Program Goals

The program will prepare graduates to:

Demonstrate knowledge of content and pedagogy of academic instruction in adolescent education.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of theories pertaining to adolescents and learning.
  • Identify theories and models for teaching students with exceptionalities,
    diverse learners and students at risk and their application in academic instruction.
  • Use the principles of scientifically based research to obtain valid knowledge about instruction and assessment in the middle and high school grades.
  • Use the findings of scientifically based research and best practices in the field and demonstrate the effect of these changes on content and pedagogy

Demonstrate knowledge of students.

  • Describe characteristics of the age group that may include but need not be limited to ethnicity, race, religion and gender and how they affect pedagogy
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the expected skills and knowledge base of students in your discipline

Demonstrate the ability to effectively utilize a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, methods and materials to support middle school and high school instruction in the classroom, including those from each specific discipline’s guiding professional body.

  • Describe types of instructional practices, approaches and methods used to teach content.
  • Apply instructional practices in practicum settings.
  • Compare and contrast effectiveness of a variety of teaching techniques.
  • Demonstrate how research findings of professional organizations can be used to strengthen and update professional practice.

Formulate a plan of instruction to teach and/or provide differential instruction of a given content as prescribed in the state standards for middle school and/or high school learning.

  • Prepare instructional plans appropriate to meet the needs of all students, including those from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and with learning difficulties.
  • Describe a learning environment that fosters academic achievement by assessing the level of prior knowledge, and using available materials, resources and/or technology.
  • Demonstrate the use of technology as it applies to the specific content area.
  •  Explain differences in technological hardware and software relevant in the field.

Formulate a plan of instruction plan that demonstrates the Vincentian value of service to the field of education as it applies to the content area.

  • Describe various ways in which service opportunities can be applied in your content area.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the Vincentian value of service by completing a service-learning project and/or participating in a community related charitable scenario.