Elementary Required Courses
First Year
411 - Curriculum and Instruction in Language and Literacy I This course is designed to prepare prospective elementary teachers to teach the language arts - reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. Also included are comprehensive literacy programming, children's literature, authentic assessment, and organizing the classroom for language instruction across the curriculum. Throughout this course, the practical influence of various language arts theories is emphasized with a particular focus upon early literacy in the lower elementary grades. Three credits.
412 - Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics An examination of the elementary school mathematics program, and of various approaches to teaching mathematics to children, with emphasis on converting these approaches into teaching strategies. Three credits.
413 -Curriculum and Instruction in Science The focus of this course is an emphasis on the process approach to teaching science, on the inquiry method, and on special techniques in the teaching of scientific concepts. The elementary school curriculum is examined. Three credits.
416 - Curriculum and Instruction in Social Studies A review of the social studies programs used in the elementary school, with an emphasis on the development of skills, methods and approaches involved in the teaching of these programs. Three credits.
439 - Principles and Practices of Elementary Education This course emphasizes the foundations of becoming an elementary school teacher. Topics include the professional and ethical role of the teacher, educational planning, the professional development process, reflective practice, teaching strategies, learning processes, and classroom environment and management. Six credits.
433 - Sociology of Education This course will examine the social-political context of education in Canada. Particular emphasis will be given to contemporary structures. The relationships between educational opportunity and conditions of inequality resulting from the major societal institutions will be investigated. Three credits.
435 - Inclusive Practices I This course discusses educational practices and procedures, past and present, affecting pupils who have been marginalized socially and/or physically. These policies have evolved from an ideology of exclusion to inclusion. Pre-service teachers will learn curriculum and instructional approaches to assist in meeting the academic and socio-emotional needs of students with diverse learning needs. Three credits.
Second Year
414 - Curriculum and Instruction in Language and Literacy II This course is a continuation of Language and Literacy I with an emphasis on the upper elementary years. Three credits.
463 - Elementary Assessment This course examines current research and practices in classroom assessment, evaluation, record keeping, and communication of student achievement. Three credits.
434 - Contemporary Issues in Public Education This course examines the historical. legal, and philosophical underpinnings of contemporary issues facing public schooling. Goals, purposes, and dilemmas in Canadian education that have affected such facets of education as the structure of Canadian schooling, political and policy making processes, educational law, the work of teachers' organizations, and educational standards are explored. Three credits.
436 - Inclusive Practices II This course provides pre-service teachers with an understanding of the learning strengths and challenges of students with severe learning needs. Emphasis will be placed upon collaborative team planning, awareness of the professional supports provided by educational specialists, the assessment and educational referral process, and the development of individualized education plans which modify curricula. Three credits.
468 - Teaching Mathematics in Middle Schools Students will learn the process, content, and assessment of middle school mathematics. They will be make connections, communicate, reason mathematically, and complete problems. Students will explore strategies for the development of conceptual understanding through multiple representations. Three credits.
Secondary Required Courses
First Year
420 to 429 - Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Education Curricular and instructional concepts will be described, demonstrated, evaluated, and applied in relation to the following areas of the school curriculum: 420 A & B Gaelic, 421 A & B English, 422 A & B Social Studies, 423 A & B Mathematics, 424 A & B Diverse Cultures, 425 A & B Physical Education, 426 A & B Music , 427 A & B Science, 428 A & B French, 429 A & B Fine Arts , 469C & D Family Studies
432 - Principles and Practices of Secondary Education This course emphasizes the foundations of becoming an secondary school teacher. Topics include the professional and ethical role of the teacher, educational planning, the professional development process, reflective practice, teaching strategies, learning processes, and classroom environment and management. Six credits.
433 - Sociology of Education This course will examine the social-political context of education in Canada. Particular emphasis will be given to contemporary structures. The relationships between educational opportunity and conditions of inequality resulting from the major societal institutions will be investigated. Three credits.
435 - Inclusive Practices I This course discusses educational practices and procedures, past and present, affecting pupils who have been marginalized socially and/or physically. These policies have evolved from an ideology of exclusion to inclusion. Pre-service teachers will learn curriculum and instructional approaches to assist in meeting the academic and socio-emotional needs of students with diverse learning needs. Three credits.
Plus 6 Credits of Electives
Second Year
420 to 429 - Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Education Curricular and instructional concepts will be described, demonstrated, evaluated, and applied in relation to the following areas of the school curriculum: 420 A & B Gaelic, 421 A & B English, 422 A & B Social Studies, 423 A & B Mathematics, 424 A & B Diverse Cultures, 425 A & B Physical Education, 426 A & B Music , 427 A & B Science, 428 A & B French, 429 A & B Fine Arts 469 C & D Family Studies
434 - Contemporary Issues in Public Education This course examines the historical. legal, and philosophical underpinnings of contemporary issues facing public schooling. Goals, purposes, and dilemmas in Canadian education that have affected such facets of education as the structure of Canadian schooling, political and policy making processes, educational law, the work of teachers' organizations, and educational standards are explored. Three credits.
436 - Inclusive Practices II This course provides pre-service teachers with an understanding of the learning strengths and challenges of students with severe learning needs. Emphasis will be placed upon collaborative team planning, awareness of the professional supports provided by educational specialists, the assessment and educational referral process, and the development of individualized education plans which modify curricula. Three credits.
