individual strategy. Educators will research the topic; develop writings, lessons or activities for classroom applications that help at-risk students to be successful in school.

This course will help teachers engage students in advanced math lessons and activities that encourage them to explore math principles that are complex and fun to use. The book contains an amazing collection of quirks, illustrations, problems and surprises that engage learners. The book's many problems use attention-getters, motivators, and enrichment activities that keep students exploring mathematical mysteries. Teachers will write an essay on learning theory and develop lessons or activities for classroom applications. As well as to help students use the book content to advance their mathematical inquiry, problem solving and creativity.

This course will study learning and memory and how the brain processes information for memory retention and retrieval. The anatomy of the brain and how brain cells function as well as chemical reactions that facilitate the memory and learning process are explained. Teachers will learn about the different types of memory, such as semantic, location, emotional, episodic, and procedural and location memories Educators will evaluate their teaching methods and apply brain memory and learning strategies for improving student achievement. Students will develop written lessons and activities for classroom applications to help students remember curriculum content.

This course is intended for teachers who are interested in or have already begun
incorporating online instruction into their classrooms. Students will be given the
opportunity to explore the advantages of online and technology-enriched instructions, define the roles of the instructor in the online environment, and evaluate current web technology. The overall goal of the workshop is to provide participants with a sound methodology and practical strategies for teaching with the Internet.

The course begins with a focus on the shifting mindset, qualities, and skills required of teachers transitioning from a traditional classroom to an online or blended classroom, as well as an exploration of the Digital Divide and its implications and impact on students in this new learning environment.
Participants will take this foundation through the remainder of the course as they examine strategies and tools for designing the structure, content, assessment strategy, and interactions that make up an effective online or blended classroom. Throughout the course, participants will also be asked to reflect on their prior experience and apply the concepts and skills they learn to improve and adapt current practices for the online and blended learning environments.