EDCI 6344 - Current Issues and Research in Science Education
Spring 2015
COE Conceptual Development and Knowledge Base
The conceptual framework contains four core concepts, which are themes through which we organize and deliver our programs; hence they are central to our vision of professional educators and scholars. These include:
- Interculturalism
- Interrelatedness
- Inquiry
- Pedagogical Leadership
College of Education (COE) Mission Statement
- To prepare highly skilled professionals to assume roles and positions in teaching, research, educational leadership, and human development.
- To provide undergraduate and graduate programs based on proven best practice, knowledge acquisition, reflective inquiry, critical thinking, and respect for the cultural and linguistically diverse learner.
- To continuously develop a dynamic local, state, national, and international, dimension that promotes innovations and contributes to scientific educational, economic, and social change.
College of Education (COE) Vision Statement
The vision of the College of Education is to be consistently recognized as fully-accredited and as a nationally and internationally respected college in the areas of science, mathematics, educational technology and intercultural dimension (language, literacy, culture and interdisciplinary studies in regard to preparing teachers, counselors, administrators, educational researchers, and professional at all levels, not only for the school system but for other economical and service areas which require training, human resources, development and life-long learning.
Teacher preparation programs of the College of Education will be central to the mission of the University and will have national prominence. It will be at the forefront in programs for English Language Learners and, through teacher preparation, P-16 and life-long education initiatives will be a model for helping to close the student achievement gap.
All of these will require the COE to be noted for the quality of its graduates, the scholarship of its faculty, and the leadership and service they provide to the local, regional, and national educational communities in the previously mentioned areas.
Note: Be advised that the College of Education conducts ongoing research regarding the effectiveness of the programs. You will receive one survey in the final semester prior to graduation regarding the operations of the unit during your time here. A second survey will occur within one year following graduation from or completion of a program, and will be sent to your employer. This survey will focus on the preparation received at UTB/TSC. Please remember that your response to these surveys is critical to UTB/TSC excellence.
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Department of Teaching, Learning & Innovation
EDCI 6344. 01 – Current Issues and Research in Science Education
Spring 2015
College of Education
Department of Teaching, Learning and Innovation
Instructor: Reynaldo Ramirez, Jr., Ed.D.
EDBC 2.306B
E-mail: reynaldo.ramirez@utb.edu
Alternate Email: reyram49@gmail.com
Office: (956) 882-7255
Office Hours:
Tuesday, 2-4 p.m.
Wednesday, 2-4 p.m.
Wednesday, 2-4 p.m.
Thursday, 2-4 p.m.
Friday, By Appointment
Friday, By Appointment
Course Description:
This course will include selected studies of current issues and problems related to science instruction and curriculum development. Topics may include multicultural science education, inclusive science education, gender and ethnic issues regarding science, the analysis of learning in the science classroom, using Internet and Tenet to teach science, and a review of recent research in science education and science education reform efforts.
Students in this course will engage in readings, discussions, and research to gain knowledge on current issues of learning and their applications in instructional practice in the science classroom. Many of the examples deal with current local and national problems associated with science and mathematics instruction and the assessment of learning within these areas. Students are encouraged to provide discussion of personal issues in their classrooms, as appropriate. As a culminating experience for this course, students are required to provide mentoring to other teachers the process is documented in a report submitted to TK20 near the end of the semester.
TOPICS, LEARNING PROCESSES AND DESIRED RESULTS
Method of Delivering Instruction:
- Assigned readings, Classroom Activities, Web Resources, and Guided Reflection
- Instructor and Guest Lectures
- Web Conferences (Hangouts for Small Group/Zoom for Large Group)
- E-mail and Internet Assignments (Google Product Based)
- Field Experience (15 Hours of Mentoring)
Written Presentations: All assignments will be typed, unless specified by the instructor, double-spaced and follow APA style. Reflective Journal is completed through a current or new blog which can be private to public, but must be shared with instructor.
Knowledge, skills and dispositions that must be mastered at the end of this course:
- Evaluate research and news about current trends in science education applicable to K-12 settings, policy at the local to national levels, and international venues.
- Produce surveys, diagrams, charts, and reports to analyze trends in science education for the purpose of classifying, categorizing, and contrasting opposing views.
- Recommend actions to improve science education practices through debate, surveys, and collaboration with other educators through dialogue that combines current and effective instructional practice.
