Core Courses - 30 hours

Course NumberCourse Name
EDU 6910Transformational Teaching and Learning
Four hours. This course will focus on the study of the societal structure and problems affecting education; the effects on education from philosophical, psychological, cultural and societal differences and changes; and the effects of political and economical changes on education. Emphasis is on transformational teaching and learning theory, principles, methods, and child and adolescent development including theories and principles of learning.
EDU 6920Transformational Learning Environments
Two hours. The goal of this course is to engage educators in the development of advanced instructional strategies to create transformational learning environments for teaching all students including those with limited English proficiency. The course will also address instruction in the English language and the development of the student’s mastery of the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Advanced classroom management skills will focus on creating safe learning environments in which effective transformational teaching and learning can take place by promoting a physically, emotionally, socially and academically secure climate for all students.
EDU 6930Transformational Teaching and Learning through Research
Four hours. This course is an introduction to action research and the literature on transformational teaching, learning theory, principles, and methods with an emphasis on interpreting and evaluating the review of the literature.  Action research design and methodology will be studied. Transformational teaching and learning research interests and goals will be identified and developed.
EDU 6940Transformational Approaches to Curriculum and Instruction
Four hours. This course will include educational assessment practices that include analysis, application of data from statewide standardized assessments and other multiple sources to improve instruction and learning. Students will plan for, integrate, and assess transformational teaching and learning principles in the curriculum including multisensory approaches.  Students will design an action research plan based on transformational teaching and learning theory, methods, and core principles.
EDU 6950Transformational Teaching and Learning with Diverse Populations and Special Education
Four hours. This course will focus on students’ acquisition and mastery of key course concepts, enhancing students’ strategies and skills for learning and discovery, and promoting positive learning-related attitudes, values, and beliefs in all students leading to the social, emotional, and cognitive well-being of a healthy child. Effective transformational teaching and instructional techniques, strategies, and materials to meet the needs of diverse learners, including students with disabilities will be evaluated.
EDU 6960Assessing Transformational Teaching and Learning
Four hours. This course will focus on assessing student learning outcomes as a result of student participation in a transformational teaching and learning curriculum, including the examination of current and new approaches to the evaluation of curriculum. Lines of inquiry may include researching the extent to which instructors accomplish transformational objectives or implement transformational teaching methods, and the extent to which students achieve transformational teaching goals.
EDU 6970Transformational Instructional Leadership
Four hours. This course will explore the intersection of the principles of transformational leadership and transformational teaching and learning and the impact for maximizing students’ potential for academic success and enhancement of students’ attitudes, values, beliefs, and skills.
EDU 6980Advanced Research in Transformational Teaching and Learning
Four hours. Prerequisite: EDU 6930. This course engages students in inquiry processes related to their own transformational teaching and learning practices, culminating in a transformational teaching and learning action research study.

Internship Semester (Students’ final semester following completion of all course work):

EDU 6610Internship
Ten hours. The senior internship is designed to be the culminating education experience for education majors regardless of age/grade level specialty, subject matter, and/or major. The internship is 14 weeks/70 days long and involves teaching, modeling, observing and evaluating. The coordinator of field studies at Florida Southern College and a representative of the Human Resources Development Office of Polk County Schools assigns student to a Polk County Public School. The student takes over all responsibilities of a certified Florida classroom, teaching in her/his specialty area after receiving adequate preparation by the assigned teacher and supervisor.
EDU 6640Student Teaching Seminar
Two hours. Prerequisites: Completion of major and permission of faculty. Weekly seminar for senior intern. Discussion and analysis of general methods of teaching in schools, with an emphasis on classroom management, experience, and presentation.

Program Total - 42 hours