Credential Course Equivalency

The Psychology of Instruction is central to teaching candidates' first semester of the Single Subject Program. Understanding the cognitive processes and theories of learning, the social dynamics of classroom, school and community, and the emotional development of adolescents is central to successful teaching. Using these understandings--as well as acquired expertise in the use of instructional models--candidates can then develop standards-based and units of instruction with appropriate modifications and accommodations for English language development and for students with learning disabilities. Further, understanding the value of standardized test data as well as informal and formal data gathered by teachers for efficient planning of instruction is essential for teaching success. Finally, the notion of reflective teaching is a metacognitive thread that not only permeates this course, but should influence all candidates' instructional design.