Ontario
Course Descriptions
Foundations I: Child Development and Classroom Management
This course introduces the main concepts of human development and learning. Candidates will develop an understanding of individual differences, socio–cultural influences and relevant theories influencing child development, learning and behaviour. Strategies will be developed for using this knowledge to build classroom communities in which students demonstrate both personal and social responsibility. Taught in collaboration with Foundations II.
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
This course aims to prepare candidates for teaching health and physical education in elementary schools in Ontario, while placing the Ontario Health and Physical Education curriculum in its wider curriculum and social context. A heavy emphasis will be placed on providing candidates with practical ideas and tools for implementing successful lessons for JK–6 classrooms, with a focus on classroom management.
Mathematics
This course seeks to develop candidates' knowledge and skills in the area of primary junior mathematics education. The first phase of the course describes how children construct mathematical ideas through a problem–solving context and challenges candidates to examine the way in which they personally make mathematical meaning. The second phase focuses on mathematical expectations as reflected in the Ontario curriculum. Candidates are encouraged to create mathematical learning environments that are relevant, realistic, richly situated and authentic.
Language and Literacy in the Primary Junior Division
The course is designed to equip candidates with the skills and knowledge to become effective classroom practitioners in the teaching of literacy. There is an emphasis on the continuum of language–literacy learning and the development of a community of learners. Being literate in today's society is incredibly complex, involving a range of speaking, listening, reading, writing, viewing and representing. This course will enable candidates to focus on different processes of this complex task in a way that is manageable.
Foundations II: Practicum Seminar – Becoming a PJ Teacher in Ontario: Rights, Responsibilities and Reflections
The Practicum Seminar courses are highly integrated with the in–school component of the program. Academic staff develop candidates' knowledge and skills of Ontario legislation, Ontario College of Teachers Standards of Practice, assessment, reporting, lesson and curriculum planning. Candidates are introduced to the Ontario Provincial Report Card and the Ontario Curriculum Planner. The Seminar provides candidates with the opportunity to reflect on practicum experiences and chart their progress through the development of a Growth Portfolio. Closely linked to Foundations I.
Foundations III: Compulsory/Inclusive Education in Ontario
This course examines the political, social, historical context of education with particular reference to compulsory schooling in Ontario. Historical and political influences, legislative requirements, the role of teachers' federations and the Ontario College of Teachers will be explored. The trends that have led to special education legislation and the movement toward inclusive education will be highlighted. Taught in collaboration with Foundations IV.
Science and Technology
This course is designed to give candidates a deeper understanding of what is involved in the teaching of science and technology within the context of the Ontario Science and Technology Curriculum. There is an emphasis on developing notions of authentic technology. Practical models of good science and technology practice will be modeled to guide candidates in the construction of their own practice as confident and independent practitioners in elementary science and technology. Clear links will be made to language and mathematics as well as other subject areas.
The Arts in Education
The main aim of this subject is to develop candidates' understanding of the role the creative arts play in providing a balanced education for children especially as a means of communication and expression. Candidates will acquire knowledge, skills and develop appropriate strategies for teaching art, music, dance and drama curricula in Ontario schools. Candidates will consider their own experience with Arts in the schools and how that may impact on their comfort level in teaching various forms of the Arts in education.
Social Studies in the Primary Junior Division
This course encourages candidates to become familiar with the Ontario Curriculum for Social Studies and to place this curriculum area within the wider curriculum of the elementary school. Candidates develop an understanding of the key social science concepts which include a strong emphasis on understanding community and citizenship within an increasingly diverse and interdependent global society. The course encourages independent learning and the development of lesson plans/units of study centred around inquiry methodologies.
Foundations IV: Practicum Seminar
As with Foundations II, this course is highly integrated with the in–school component. Candidates learn how to plan lessons that reflect an understanding of inclusive education with respect to adaptations and modifications in their practicum settings. Candidates are supported in their continuing reflection about their practicum experiences. They will be encouraged to consider what sort of teacher they want to become and to document their successes in a Presentation Portfolio organized around the Ontario College of Teachers Standards of Practice. Closely linked to Foundations III.
This program is offered under the written consent of the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities for the period from 24 th December 2004 to 24 th December 2009 . Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions).