An Invitation
to Learning
Join two
Drake University professors for a study tour of teaching and learning
in London and surrounding areas. For two weeks in June, we will
visit classrooms, talk with teachers and other educational professional,
and experience social studies and mathematics applications.
During May
we will begin our learning through the online component of the seminar
to prepare for the tour and build the foundation of knowledge in
elementary teaching of social studies and/or mathematics. Students
will use texts and online resources to investigate national standards,
research-based practices, and the foundational knowledge in these
content areas as they are taught in elementary school. We will also
study the similarities between the American and British educational
systems. Are our NCTM (mathematics) and NCSS (social studies) National
Standard International Standards comparable to United Kingdom International
Standards?
 This
seminar will provide the opportunity for a unique learning experience.
In addition to the pre-seminar examination of elementary education,
participants will spend two weeks learning in London, England. Using
London's Vandon House Hotel in the "heart of London" as
our base, we will venture out to schools in different area of the
city and surrounding areas. While these plans are still in-progress,
return to this site to get more complete information as arrangements
are being made.
While in
England, students will have structured learning time, as well as
daily free time to explore the some of London's museums, palaces,
and landmarks. Bring your sense of adventure and be ready to use
your mathematics and social studies skills in this exploratory endeavor.
Course
Options
You may take Elementary
Social Studies (EDUC128/228) and Elementary Mathematics Methods
(EDUC126/226). Each course is described below. You may also register
for one class, but cost of travel and length of stay are the same.
See Seminar Costs at right.
EDUC126/226:
Elementary Mathematics Methods (3 credit hours)
Professor: Dr. Linda Espey
This course has as its focus the methods and materials for teaching
elementary school mathematics. The purpose of the course is to help
pre-service students become confident in their ability to do mathematics
so that they can do the same for their future students. It is predicated
upon a constructivist approach to teaching elementary mathematics
as recommended by the NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics
(2000). Emphasized are the content of elementary mathematics, and
the methods and materials useful to teach it.
Course requirements during the summer term will entail approximately
18 hours of pre-travel seminars (June 8-10) and 12 hours of web-based
instruction (May) in order to meet the course requirements. See
the schedule below. Text by Van de Walle required.
EDUC128/228:
Elementary Social Studies Methods (3 credit hours)
Professor: Dr. Sally Beisser
Teaching social studies in the elementary school requires understanding
of the social studies content disciplines (predominantly geography
and history). Teachers
must understand ways to integrate social studies in meaningful ways
through engaging instructional activities and grouping strategies,
use of technology, current events, children's literature, interactive
learning centers, and theme unit planning.
Emphasis is placed on skillful use of maps and globes.
In order to do this, the teacher must be able to plan well,
teach and assess effectively, and manage classrooms skillfully. Therefore EDUC 128/228 provides students with opportunities
to prepare authentic assignments in geography and history for potential
use in student teaching and future classroom instruction.
Course requirements during the summer term for Social Studies Methods
will entail approximately 3 hours of pre-travel seminar (May 6)
and 12 hours of web-based instruction (June 23-July 10) in order
to meet the course requirements. The web-based instructional time
will occur after the London seminar and hard copy assignments submitted
during the summer term.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into Drake School of Education Teacher Education
Program, or a valid Iowa Teaching License. Preference will be given
to current Drake University students and area teachers. Audit option
is available, at same seminar costs, but no assignments are required.
|
Travel
Itinerary
| Thursday,
May 6, 2004, 4:00pm |
Pre-Travel
Planning & Meeting the Professors |
| May
17-June 7, 2004 |
Begin
Elementary Mathematics Web-based Instruction; logging on 2-3
times per week and completing online and collaborative assignments. |
| June
8-10; 9am-4pm |
Elementary
Mathematics On-site Seminar |
| June
11 |
Leave
for London |
| June
12-13 |
Settle
into Vandon House Hotel, London
Many opportunities for mathematical thinking with kilometers
and monetary conversion;
Museum visits and touring London. |
| June
14- 18 |
Visits
to several schools in London and surrounding areas; orientation
to the educational system in England by the Minister of Education;
discussions with teachers; observations in classrooms; reflection
and planning assignments; educational seminars |
| June
19-20 (Fri-Sun) |
Tour
options to be decided |
| June
21 |
Visits
to schools; seminars; reflection and planning assignments |
| June
22 |
Departure,
Return to Des Moines |
About
Your Professors
Dr. Sally
Beisser, Associate Professor of Education
Dr. Beisser has taught
at Drake University since 1999. In addition to Social Studies Methods,
she teaches courses in curriculum, pedagogy, qualitative research
and social studies methods.
Dr. Linda Espey, Assistant
Professor of Education
Dr. Espey has spent the
past four years in Drake's School of Education, and was with the
Area Education Agency prior returning to Drake. Her
areas of expertice include instructional technology, mathematics
methods, pedagogy and assessment.
Seminar
Costs
(projected, based on registration)
- $3,500, based on 10
students enrolling (Joint Seminar)
- $3,200, based on 12
students enrolling
- $3,050, based on 14
students enrolling
- Students enrolling
for only one seminar pay $500 less.
- Includes Air transportation
from Des Moines, based on currently quoted fare, subject to restructions
and cancellation penalities.
- Includes 10 nights
at Vandon House Hotel, dormatory style, 2-person rooms, with breakfast
provided.
- Includes airport to
hotel transportation in London
- Not included: Lunch
and dinner (estimate $25/day), incidentals, weekend travel options
Preparation
and Registration
To reserve your place
for this study tour, contact one of the professors to hold your
spot and obtain an up-to-date Passport. You will need to complete
an application packet and provide your deposit.
Deadlines: Feb. 15, 2004.
Non-refundable depost of $500 for both seminars (Math and Social
Studies), $350 for one seminar (Math or Social Studies). Drop dead
date for all payments is April 15, 2004.
Don't
let Big Ben chime without you!
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