THE MULTIAGE CLASSROOM

ELED 6170

FALL 2010

I GENERAL INFORMATION

Instructor:	Dr. Kathleen G. Burriss
Office:	Jones Hall Room 200
Class Meets:	Friday 4:00-8:00 and Saturday, 8:00-4:00 (COMM 150)
Phone:	898-2323 - FAX: 898-5309
Email:	kburriss@mtsu.edu
Home Page:	http://www.mtsu.edu/~kburriss
Office Hours:	Apppointment only

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this course is to examine the concept of multiage teaching and learning as a viable innovation for the 21st century classroom. Utilizing both historical and theoretical references, teachers explore the components of multiage classrooms including grouping, learning centers, assessment, instruction and curriculum. In addition to helping teachers design multiage settings for children, the course content will enable teachers to adapt strategies to improve instruction in traditional schools.

ADA STATEMENT

If you have a disability that may require assistance or accommodation, or if you have a question related to any accommodations for testing, note takers, readers, etc., please speak with me as soon as possible. Students may also contact the Office of Disabled Student Services (898-2783) with questions about such services.

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

Plagiarism, cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed through the regular institutional procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an F or a zero for the exercise or examination; or to assign an F in the course. If the student believes he or she has been erroneously accused of academic misconduct, and if his or her final grade has been lowered as a result, the student may appeal the case through the appropriate institutional procedures.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Class Attendance. Students are expected to attend both the Friday night and all-day Saturday classes. In addition, students are expected to read the assigned material in order to meaningfully contribute to the discussions.

2. Students are expected to complete a reflective project in the designated time.

REFLECTIVE ASSIGNMENT

All students are expected to complete a reflective project. However, there are several alternatives for satisfying this requirement. Please read carefully the different choices and identify which assignment best meets your teaching needs.

1. Paper: In addition to the articles provided in class, choose at least three additional articles and write a paper conceptualizing some aspect of multi-age teaching. You might, for example, choose to summarize the role of centers, describe the importance of peer interaction, discuss the importance of portfolios, summarize several alternative assessments, illustrate the unique role of multiage teachers, or describe the integration of curriculum. The paper should be approximately five pages, include APA format and be written in the objective voice.

2. Annotated Bibliography: You may choose to research the internet and identify at least ten websites helpful to the multiage teacher. The sites may relate to curriculum,

centers, multiage grouping, cooperative learning, teacher education, model multiage programs, or alternative assessment.

3. Action Plan: An action plan may be generated which plans for multiage instruction. This might be a proposal to be presented to a principal, school board, parents’ group or faculty planning committee. It should include a plan of action, time frame, stakeholder perspective, and a current bibliography of readings for study. This list is not annotated. Please consider there should be at least 20 current references. Only seven may be internet references.

ASSESSMENT AND RUBRICS

1. Attendance: The nature of the one-credit class time frame requires students attend and participate for all sessions. Partial credit can not be considered. Students unable to satisfy the attendance requirement are advised to drop the course and take another course with a satisfactory schedule.

2. Annotated Bibliography: In satisfying this requirement, the student must seriously consider what is meant by “best practice.” Identifying a website that is not congruent with best practice is not acceptable. If you are not sure what this means, it is best to ask the instructor for clarification.

3. Action Plan: In order to meet this requirement, students are expected to thoughtfully consider what is meant by and “action plan.” Next, a bibliography that matches the goals of the action plan is needed.

GRADES

Points for this course are based on student attendance, participation satisfactory completion of the reflective project.

A=93% B=86% C=79%

In accordance with the College of Graduate Studies, a plus or minus grade may be assigned.

Note: Please remember this not a workshop. The College of Graduate Studies requires that graduate evidence their learning.

Assignments are due Oct. 20.