Course Length: 10 Weeks
Target Audience: Pre-Service Teachers/ 1st Year Teachers
Course Format: Weekly lectures, discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities
Course Overview:
This course explores key principles of educational psychology, with a focus on classroom management, recognizing educational disabilities, intervention strategies, inclusive teaching, and decision-making in challenging classroom situations. Pre-service teachers will develop skills to create supportive learning environments, differentiate instruction, and respond to diverse student needs.
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Course Outline:
Week 1: Foundations of Educational Psychology & Learning Theories
- Key learning theories (Behaviorism, Constructivism, Socio-Cultural Theory)
- How students learn and process information
- Understanding motivation and engagement in learning
📌 Activity: Case study analysis – How learning theories apply to real classroom situations
Week 2: Understanding and Managing Classroom Behavior
- Principles of classroom management (proactive vs. reactive approaches)
- Establishing clear expectations and routines
- Managing challenging behaviors and promoting positive interactions
📌 Activity: Role-play scenarios on behavior management strategies
Week 3: Recognizing Educational Disabilities
- Overview of common learning disabilities (Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, Intellectual Disabilities)
- Early signs and red flags for intervention
- The referral and evaluation process
📌 Activity: Case studies – Identifying potential educational disabilities in student profiles
Week 4: What to Do When You Recognize a Disability
- The role of teachers in the intervention process
- How to communicate concerns with parents and specialists
- Understanding IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and 504 Plans
📌 Activity: Mock IEP meeting simulation
Week 5: Modifying the Classroom for Students with Diverse Needs
- Differentiated instruction strategies
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
- Classroom modifications vs. accommodations vs. interventions
📌 Activity: Classroom modification challenge – Adjusting lesson plans for diverse learners
Week 6: Creating an Inclusive Classroom Culture
- Strategies for fostering inclusivity and belonging
- Addressing bias and stereotypes in education
- Promoting social-emotional learning and peer support
📌 Activity: Group discussion – Strategies to handle microaggressions and bias in classrooms
Week 7: Collaboration with Families and Support Staff
- How to build relationships with families of diverse learners
- Working with school psychologists, special educators, and counselors
- Effective communication strategies for parent-teacher meetings
📌 Activity: Parent-teacher role-play conversation
Week 8: Picking Your Battles – When & How to Address Student Behavior
- Understanding behavioral triggers
- Prioritizing responses: When to intervene, when to let go
- Using restorative practices and conflict resolution
📌 Activity: Classroom behavior scenario game – Choosing the best response
Week 9: Self-Care for Teachers & Preventing Burnout
- Recognizing signs of stress and burnout
- Strategies for work-life balance
- Building a strong support system as an educator
📌 Activity: Self-care planning exercise – Creating a sustainable wellness plan
Week 10: Final Project & Course Wrap-Up
- Applying what you’ve learned: Designing an inclusive classroom plan
- Sharing strategies and reflections
- Course evaluation and discussion
📌 Final Assignment: Design a classroom management and inclusion plan, incorporating strategies from the course
Assessment & Grading:
✅ Participation (30%) – Engaging in discussions, role-plays, and activities
✅ Weekly Reflections (20%) – Short written reflections on key takeaways
✅ Case Study Analysis (25%) – Identifying disabilities and creating intervention strategies
✅ Final Project (25%) – Designing an inclusive classroom plan
Final Thoughts:
This course provides pre-service teachers/1st year teachers with the skills to recognize and support diverse learners, manage behavior effectively, and create inclusive classrooms where all students thrive. It balances theory and real-world application, ensuring future educators are prepared for the realities of the classroom.