438 - Assessment of Learning This course explores issues surrounding the assessment of learning from a variety of perspectives. Basic principles of learning theory will be emphasized in the context of curricular examples from different teachable subject areas. Students will gain the skills necessary to critically evaluate and develop effective assessment approaches. Three credits.
440 - Literacy in the Content Areas This course explores and models teaching strategies that are consistent with the philosophy and background theory of content literacy. Students use the associated theories of literacy and the five recognized tools (reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing) to develop their knowledge of, and skill in applying, these concepts. Three credits.
Plus 6 Credits of Electives
Electives
419 - Curriculum and Instruction in Middle School Science This course examines curriculum and instructional strategies appropriate in middle years' science classrooms, including an emphasis on the process approach to teaching science, the inquiry method, and special techniques in the teaching of scientific concepts. The grade six to grade nine science curriculum is examined. Three credits.
437 - Guidance This course focuses on the development and knowledge of interpersonal relationships and interpersonal skills required by the classroom teacher in providing guidance for his/her students. It addresses specific strategies and frameworks for meeting the needs of at-risk students and those with other special needs in a variety of contexts. The basic principles and practices of guidance will be emphasized. Three credits.
442 - Learning Through Drama This course provides pre-service K-12 teachers with concepts and ideas for drama lesson plans; approaches to drama; basic drama and drama education theory; a working knowledge of theatre production; an introduction to the Nova Scotia curricular guidelines; and play selection guidelines for elementary and secondary student productions. Three credits.
444 - Outdoor Experiential Education Students will explore strategies to encourage their pupils to achieve, appreciate, and maintain a physically active lifestyle in the outdoors. They will learn to develop physical education programs that foster a lifelong commitment to recreational activity that is enjoyable, challenging, and that allows for self-expression and positive social interaction. Three credits.
447 - Mental Health The goal of this course is tpo create a sense of empathy and understanding for the challenges that many young people deal with every day; focusing on issues arising from substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Pre-service teachers in this course will be expected to actively participate in case study discussions. Participants are strongly encouraged to contribute questions and discussion topics. Three credits.
453 -Teaching English as a Second Language Provides student teachers with a thorough understanding of the theoretical and methodological aspects of learning and teaching a second language, focusing on the learning/teaching of English (ESL). Students will become familiar with relevant research and will examine the prevalent theories in different ESL areas. Three credits.
454 - Mi'kmaq Language Arts I This course will focus on language acquisition theories and the methodologies that support these theories. Students will examine current approaches to bilingual language learning, especially reclaiming and revitalizing aboriginal languages. Topics include: early literacy strategies linked to oral tradition; immersion strategies; promoting oral and written language; different writing systems used by Mi'Kmaq over time, including the Smith-Francis orthography. Three credits. (Not Offered 2016-17)
455 - Mi'kmaq Language Arts II This course combines theories of language acquisition with their practical application in first- and second-language classrooms. Topics include: materials and lesson development; using community resources; bringing elders into the classroom; making links with parents and other community members for language revitalization; connecting language communities using technology. Students will continue to perfect their ability to use the Smith-Francis orthography. Three credits. (Not Offered 2016-17)
456 - Curriculum and Instruction in Music This course provides an examination of music methods, materials and curricula, using the Kodaly and other systems currently in use in the elementary school system. Three credits.
457 - Curriculum and Instruction in Elementary Physical Education This course is designed to introduce the seven content strands of elementary physical education, and to investigate how these content areas may be integrated with other subjects in the elementary school curriculum. Three credits.
458 - Curriculum and Instruction in Visual Arts The aim of this course is to introduce the student to the visual and creative arts; and to discover ways to integrate these with the other subjects of the elementary school curriculum. Three credits.
459 - French Education I This course surveys several theories of language learning and the methodologies that reflect these theories. Students will learn how the National Core French Study (NCFS) brought about a change in French curriculum throughout Canada, and how the four syllabi of the NCFS are incorporated into all aspects of French second-language teaching and learning. Three credits.
460 - French Education II This course combines theories of language acquisition with their practical application in the second-language classroom. Topics will include: unit planning and implementation; materials and lesson plan development in the four skill areas; cooperative grouping strategies; graphic organizers as learning strategies; learning centres and authentic evaluation techniques. Three credits.
462 - Teaching Religious Education in a Catholic School To provide an opportunity for students to experience and practice the process involved in Catholic religious education and to learn the content and methods appropriate to religious education. Three credits.(Not Offered 2016-17)
464 - Environmental Education To help pre-service teachers: 1) understand that sensible practice and long-term solutions to various environmental problems require well designed environmental education programs; 2) to develop a conceptual framework and practical strategies for the development of an environmental education curriculum for grades K-12. Three credits.
467 - 21st Century Teaching & Learning This highly participatory course is designed for students to explore technological options for teaching and learning, to consider their effective implementation, and to assess how their implementation impacts on teaching and learning. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the legal, social, and ethical issues related to technology use; select and design learning experiences that incorporate technology; and analyze the use of emerging technologies to improve teaching and learning.. Three credits.
469 - Selected Topics in Education This course provides students an opportunity to explore in detail current topics and issues in education. The specific content of the course will vary from year to year. Three credits.
Internships (Practicum)
INTERNSHIP 471 and 472 (First Year Elementary and Secondary) - Internship I and II Students are placed in schools for 11 weeks of supervised practice teaching. Three credits each.
481 and 482 (Second Year Elementary and Secondary) - Internship III and IV Students are placed in schools for 11 weeks of supervised practice teaching. Three credits each.
