EDU 216 Foundations of Education

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Clinic: 0 Credits: 3

This course introduces the examination of the American educational systems and the teaching profession. Topics include the historical and philosophical influences on education, various perspectives on educational issues, and experiences in birth through grade 12 classrooms. Upon completion, students should be able to reflect on classroom observations, analyze the different educational approaches, including classical/traditional and progressive, and have knowledge of the various roles of educational systems at the federal, state and local level.

This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a premajor and/or elective course requirement.

Course is typically offered in Spring.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
At completion of the course, the student should be able to do the following:

Trace the historical roots of education in the United States.
Compare the different philosophies of education and their related educational approaches.
Examine the various roles of local, state, and federal government in education and emerging issues in school governance and finance.
Reflect on effective teaching as observed in classrooms.
Analyze the school curriculum and forces that influence the curriculum.
Discuss law, ethics, reasons people teach, and teacher professional decision-making.