Deborah Filbin

Development of curriculum units in the visual arts applicable to educational settings in public schools as well as other selected institutions. From a basis in understanding the broad goals of art education, students plan appropriate learning experiences. Curricula will be designed based upon traditional concepts and principles of art in a context of human development, physical and social environment, and aesthetics. Students learn to define overarching concepts, developing lessons that are standards-based and content specific. Students work both independently and collaboratively to construct a conceptually based curriculum using the "backward design" model in which assessment criteria guides the development of learning activities. In accordance with the recommendations of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, students seeking teaching certification in either PreK-8 or 5-12 will have readings and field practicum specifically for the intended age range. Fifteen practicum hours required outside of class.

Focuses on action research, the study of one's classroom practice. Students design study models and implement them in their own classrooms or in other situations with K-12 learners (for those who are not currently teaching). The premise of this course is that teachers are change agents in their own classrooms who must engage in reflective practice to become more effective educators.