Each participant will have the opportunity to experience the K-12 classroom through a volunteer placement in a middle or high school setting. The placements will be tailored to each participant and will range from one class period to a full day, depending on participant availability. The placement will ideally be scheduled during the last week of the module, but this will depend on participant and classroom availability. Placements will be finalized with participant approval.

**space is limited to 8-10 participants**

Course Director: Jennifer Ufnar, Ph.D., Executive Director, Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning

This module will meet for 4 sessions at 2 hours each.

Each participant will have the opportunity to experience the K-12 classroom through a volunteer placement in a middle or high school setting. The placements will be tailored to each participant and will range from one class period to a full day, depending on participant availability. The placement will ideally be scheduled during the last week of the module, but this will depend on participant and classroom availability. Placements will be finalized with participant approval.

Attendance Policy

Because the course is a limited enrollment opportunity, course participants need to attend all sessions and participate fully. Participants should discuss time away from the lab with their research advisor in advance of the course. Anticipated absences, such as for scientific conferences, should be discussed with the course director.

Session I: Understanding the Teaching Practice and Profession

Participants will gain an understanding of the secondary educational system and potential careers in the K-12 sector. Discussions will focus on the history of the educational system, the differences between the public and private school environments, and administrative structures within the school systems.

Session II: Understanding how students learn

Participants will gain an understanding of how learning changes throughout childhood, and what a student is able to understand at each level. Diversity of student populations will be investigated, as well as an understanding of how cultural values play a role in teaching and learning.

Session III: Translating content understanding to the classroom

Participants will play an active role in learning teaching and course development strategies for the middle and high school and learn how to become an effective educator.

Session IV: Developing an understanding of curriculum, instruction, management and assessment; Volunteering in K-12 schools

Participants will explore the concept of an effective classroom, covering classroom management and assessment techniques, and incorporating completed lessons into a module that can be presented to a class. Participants will be placed into a classroom to observe and/or participate in learning activities at the middle or high school level.