Critical Project

A website dedicated to literacy education and technology

Phone: 732-932-7496

Fax: 732-932-7552

E-mail: ecboling@rci.rutgers.edu

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Teaching

 

 

The focus of this course is to help participants develop a theoretical perspective on learning and teaching of the English language arts. Individuals will do this by reading and critically examining the works of language and literacy theorists, making connections to their own personal experiences as learners, and identifying the core beliefs that frame their teaching practice. Throughout the semester participants do a broad survey of different theoretical perspectives on learning and teaching of the English languages arts. They read about, discuss, and critique key, and also competing, theories about language and literacy education and the role of research in the development and evaluation of these theories. In addition, they discuss professional arena concerns such as writing for publication, presenting at conferences, and other major issues in the field.

Developing a Theory of Language and Literacy Education

Literacy Development in Elementary and Middle Schools

This course serves as an introduction to the teaching of literacy in the Elementary and Middle School. The course focuses on the fundamental knowledge, skills/strategies and dispositions needed to carry out a literacy program where students’ expertise in reading, writing, and oral language is nurtured. During the semester, participants are supported in developing and articulating a research-based, principled stance toward building literacy in diverse learners. The course stresses direct practical application of the concepts, strategies, dispositions, and curriculum developed in the course for each participant’s field placement and future classrooms. A major outcome of this course is to involve individuals in understanding and developing approaches to teaching and learning that support optimum literacy learning for all students.

Critical Project

Computer Applications in Reading

This course investigates the computer’s role in classroom instruction and learning relative to the field of reading. Participants learn what the latest research has to say about the integration of technology in k-12 classrooms. Using an inquiry-based approach to learning, they will engage in the following activities: examining and reconsidering their knowledge and beliefs about the role of technology in the classroom; investigating the many ways in which technology and multimedia are being used to support literacy learning in today’s classrooms; analyzing and evaluating software, educational sites, and “smart toys” for suitability for literacy instruction; and examining the instructional decisions that teachers make when integrating technology into literacy instruction. Participants also investigate how to design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support literacy learning.