Middle Level Education Courses

MLED 314 - Young Adolescent Development
Hours: 3
Young Adolescent Development. Three semester hours. MLED 314 is designed to provide preservice teachers with a knowledge base of the changes and issues that typically affect development in the years from age 8 through adolescence. Students will examine and study the various domains of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development; and will consider how various learning theories, particularly multiple intelligence theory, can inform practices in middle level classroom. The effect of environmental factors on development will also be explored.

MLED 401 - Differ Inst for Diverse Learne
Hours: 3
Differentiating Instruction for Diverse Learners. Three semester hours. This course teaches preservice teachers how to design instruction to meet the emerging needs of all middle level learners. The beliefs, behaviors, and characteristics of the unique qualities of diverse learners and how these impact literacy and learning will be explored. Research-based teaching practices will be demonstrated and critiqued. Field experiences required with the course.

MLED 402 - Best Practices in Pedagogy and Assessment
Hours: 3
This field-based course provides for examination and implementation of developmentally appropriate instructional and assessment strategies and techniques with an emphasis on problem-based, inquiry-based and technology-based learning; development of extended inter and intra disciplinary learning experiences for middle level learners utilizing appropriate TEKS, resources and materials. Prerequisites: Full Admission to the Teacher Education Program through placement in a NET CPDT Center for Internship. Corequisites: MLED 403.

MLED 403 - Organization, Motivation, and Management in Middle Level Classrooms
Hours: 3
Organization, Motivation and Management in Middle Level Classrooms. Three semester hours. A field-based course concentrating on communication, methodology, and management perspectives consistent with democratic classrooms and organizational structures that focus on student centered inclusive learning of young adolescents from culturally, economically, and educationally diverse student populations. Prerequisites: Full Admission to the Teacher Education Program through placement in a NET CPDT Center for Internship. Corequisites: MLED 403.

MLED 404 - Developing Communication Skills
Hours: 3
Developing Communication Skills. Three semester hours. A field-based course that focuses on instructional strategies and practices to develop the written, verbal, non-verbal, and technical communication skills of the middle-level learner. Also examines the culture and dynamics of communication within the classroom and the school. Foci will include: process writing; writing in all areas of the curriculum, communication assessment, communicating with technology; and how to guide the middle-level learner in asking critical questions. Prerequisites: Full Admission to the Teacher Education Program and placement in a NET CPDT Center for Internshp.

MLED 410 - Fostering School, Family, and Community Relationships
Hours: 3
Fostering School, Family, and Community Relationships. Three semester hours. A field-based course emphasizing shared responsibility among educators, students, the family unit, and the community; examining the home-school connections and the roles and responsibilities of educators on a campus. Developing strategies for reciprocal relationships with peers, parents, and the community to promote collaboration while learning to become a reflective and self-assessing practitioner. Includes an investigation of the effects of a collaborative practice such as peer mediation, service learning, or teachers as advisors. Prerequisites: Full Admission to the Teacher Education Program through placement in a NET CPDT Center for Residency.

MLED 435 - Integrating Instruction: Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Hours: 3
Integrating Instruction: Science, Mathematics and Technology. Three semester hours. The course will focus on how middle level children learn and develop knowledge and skills in mathematics and science; varied instructional and assessment strategies that require high expectations and worthwhile opportunities for all students; Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in mathematics and science; resources for teaching mathematics and science in grades 4-8; and the integration of technology in mathematics and science instruction grades 4-8. Field experience required. Prerequisites: Full Admission to the Teacher Education Program through placement in a NET CPDT Center for Internship.

MLED 489 - Independent Study
Hours: 0-4