36 courses with the subject EDU, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
This course examines the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and adolescents through consideration of the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to children and youth. Special attention will be given to leading theories of development and their implications in the K-12 classroom.
A study of the social, philosophical, and historical foundations of education with special emphasis on the application to contemporary educational settings and issues. The course requires a practicum and a practicum journal.
This course will prepare students to teach English learners in ELD classes and in mainstream content area classes in public and private schools in the United States and to teach ELD classes in a foreign country. Included are theories of second language acquisition, program models for ELs, curriculum development, and lesson planning using variety of methods to integrate the teaching of English listening, speaking, reading and writing with content area objectives. Special attention will be given to the
This course teaches students to build science instruction that is based on strategies that involve first-hand exploration and investigation, and inquiry skills. Students will learn questioning strategies for inquiry instruction and how to plan multidisciplinary units that meet the needs of diverse learners and that address state and national standards. Practical application of concepts will be demonstrated through STEM, biological, earth, and physical science labs. ×
This course examines research and practice in the areas of literacy, cognition and learning, the writing-thinking connection, and the use of technology in literacy learning for students in the middle through secondary level. Through this course students will apply PA Common Core standards to instruction and authentic assessment techniques in reading and writing in the English/ Language Arts and content areas for middle level through secondary grades. Students will explore methods for integrating readi
This course teaches students to build science instruction that is based on strategies that involve first-hand exploration and exploration and investigation, and inquiry skills. Students will learn questioning strategies for inquiry instruction and how to plan multi-disciplinary units that meet the needs of diverse learners and that address state and national standards. Practical applications of concepts will be demonstrated through STEM, biological, earth, and physical science labs. Co-requisite field experience and a $45 lab fee are required. ×
The purpose of this course is to provide the preservice teacher with a scientifically-based foundation in the cognitive, socio-cultural, linguistic, and motivational influences on language and literacy development. This course focuses on the fundamental principles and concepts of how to explicitly teach phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The preservice teachers will study the Science of Reading to gain an understanding of how reading develops and how effective met Course Fee: $50
The aim of the field experience program at the University of Valley Forge is to provide education students with a progression of opportunities to apply theory to practice in an authentic educational setting. During the two semesters prior to student teaching, students participate in a Stage 3 field experience in a local PK-12 classroom at a grade level appropriate to their certification. Students are concurrently registered for specific methods courses to support learning derived from field experience
This course explores what it means to be an effective teacher in a society that is increasingly diverse. We will focus on the skills and dispositions teachers need to provide high quality instruction for all students, regardless of their class, race, ethnicity, gender, or religion.
This course is designed to help develop an understanding of and plan instruction for those students with varying levels of ability and developmental need. A variety of assessment procedures, strategies and techniques for teaching reading, as well as remediate programs will be examined as a means to differentiate and teach reading to these different levels. Students will learn to tailor instruction and remedial minor reading problems identified through assessment. An emphasis will be placed on reading
This course is designed to prepare students to use a problem-solving approach to effectively teach elementary mathematics. Students will learn to plan and assess lessons that are developmentally appropriate and that address state and national content and process standards. Topics include: lesson and unit planning, appropriate use of technology, state and national standards, assessment, mathematics/literature connections, and meeting needs of diverse learners.
This course examines evidenced-based classroom management models and the way classroom environments influence learning. Course content will emphasize the “Big Five” strategies-rules, routines, praise, misbehavior, and engagement-through various assignments, including the construction of a classroom management plan and participation in a co-requisite field experience. Topics include establishing effective classroom rules and procedures, professionalism, relationships and communication with stakeholders Note: This is a senior level practicum course designed to be taken just prior to the student teaching experience. All lower level education courses should be completed before taking this course.
This is an introductory overview of the policies and procedures used in the measurement and assessment of educational performance. This course provides the foundation of basic measurement concepts as well as hands-on experience with assessment tools. The primary focus of the course is on measurement and assessment strategies for all learners including the use of standardized, informal, and curriculum-based procedures. Attention is also given to the diagnosis and program planning of students with excep Student Teaching Fee: $625
Practical teaching experience in area schools giving the student opportunities to practice many facets of education by working with small groups and in regular classroom assignments. Placements will be made for the student’s final semester. EDU 466 Student Teaching must be taken concurrently with EDU 471 Student Teaching Seminar. ALL academic work must be completed. A student teaching fee will be applied. Students in SPE dual certification program must be placed in an inclusive classroom and monitored Student Teaching Fee: $625
This seminar course will consist of small group interactions to review experiences during student teaching placements. The course will also support students in applying for PDE teaching certification, constructing a cover letter and resume, completing a professional portfolio, navigating websites for job search, writing and implementing a Teacher Work Sample, and reviewing standards of ethical behavior according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Through this course, students will study the social and philosophical foundations of Western education from a Christian perspective. Students will explore the contributions of significant Christian thinkers to modern educational systems and will analyze current issues in education through the lens of these philosophical roots.
This course consists of an in-depth study of the educational implications of race, gender, language, and social class in American schools. Based on the biblical mandate to minister to people from all backgrounds, this course will encourage in-service teachers to consider the experience of diverse groups of students with understanding and compassion, and to develop skills in practicing culturally responsive pedagogy in diverse educational settings.