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MAJOR REQUIREMENTS, DEMONSTRATION OF MASTERY AND EVALUATION
EVALUATION WEIGHTS AND SUMMMARY
Students will be provided with a final letter grade based on the following criteria. The instructor reserves the right to penalize any additional facets of unprofessional and irresponsible work dispositions or conduct, if the need arises.
Course Evaluation:
The student products will be evaluated based on the knowledge and skills demonstrated by their individual and group work. The products include:
Application of Technology (Summaries on Blog Posts/Products) - 20%
Science Content Knowledge (Tests/Reports) - 25%
Semester Project (Current Issue Paper) - 30%
Mentoring Report - 25%
GRADING SYSTEM
Partial evaluations will be made with numbers (exams, tests, papers, presentations and so on). Letter grades of “A” through “F” (course final grade) will be awarded based on the following scale:
A student's performance in academic work is expressed by the following grades.
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+/- Letter Grade Grade Points 100-Point Scale Guide
(Not prescriptive)
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A+ 4 grade points (98-100)
A 4 grade points (93-97.9)
A- 3.67 grade points (90-92.9)
B+ 3.33 grade points (87-89.9)
B 3 grade points (83-86.9)
B- 2.67 grade points (80-82.9)
C+ 2.33 grade points (77-79.9)
C 2 grade points (73-76.9)
C- 1.67 grade points (70-72.9)
D+ 1.33 grade points (67-69.9)
D 1 grade point (63-66.9)
F 0 grade points (Below 60)
- To receive credit for a course, an undergraduate must earn a grade of at least D. Academic departments may require a higher grade for the course to be counted toward the student's degree.
- To include a course in the Program of Work for a graduate degree, a graduate student must earn a grade of at least C. More information about the Program of Work is given in the graduate catalog.
- One of the following symbols may be assigned instead of a grade. Courses in which these symbols are recorded are not included in the grade point average.
Valid symbols used in grading
Au Audit
NC No credit
Q Course was dropped
W Withdrawn
X Temporary delay of course grade
I Permanent incomplete
* asterisk Course is continuing
S Satisfactory
U Unsatisfactory
# pound sign Grade was not submitted in time for this report
Z Student is registered on the credit/no credit or pass/fail basis
To receive the symbol CR, an undergraduate must earn a grade of at least D. To receive the symbol CR, a graduate student must earn a grade of at least C.
GPA Calculation
Grade points are computed by multiplying the points for each grade by the number of credit hours; for example, 4 (A) x 3 (hours) = 12 grade points. A student’s grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the number of semester hours for which a grade other than X, NC, or CR is received.
Incomplete Grades
A grade of Incomplete (I) may be given at the discretion of the instructor to a student who has been unable to complete the course requirements due to a serious interruption not caused by the student’s own negligence.
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RESOURCES INCLUDING BOOKS AND APPS FOR THE COURSE AND RESEARCH PAPERS
Item 1: Gmail Account
Item 2: Access to a computer with Internet
Item 3: Tk20 account is required for this course. Tk20 is an electronic toolkit used by candidates to provide evidence that they have mastered state and professional standards for the profession.
Additional information regarding Tk20 is available at:
Additional information regarding Tk20 is available at:
Item 4: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Copy and paste link to access.
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Course Policies
(Provide policies that you deem appropriate for your course) Such as:
- Attendance is mandatory. Arriving late or leaving early is unprofessional and causes a distraction to others.
- Absence from three class meetings will constitute a loss of a letter grade.
- Complete all assignments by the due date.
- Please type all assignments, unless otherwise specified.
- The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus as deemed necessary. Students will be notified of any and all changes.
