Teaching and Learning

The program has been designed to be a challenging and appealing blend of theory and practice. Students earning the certificate will learn classic and contemporary theories of teaching and learning, address key skills needed for effective teaching, and apply their learning to design, deliver and assess effective learning experiences and classroom materials. All seminar topics will include a dual focus on online and face-to- face teaching and learning. 

Students who complete the certificate will gain knowledge and skills needed to function as beginning teachers in a range of learning environments. They will understand the role and responsibility of the teacher, characteristics and needs of students, how students learn, how to design and assess learning experiences for varied learners, how to choose and sequence content, how to manage the classroom, and how to use technology to assist learning. Students will exit the program with a portfolio of documents that will assist them to obtain a teaching job. A key document in the portfolio will be a statement of their philosophy of teaching and learning. Specific learning outcomes for each of the two seminars are addressed in Section 2.4 of this document, along with brief descriptions of the seminars.

Over the course of the two seminars, students will:

• Develop a personal philosophy of teaching and learning.

• Understand “the face of the 21st century classroom” and be able to plan for classrooms that are diverse in terms of race and ethnic background, learning needs, learning styles, and ability levels.

• Understand the characteristics of adult learners and be able to use this knowledge to create dynamic and positive learning experiences.

• Understand theory and develop skill in managing classrooms and building learning communities.

• Understand the processes through which people learn and be able to use key learning theories in course design for face-to-face and online environments.

• Develop skill in identifying learning outcomes and developing appropriate assessments.

• Gain knowledge and skill in the area of developing rubrics and grading.

• Develop skill in identifying and choosing appropriate content, learning strategies and activities.

• Develop effective course materials including a lesson plan, a syllabus, a PowerPoint presentation and student handouts.

• Understand the role of technology in teaching and learning, and be able to make informed choices about utilizing technology to enhance teaching and learning.

• Gain knowledge about current course management platforms and commonly used tools for face-to-face, hybrid and online teaching.

• Gain knowledge in key topics such as changing paradigms of teaching and learning, motivation, and ethics and equity in the classroom.

• Develop skills needed to manage time effectively.

• Develop skills needed to be a reflective practitioner.

A bachelor's degree in any discipline from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by WES, IERF, or SpanTran.

A background in teaching is recommended.