Faculty Syllabus

Students in EDUC 1301 must pass a criminal history background check and complete 16 hours of field observations in the public schools. Field observations will be scheduled during public school hours Monday-Thursday. Background checks and placements will be addressed during the first week of class.

• Credit Hours: 3
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3
• Observation Hours per semester: 16 

REQUIRED TEXT

This course is an Open Educational Resource (OER)course. 

All necessary readings will be posted on Blackboard.

This integrated pre-service course is designed for those pursuing a teaching career. It emphasizes developing systematic observation skills and provides an overview of key dimensions of teaching

FIELD OBSERVATIONS

Students are required to complete 16 hours of field observations in K-12 schools in four different settings (4 hours each):  early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school.  Noncompletion of the field observations will result in a failing grade.  The field observations will establish the connection between educational theory and actual practice.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Become acquainted with the culture of public schools.
• Utilize and analyze an objective observation system that allows for effective primary field research.
• Conduct focused observations on selected dimensions of teaching.
• Evaluate instructional methods and strategies that contribute to the successful educational achievement of public-school students.  
• Distinguish terminology and concepts relevant to policies, research, and practices related to the public education system.  
• Identify personal motivation for pursuing the teaching profession.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the teacher certification requirements.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Explain educational terminology and concepts relevant to policies, research, and practices in the public education system.  
• Compare and contrast values, beliefs, and strategies that will facilitate the learning of all students.
• Produce an instructional lesson related to field observation and service-learning experiences in the public schools.

All course materials and grades will be posted on Blackboard

Students’ final grades will be based on:

• Classroom Field Observation Papers (2 papers) 20%
• Quizzes (3) 30%
• Mini Presentation 10%
• Final Exam (comprehensive) 10%
• Teaching Demonstration 20%
• Participation 10%

Classroom Field Observation Paper (2 Papers) - 20%

Students will use observation instruments on each paper to collect data about their observation experiences in schools. Students will use the field data recorded to write a 3 to 5 page paper reflecting on what was observed. The requirements and grading rubric for evaluating the field observation papers will be posted on Blackboard.   

Quiz (3 quizzes) - 30% 

Students will complete three quizzes over the readings in the course.  The quizzes will consist of multiple-choice questions and short answer items. A study guide will be provided.

Final Exam (Comprehensive) - 10% 

Students will complete a Final Exam over the readings in the course.  The comprehensive final exam will consist of short answer questions.  A study guide will be provided.

Mini Presentation- 10% 

Students will create and present a 5 minute powerpoint presentation introducing themselves to parents as a new teacher with a set of classroom rules and contact information. The presentation should include 3-5 slides.

Teaching Demonstration – 20%

Students will be assigned a topic/passage to teach to the class.  Students will develop a grade level appropriate lesson plan (10%) and teach the lesson12 minutes (10%).  Students will also submit a reflection about the teaching experience.  

Participation—10%

The participation grade will be based on in-class classwork and discussion.

Education Instruction AI Policy

Generative AI Policy (EDUC 1301 & EDUC 2301)

Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Bard, Copilot) is a powerful tool that can support teaching and
learning, but it must be used responsibly. In this course, AI may be used only in ways that are
ethical, transparent, and aligned with our Academic Integrity Policy. All submitted work must
demonstrate your own understanding, effort, and critical thinking. Presenting AI-generated work
as your own without citation is plagiarism.

Acceptable Uses of AI (with proper citation):

• Assisting with lesson plan development using reputable, verifiable sources
• Supporting research projects (e.g., gathering background information for a presentation) while maintaining privacy and accuracy
• Exploring classroom scenarios and generating possible solutions, with careful evaluation of content
• Accommodations specifically approved by Student Accessibility Services
• Instructors will indicate which assignments will and will not be allowed to use AI generative materials.

Unacceptable Uses of AI:

• Completing quizzes, exams, or required fieldwork assignments
• Copying AI-produced text without citation or critical review
• Using unverifiable or inaccurate AI content

Expectations for Students:

• Always cite when and how AI was used
• Critically evaluate AI output for accuracy, fairness, and relevance
• Discard unverifiable or biased AI content
• Protect your privacy—do not enter personal or sensitive data into AI platforms

Remember: All AI use is subject to the college’s Academic Integrity Policy. Misuse may
result in a failing grade, academic dishonesty charges, or further disciplinary action

Failure to follow AI generative policy may lead to failure of the assignment in question
as well as failure of the course.