ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (Pre-K Primary)

 

Mission Statement

 

UNF graduates from the B.A.E program in Elementary Education (Pre-K Primary) will understand that effective teaching is a complex process that is based on an ever-growing knowledge base related to child development and learning processes, family theory, social context, appropriate curriculum and instructional practices, diversity, and inclusion.

 

The core learning objectives of the Elementary Education (PK/Primary) are correlated to NAEYC Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation at the Baccalaureate level, Subject Matter Content Standards for Florida Teachers, the College of Education and Human Services Conceptual Framework as well as Florida's Accomplished Practices for Teachers at the pre-professional level- AP 1 Assessment, AP 2 Communication, AP 3 Continuous Improvement, AP 4 Critical Thinking, AP 5 Diversity, AP 6 Ethics, AP 7 Human Growth and Development, AP 8 Knowledge of Subject Matter, AP 9 Learning Environments, AP 10 Planning, AP 11 Role of the Teacher, and AP 12 Technology.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

 

UNF Elementary Education (PK/Primary) graduates will be able to:

 

Content/Discipline Knowledge & Skills

• demonstrate an understanding of Florida Sunshine State Standards and the content standards for early childhood educators.
  
  
• understand the importance of being sensitive to the social and cultural contexts of children and families.
  
  
• understand child growth and development for planning developmentally and culturally appropriate learning experiences for all children.
  
  
• acquire knowledge of effective instructional practices and appropriate developmental curriculum.
  
  
• develop knowledge about issues and strategies to encourage family and community partnerships.
  
  
• develop skills in the selection and use of technology to assist all students in learning.
  
  
• demonstrate understanding of concepts and principles of behaviorism, social cognitive theory, information processing and constructivist views of learning, and motivation.
  
  
• develop knowledge, skills, and dispositions to effectively manage the classroom environment.
  
  
• develop knowledge and skills to design, assess, and implement instruction that is inclusive of special needs learners and speakers of other languages. 
  
  
  

Critical Thinking Skills

• Use data, research, and theory for making instructional decisions
  
  
• Demonstrate critical reflection and ability to make changes in practice
  
  
• Provide developmentally and culturally appropriate learning experiences based on knowledge of individual children, as well as theories of child development and learning

Communication Skills

• Use technology as a tool for teaching and communicating.
  
  
• Use oral, written, and visual strategies of communication to promote two-way communication between home and the school.
  
  
• Use technology in the production of student materials and in teaching lessons.
  
  
• Uses of technology as a tool for keeping records and creating reports for schools, parents, and students.
  
  
  
  

Curriculum Map
Click on the image below to see in which Primary Education courses these Student Learning Outcomes are addressed:

Primary Education Curriculum Map

 

 

Assessment Approaches

 

UNF graduates of the B.A.E program in Elementary Education (Pre-K) will demonstrate mastery of content knowledge, teaching skills, and dispositions through proficiency on course embedded assessments, activities, and critical task assessments in core, major, and clinical experiences at a proficiency level expected of a teacher candidate. It is expected that teacher candidates apply knowledge throughout the program by demonstrating understanding, competence, and effective implementation. Assessment strategies include:

• Assignments, and formal formative, summative, and authentic assessments;
  
  
• Formative evaluation of class discussions, reflections, and critiques which provide evidence of developing ideas and opportunities for the demonstration of knowledge;
  
  
• Development of learning materials that facilitate children's learning experiences;
  
  
• Delivery of case studies and presentations to fellow colleagues and faculty;
  
  
• Analysis of teaching performances in field experiences; and
  
  
• Development of meaningful learning experiences that address learning and performance modes based on principles of effective instruction.
  
  
  

 

Career Opportunities

 

For information on the many career options available to Elementary Education majors, go to What Can You Do with an Elementary Education Major at: http://www.unf.edu/dept/cdc/majors/elementaryeducation.html

 

For More Information

 

To learn more about the UNF Elementary Education Department and majoring in Elementary Education, go to http://www.unf.edu/coehs/degrees/ci/baepkpm.htm

 

 

For a printer friendly version (pdf) click here