This course will examine the intersection of curricular relevance, teaching style, and instructional techniques on academic attitudes and learning in the secondary school classroom.  When and how to employ teacher-led/whole-group activities, small/cooperative learning groups, and independent learning will be covered, along with the role of technology, particularly as it relates to concept of active learning.  It will focus on collaborative, inquiry-based, student-centered teaching and project-based learning, with students actively involved in their own knowledge acquisition. 

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this program,

1. Examine the relevance and appropriateness of different types of activities (cooperative learning, whole group learning, etc) to encourage active learning.
2. Design lessons that focus on active, inquiry, and project-based learning where students are actively involved in their own knowledge acquisition.
3. Evaluate and create appropriate curricular materials given the developmental and personal contexts of individual learner needs.
4. Develop holistic instructional design strategies which include the consideration of curriculum and pedagogy and support learning goals in the secondary school classroom.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Instructional Strategies in Education

Week 2: Unit 2 – Teaching Methodologies: Active Learning-Why and How

Week 3: Unit 3 – Inquiry-Based Learning Approach

Week 4: Unit 4 – Project-Based Learning Approach

Week 5: Unit 5 – Choosing Instructional Activities to encourage Active Learning

Week 6: Unit 6 – Defining Instructional Design in Education

Week 7: Unit 7 – The Role of Technology in Instructional Practices

Week 8: Unit 8 – The Importance of Critical Thinking in Secondary Education

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.  The Learning Guides for all units open on the first day of class.  Please review all Learning Guides to access the readings, review assignments, etc.

Unit 1: Instructional Strategies in Education

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 2: Teaching Methodologies: Active Learning-Why and How

• Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Portfolio Assignment

Unit 3: Inquiry-Based Learning Approach

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment 

Unit 4: Project-Based Learning Approach

• Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Portfolio Assignment

Unit 5: Choosing Instructional Activities to encourage Active Learning

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment 

Unit 6: Defining Instructional Design in Education

• Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Portfolio Assignment

Unit 7: The Role of Technology in Instructional Practices

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment 

Unit 8: The Importance of Critical Thinking in Secondary Education

• Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Final Project