Summer Try Out the Classroom Workshop

 The ASU C-STAF faculty will offer a 8-day program, afternoons only, held on the ASU campus. The workshop will be taught with area teachers, and will introduce students to education, stressing communication and teaching skills. Specific focus will be on methods for scientific inquiry, an understanding of the nature of science, and awareness of Arkansas Frameworks in science and mathematics.  Students will be introduced to teaching of science as inquiry, various teaching strategies, incorporating technology in the science classroom, and classroom management techniques and laboratory safety.  At the end of the workshop, students will develop lesson plans and activities, with assistance and feedback from ASU and classroom faculty.   

 Spring Semester Try Out the Classroom Course

ASU C-STAF faculty will offer a 1-credit hour course entitled “Try Out the Classroom” cross-listed BIO, CHEM, MATH, for STEM undergraduates who are considering teaching.  Similar to the summer program, this course will introduce students to the classroom and to AR Science/Mathematics Frameworks, and will focus on preparing three activities/lessons to be used in the classroom.  Area teachers will allow ASU students enrolled in this course to visit their classrooms to observe and to lead activities.  

Projected Syllabus: 

Week 1 – Introductions of students/faculty; what’s expected
Week 2 – AR frameworks; 6E lesson plans
Week 3 – Work on first activity with ASU faculty and in-service teachers
Week 4 – Classroom management; laboratory safety; continue first activity
Week 5 – Classroom observation
Week 6 – Present first activity to ASU faculty & classroom teachers; critiques
Week 7 – Classroom presentation of activity 1; ASU faculty & classroom teachers evaluate
Week 8 – Discuss presentations/critiques/how to improve; begin activity 2
Week 9 – Communication; continue activity 2
Week 10 – Practice activity 2 for fellow students
Week 11 – Classroom presentation of activity 2; ASU faculty & classroom teachers evaluate
Week 12 – Discuss presentations/critiques
Week 13 – Certification options and other teacher training programs; ASU Noyce program

Student assessment will be based on participation and thoroughness of lesson plans and activities, as well as recommendations by supervising teachers. ASU faculty will make one classroom visit to observe and assess each student.