Impactful education begins with effective curriculum. In your Education Curriculum and Instruction courses, you will examine various aspects of developing curriculum that promotes student success. The courses explore the science behind the learning process, innovative best practices in curriculum design, intervention strategies to address common challenges that learners face, and leadership techniques to encourage a culture of growth and achievement. Enable education for diverse learners.
This introductory course examines the science of learning and the impact that brain compatible instruction can have on learning. Students in the course analyze how learning theories, practices, and brain research-based strategies can support the development of effective curriculum & instruction and promote student success.
Effective curriculum design and implementation requires knowledge of educational and organizational issues, challenges, and trends. Professionals must use this knowledge collaboratively to make informed curriculum and instructional design decisions that positively impact learner, school, and organization achievement while sharing a belief that all learners can succeed. In this course, students are introduced to legislative reform policies, issues and trends pertaining to learning standards, college and career readiness, assessment and accountability, as well as improved accessibility to resources and the call for technology-based teaching, training, and learning. Prerequisite: ECI 601
This course establishes the relationship between curriculum design and instructional strategies deemed best practices. Students design creative, student-centered, and standards-based learning opportunities incorporating 21st century skills. Participation in this course challenges students to commit to a shift away from educational approaches of the past and embrace proven effective methods to engage diverse learners in a variety of learning environments. Prerequisite: ECI 601
This course is designed to get students thinking about appropriate and intentional interventions to address a variety of challenges faced by learners in the instructional setting. Students apply practical, yet innovative instructional strategies to realistic situations in which interventions are needed to advance learners to the next level of success. A variety of evidence-based curriculum adaptations and interventions are examined with the goal of improved outcomes for learners, schools, districts or organizations. Prerequisite: ECI 601
In this engaging course, students develop distinct understandings of the relationships between motivation and learning as exemplified through technology-based experiences. Students are challenged to discover ways technology impacts curriculum and instruction design as a means to deliver the most effective learning experiences to meet the needs of diverse learners in diverse learning environments. No previous technology experience is required; only a desire to be change agents and harness 21st-century learning to improve educational outcomes. Prerequisite: ECI 601.
With increased national attention on improved responsibility for curriculum, standards and assessment, having a shared belief of universal achievement and collaboration has never been more important. In this course, students will not only practice the steps of the curriculum design process, but do so in the spirit of collaboration. A variety of effective collaboration models are explored as students develop an understanding of curriculum improvement as an ongoing process while paying attention to both the curriculum ("what") and the instruction ("how"). Prerequisite: ECI 601.
When it comes to school or organizational improvement, leaders play a pivotal role in ensuring that a culture of achievement and growth is shared by all. In this course, students investigate a variety of principles including; growth mindset, transformational leadership, transparency, fostering a culture of continuous growth and achievement, principles of servant leadership, and the power of collaboration. The role professional development plays in laying a foundation for the curriculum design and implementation process is also examined. Leadership experience is not required to be successful in this course. Teachers, trainers, and educational leaders or administrators will learn practical, yet powerful ways to improve their professional practice. Prerequisites: ECI 601 and EDU 650 or ECI 680.
