EDU+581

EDU 581 History, Philosophy and Ethics
Dr. R. Berger

Rebecca Berger, Ph.D. Education Center 231 778-7503 Rebecca.berger@maine.edu ** EDU 581 ** **Education** **Center** **114** ** Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8:00-12:00 ** The Master’s in Education program is designed to mold visionary leaders for Maine schools who will be capable of nourishing supportive educational cultures in their local contexts. To that end, the goal of this course is to provide a foundation for continued academic development and professional growth through an examination of the history of education, philosophy as it pertains to education, and social ethics. We will examine these issues both through the construction of a personal philosophy and through group discussions about current “hot topics” in education. // Expectations: // Since this is a graduate course with three separate, yet important, topics, we will be doing a lot of reading. We will have some common readings, but you will also be expected to identify individual/small group topics of interest within broader categories and pursue those. We will need to learn from and teach each other in order to make the most of our time together. Preparation for each class must be thorough with regard to reading and writing. Some writing will be done on the class wiki: http://umfcohort3.wikispaces.com Attendance at every class is mandatory, and lack of attendance will affect your grade. Active class participation is a must as is adequate preparation. Work must be handed in on time. Papers should be double-spaced, typed in 12-point font, and in APA format. Writing must adhere to accepted conventions. For help with this, consult the Bedford handbook. Unless the instructor indicates otherwise, electronic submissions will not be accepted.
 * History, Philosophy and Ethics **
 * of Education **
 * June 23-July 22, 2009 **
 * Cohort 3 **

You will need your laptops, but please do not engage in off-task web surfing, e-mailing, etc. This affects class participation. // Texts: // Koretz, D. (2008). //Measuring up: What educational testing really tells us.// Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Note: You will also use this book in EDU 582 in the fall.

Noddings, N. (2007). //Philosophy of Education.// (2nd ed.). Boulder, CO: Westview Press. Bedford Handbook of writing. Check at the bookstore. // Major Assignments: // 1. Professional philosophy paper—minimum of 10 well-written pages  a. A beginning articulation of a critical stance through the examination of educational philosophies and their ethical and practical implications in current educational systems; b. A beginning appreciation of diversity of values, ethics, class, race, gender, sexuality, culture and ability, including an understanding of practices, including technology, that support all learners; c. A consideration of the cultural components of educational settings and how these affect the processes and consequences of creating change in educational environments; d. References to historical and current philosophies, citations from theorists, and examples of practices in modern schools.
 * Due: July 22 **

2. Discussion on controversial current issues in education

During the last class we will hold discussions on topics of current interest in education. You may work alone or with a partner(s) from this class. A group may consist of a maximum of four people.

Presentations will be approximately 45 minutes to an hour. The time will include the sharing of factual information and the facilitation of a whole group discussion. Each group member is responsible for a segment of the presentation (combined any way you want for your group). You will also be responsible for documenting and enriching your discussion on the wiki.

You will include the history, underlying philosophy, and the various ethical points of view regarding your issue. Course content and readings should get you started.


 * Due: July 22**

3. In preparation for writing your professional philosophy and as a way of learning about technology for classroom use, you will develop a short (2 minutes maximum) pod cast in which you explain your philosophy in abbreviated form. Your pod cast will answer the question, “Based on course readings and/or discussions, what are 3 things you want to commit to in order to effect school change in your particular school context?”

We hope that answering this question will a) help you with your other major assignments for the course; and b) help you envision yourself as a teacher-leader. You should bring your scripts to class with you July 8th. Johanna Prince will provide more details about this assignment.


 * Due: July 8**

4. Weekly responses and writings: TBA It is my hope that some of these can be tailored to individual needs and interests. June 23 //Overarching question: What is the purpose of schooling?// 8:00-10:00 Introduction and beginning discussion on Noddings 10:15-12:00 Jo—technology Assignments, clarifications, etc. Kliebard chapters
 * Tentative Schedule for Class Meetings: **

June 24 //How have conceptions of schooling changed?// 8:00-9:00 Branches of philosophy and graphic organizer 9:00-10:30 History of schooling in America video 10:30-12:00 History of curriculum; groups for mini-presentations. Discuss assignments for next week.

June 30 //What historical trends can we discern in US education? Is there truly// // “nothing new under the sun?” (Eccl. 1:9). // 8:00-10:00 Group work on time lines of US history (on line) 10:00-11:00 Video part II 11:00-12:00 Peter Mills Electronic Classroom with library staff—helpful databases. Books should be in—read Noddings for July 1; chapters 4, 8, 10

July 1 //What changes would you like to see in the ways schools currently function?// (Gandhi: Be the change you want to see in the world.) 8:00-10:00 Ethical dimensions of education, inclusion, RTI, other school reforms. Issues of school reform in general. 10:00-12:00 TBA For next week: Read chapters 1,2,10,12,13 in //Measuring Up.//

July 7 //What do you mean by learning?// Presentations of curricular theorists. 8:00-9:30 Using Their Own Words: group presentations/discussions of selected philosophers/schools of thought 9:30-12:00 Ethics issues: Discussion of //Measuring Up// and other readings TBA Assignments for next week

July 8 Meet in Mac Lab in the Computer Center. Pod casts all day. Discuss assignments for next week.

July 14 //What types of school reform have you experienced? What are the// // ramifications from the standpoint of the topics of this course (HPE)? // We will address the “isms.” Readings will be on an individualized basis.

July 15 //How can we address the ethical problems associated with unintended// // consequences? // 8:00-10:00 Rough draft philosophy paper due for peer editing. TBA 11:00-12:00 Visit Kalikow Center for Assistive Technology tour with Johanna.

July 21 //What is meant by critical voice and where can I find one?// Time will be allotted for final discussion preparation.

July 22 Final discussions followed by lunch at the Granary for all who can make it. A final hard copy of your philosophy paper **MUST** be submitted to me no later than 3:00 on Friday, July 24.