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CAMPUS RESOURCES
General Student Support Services
ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER
EDBC 1.400 • 956-882-7362 • utb.edu/advising
Academic Advising, including
- Academic goal setting and major exploration
- Degree and course planning
- Academic standing and strategies for academic success
- Information on University policies and procedures
- Referrals to other campus resources as needed
- myEdu https://www.myedu.com
BLACKBOARD – STUDENT AND FACULTY SUPPORT
RUSTEBERG 108 • 956-882-4357 • utb.edu/online
- Online and hybrid course support, UTB Mobile
- ePortfolios, My Cloud, Web Conferencing, Instant Messenger
CAMPUS RECREATION
CASA BELLA CLUBHOUSE • 956-882-5969 • utb.edu/campusrec
- Intramurals/club sports
- Fitness Center with cardio and strength equipment
CAREER SERVICES
CORTEZ • 956-882-5627 • utb.edu/career
- Career fairs
- Classroom presentations
- Computer lab with reference library
- Internships
- Job interview coaching
- Job referrals and connection with employers
- MyEdu https://www.myedu.com
- On campus recruitment
- Résumé and cover letter writing
- Student Employment Initiative (SEI)
DEAN OF STUDENTS
CORTEZ • 956-882-5141 • utb.edu/dos
- Student grievances
- Student handbooks
- Medical withdrawals
- Requests for assistance
- Academic dishonesty and student discipline
- Student Government Association
LEARNING ENRICHMENT CENTER
STUDENT UNION, ROOM 2.10 • 956-882-8208 • utb.edu/le
- Free tutoring in most subject areas
- Link2Success
- Test preparation workshops
- Online tutoring
- Supplemental Instruction
- Summer Bridge Program
OFFICE OF GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
EDBC 1.308, • 956-882-7092 • utb.edu/global
- Study Abroad Programs –semester and summer
- International projects
RESIDENTIAL LIFE AND FOOD SERVICES
CASA BELLA CLUBOUSE, 2651 FJRM Ave • 956-882-7191 • utb.edu/housing
- On campus housing
- Food service and meal plans
- Vending services
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
CORTEZ, ROOM 237 • 956-882-3896 • utb.edu/shs
- Health assessment, physical exams
- Medical visits and prescriptions
- Laboratory tests
- Over the counter medications
- Immunizations
- Health education on STI and HIV Prevention
- HIV testing
- Nutrition information
- Family planning
- Counseling (individual, couples, and group therapy)
- Psychiatric evaluations and medications
- Training on suicide prevention
STUDENT LIFE
STUDENT UNION, ROOM 1.28 • 956-882-5138 • utb.edu/stuact
- Campus activities
- Student organizations
- Events and programs
- Leadership development
STUDENT MEDIA
STUDENT UNION, ROOM 1.16 • 956-882-5143 • utb.edu/studentmedia
- The Collegian, a weekly multi-format newspaper offering campus news and information
- UTB Radio, a 24-hour, Internet-based radio station featuring rock, pop and indie music, public service announcements and talk shows on campus issues
Specialized Student Support Services
C.A.M.P. (COLLEGE ASSISTANCE MIGRANT PROGRAM)
CORTEZ, ROOM 138 • 956-882-7871 • utb.edu/camp
Note: For eligible students, immediate family members of migrants or seasonal farm workers.
- Academic planning, financial assistance
- Peer tutoring and mentoring
- Cultural events
- Academic and enrichment workshops
- Housing scholarships
- Book assistance
DISABILITY SERVICES
CORTEZ • 956-882-7374 • utb.edu/ability
- Resources for students with disabilities
- Sign language interpreters
- Special testing accommodations
- Assistive technology lab
- Advocacy
OFFICE OF GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
EDBC 1.308, • 956-882-7092 • utb.edu/global
- International Student Admission
- International Student Services
- International Scholar and Staff immigration services
- Study Abroad Programs –semester and summer
- International projects
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM/ASPIRE
CORTEZ, ROOM 108 • 956-882-8250 • utb.edu/aspire
Note: First generation, low income and disabled students
- Tutoring
- Academic planning, financial literacy assistance
- Academic and informational workshops
- Cultural and educational events
- Peer Mentor and Guidance Program
- Grant aid
VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER and VETERANS UPWARD BOUND
STUDENT UNION, ROOM 2.28 • 956-882-8980 • utb.edu/veterans
- Tutoring in math, reading, writing, and more
- Enrollment assistance
- Financial aid, academic advising
- Vocational Rehab and Montgomery G.I. Bill
INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES
ACADEMIC STANDING
To remain in good academic standing undergraduate students are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 (“C” average) for all work attempted at UTB. Academic standing is computed each regular semester (i.e., Fall or Spring) for every UTB student, including transfer and dual coursework and BECHS and MSA students; transient students are held to the standards of their home institution, not to those of UTB. Students who fail to maintain the minimum required grade point average of 2.00 in all work attempted at UTB will be placed on academic probation. At the end of the probationary semester, students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher will be changed to GOOD STANDING status. At the end of the probationary semester, students who have NOT earned a cumulative GPA of 2.00 and who have NOT earned a semester GPA of 2.00 or higher will be changed to SUSPENSION status. At the end of the probationary semester, students who have NOT earned a cumulative GPA of 2.00, but who have earned a semester GPA of 2.00 or higher will continue on PROBATION until their cumulative GPA is 2.00, as long as each semester GPA is 2.00 or higher. The purpose of measuring academic standing is to keep students on track for successful completion of a degree and to prevent unnecessary financial burden on those students who do not finish a program. Academic Standing is calculated separately from Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress. If you are on financial assistance, please visit http://www.utb.edu/em/fa/Pages/SatisfactoryAcademicProgress.aspx for specific academic progress requirements.
STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Students are required to be diligent in their studies and regular in class attendance. The number of absences permitted in any one course varies with instructor and course. Some programs have very strict attendance policies. Attendance requirements are printed in the course syllabus and announced by the instructor at the initial class meeting. On recommendation of the instructor concerned, students will be dropped from courses for failure to meet the attendance requirements or other good cause. This will result in a W or an F on students’ academic records with negative consequences for financial aid eligibility, and international student visas.
ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL
Students who miss more than half of the required activities within the first 25% of the course without contacting the course professor may be administratively withdrawn from the course. Administrative withdrawal has serious consequences. Students may have to repay funds to Title IV financial aid programs. Administrative withdrawal will count toward the six-drop rule limiting the number of courses students are allowed to drop to no more than six courses over the entire undergraduate career. International students will not be eligible to continue enrollment if an administrative withdrawal results in a course load less than full-time.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY
Students who engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the
possibility of failure in the course and expulsion from the University. Scholastic dishonesty
includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, submission for credit of any work
or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination
for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student, or the attempt to
commit such acts. Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all students and the
integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced (Board of
Regents Rules and Regulations). All scholastic dishonesty incidents will be reported to the Dean of Students. Do not allow your peers to pressure you to cheat. Your grade, academic standing and personal reputation are at stake.
GRADING POLICY
Grades are awarded in courses in which students are officially enrolled after the official record date. The deadline to withdraw is specified in the Academic Calendar for each semester or term. After the deadline to drop with a grade of W has passed, students may not be awarded a W as a final grade. Final grades are available to students within 24 hours after all final examination grades have been submitted online after the end of each semester or term. Grade reports are not mailed to students. Students interested in obtaining their grades may log on to UTB Online.
Grade Range Grade Points
A+ 98-100 4.00
A 97-93 4.00
A- 90-92.9 3.67
B+ 87-89.9 3.33
B 83-86.9 3.00
B- 80-82.9 2.67
C+ 77-79.9 2.33
C 70-76.9 2.00
D 60-69.9 1.00
F 59 and Under 0.00
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
Students with disabilities, including learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in a course should notify the Disability Services Office early in the semester so that the appropriate arrangements may be made. In accordance with federal law, a student requesting accommodations must provide documentation of his/her disability to the Disability Services counselor. For more information, visit Disability Services in Cortez or call 956-882-7374.
EMERGENCY POLICY STATEMENT
In compliance with the Emergency UTB Academic Continuity Program, academic courses, partially or entirely, will be made available on the Blackboard course management system. This allows faculty members and students to continue their teaching and learning via Blackboard, in case the university shuts down as a result of a hurricane or any other natural disaster.
The university will use Blackboard to post announcements notifying faculty members and students of their responsibilities as a hurricane approaches our region. If the university is forced to shut down, faculty will notify their course(s). To receive credit for a course, it is the student’s responsibility to complete all the requirements for that course. Failure to access course materials once reasonably possible can result in a reduction of your overall grade in the class. To facilitate the completion of class, most or all of the communication between students and the institution, the instructor, and fellow classmates will take place using the features in your Blackboard and UTB email system. Therefore, all students must use UTB Online to provide a current email address. In the event of a disaster that disrupts normal operations, all students and faculty must make every effort to access an internet enabled computer as often as possible to continue the learning process.
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
UTB has implemented an emergency communication system to provide students, faculty,
staff and visitors with important information in the event of an impending threat. This system
allows UTB to send time sensitive notifications via telephones, computers, indoor speakers
in classrooms and laboratories, outside speakers, e-mail messages, and announcements on
http://www.utb.edu/Pages/default.aspx. The notification methods used will vary depending on
the level of the emergency. Messages will communicate the current situation and provide
guidance for what action needs to be taken immediately.
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