EDU 23503 - Content Area Reading for Middle Childhood

Course stresses importance of reading as a means to learn, to access information, and to enhance the quality of life. Teacher candidates explore methods and procedures to engage middle school pupils in exploring reading across the curriculum. Emphasis is placed on middle schoolers’ construction of meaning through prior knowledge, written language, and the various reading contexts. Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are explored. Course stresses constructivist processes and emphasizes that meaning, content, purpose, tasks, and setting influence the reading process. Diversity of students and culture are explored with a rich variety of cultural literature for middle schoolers. Direct instruction and modeling of “What”, “When”, and “How” to use reading strategies with narrative and expository texts stressed. Effective study and questioning strategies explored as well as strategies that encourage and motivate students to pursue and respond to reading and writing for personal growth and fulfillment. Authentic assessment/learning style, teaching to exceptionalities, use of technology, integrated curriculum, cooperative learning, class-room management, independent learning, and community-based projects for middle schoolers are explored. The communication skills of talking and listening and the enriching aspects of drama, oral presentation, and project study are stressed. Utilization of the Ohio English Language Arts Academic Content Standards is required for the related middle school. A fifteen-hour

Course Fee: $87

Offered: Fall

Semester Hours: 3