Classes

ED50: Issues in K-12  Education

This course is an introduction to the role of K-12 education in  U.S. society.  History and purposes  of K-12 education will be discussed in the context of 4 issues:

  • International comparisons of teaching and learning practices
  • Standardized testing
  • The achievement gap and the equality of learning opportunities
  • Bilingual and multicultural education

Students  will learn to critically examine these key issues by reading relevant material,  watching documentaries, conducting a research project, and writing a  report.  Students will also learn to  present and discuss research findings.

ED225:  Learning, Development, and Culture

This course will explore issues of learning and development through a  cultural lens.  The interplay between  “learning and culture” and “development and culture” will be analyzed through  the discussion of relevant readings from both psychological and anthropological  research traditions.