This course explores major concepts, principles, and methodologies related to assessment. Students will analyze the political and social atmosphere that produced legal actions such as No Child Left Behind, Race to the Top, Common Core Standards and Every Child Succeeds Act and their effect on students, educators, and administrators. Then, students will investigate formal and informal assessments and learn how to use the data generated from them to improve learning for students of all backgrounds and a
Through this course, in-service teachers and teacher candidates will examine theoretical perspectives in curriculum theory and design and will plan instruction that utilizes best practices, with emphasis on the Understanding by Design model of unit and lesson planning as well as methods of differentiation. Candidates will consider how technology in the classroom both aids and hinders instruction, and will apply the Danielson Framework domains of planning, preparation, and instruction to curriculum con
This course offers an introduction to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods for the education professional. Students will explore research methods and designs and ethical considerations in research, and will begin planning their own culminating Action Research Project or Thesis.
This course examines the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and adolescents through consideration of the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to children and youth. Teacher candidates will explore multiple influences on development such as family, culture, gender, media, and the importance of play. In addition, candidates will investigate historical foundations of education and the resulting educational approaches as they exist today.
This course equips teacher candidates with essential skills and strategies for creating and maintaining productive, supportive, and respectful learning environments that challenge all students in public school settings. Candidates will apply Danielson’s Framework for Teaching, Pennsylvania’s Code of Conduct, and the Model Code of Ethical Conduct to develop effective classroom management strategies, with a strong emphasis on cultivating a positive classroom environment and professionalism beyond the cl This course includes a 10-hour field experience to apply these concepts in real-world settings.
This course explores best leadership practices for developing effective literacy programs in a school-based setting. Topics include cultivating leadership skills, practicing Christian leadership in public settings, developing a collaborative literacy community, and the organization, management, and evaluation of effective school literacy programs.
Based on the premise that “All truth is God’s truth” ( John Calvin) and that “Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth” (Albert Camus), this course explores the importance of juvenile literature in discovering the truth of human experience across social strata. Through this course, students will engage with children’s and young adult literature and literary criticism that focuses on the lived experiences of children and youth in contemporary K-12 classrooms.
This course explores the theories of language development with particular emphasis on the cognitive, linguistic, and socio-cultural factors that influence language and literacy learning. Students will demonstrate knowledge of key concepts with assignments designed to provide practical application of course content on a variety of topics such as the benefits and impact of literacy, how literacy serves as a tool of social equity, and strategies to support family literacy and literacy programs. Students
This course includes an in-depth examination of literacy assessment and instruction in reading and writing. Focused on balanced and comprehensive literacy, students will administer multiple assessments covering the topics of phonological awareness, decoding and word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. Both directed and guided reading instruction, as well as the role of phonics in reading and spelling, will be addressed to design effective instruction for the diverse needs in ×
This course offers students guided development of a Master’s Thesis or Action Research Project. With faculty guidance and feedback, students will develop a hypothesis, outline, and detailed research proposal and will develop their proposal into a paper or project that shows mastery of the concepts explored in the program. This course must be taken during the final semester of the program.
Through this course, teacher candidates will study the “teaching for, about, and through” problem-solving model of mathematics instruction. Candidates will gain experience in designing and delivering equitable learning for all students (including special needs and linguistically diverse students) and in helping students build both conceptual and procedural knowledge of mathematics. The course will also address arts, technology, and children’s literature integration in the math classroom. This course i
This course will provide a foundation for students to teach English learners in ELL classes and mainstream content-area classes in public and private schools in the United States and internationally. Included are the stages and theories of second language acquisition, competencies in observing, planning, and implementing differentiated instruction, WIDA Can-Do descriptors and assessments, Pennsylvania English Language Proficiency Standards, and cross-cultural communication with stakeholders. Ten hours
This course will provide teachers with the knowledge of linguistic concepts for effective teaching of English language learners, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics. Social versus academic language and the use of the first language as a resource will be stressed. This course requires a ten-hour field experience working with a mentor teacher in an English learner setting.
This course is a theoretical and practical exploration of the ways humans acquire language. Students will explore strategies that assist English learners in the K-12 classroom. They will develop activities that can be used to promote communicative competence and techniques that aid English learners in mastering vocabulary. Myths surrounding language acquisition will also be discussed. Ten hours of field experience are required.
This class is the final course in the ESL program specialist certification series. The student will discover the role of an ESL program specialist in the Pennsylvania public school. Current trends and best practices that contribute to English learners’ success will be studied. This course includes a structured and extensive field experience where the student will work closely with an ESL program specialist to meet the needs academic, social and emotional needs of the English learner.
This course examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching and assessment practices. Candidates will critically explore AI’s potential to enhance instructional design, personalize learning, and support inclusive educational practices while maintaining ethical standards and the irreplaceable value of human expertise. Through hands-on projects, case studies, and research analysis, candidates will design AI-enhanced instructional strategies, evaluate emerging tools, and consider i
This course prepares educational leaders to assess, design, and implement AI-driven innovations across schools and districts. Candidates will examine AI policies, data ethics, and governance frameworks, as well as the equitable adoption of AI technologies. They will also develop AI literacy strategies that prepare students for ethical participation and success in an AI-enabled workforce. Through applied case studies, policy analysis, and design projects, candidates will create professional learning fr
This course is designed to provide teacher candidates with the tools and strategies to plan, implement, and assess instruction in the content areas of social studies and science. Candidates will utilize constructivist learning theory and the inquiry-based approach in designing and delivering effective classroom experiences for students, and will design integrated curriculum based on Pennsylvania’s Standards Aligned System that will be differentiated for English learners and other special populations.
Source: University of Valley Forge's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 59
