Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Degree

• Two-year degree program (four academic semesters plus practicum placements). Focus on elementary (i.e., primary) education.
• Requires at least three years of previous post-secondary study for admission (previous degree preferred).
• The initial teacher education program integrates two academic years of pedagogical studies and practicum school experiences.

Within the two-year program, students extend their education by exploring pedagogical theory and practice, applying their understanding in teaching practice and building a foundation for leadership in the classroom and the community.

Courses

The elementary teaching program extends over two academic years of two terms each. Courses and associated school experiences must be completed in the specified sequence.

Semester 1
Prospective teachers are introduced to the theoretical bases of modern educational practice. Studies include analysis of the nature and objectives of education and of the developmental characteristics of learners. Attention is given to candidates’ own interpersonal communication skills and to strategies and methods of teaching. Structured classroom observations and teaching experiences (such as tutoring, peer teaching, and microteaching) are provided.

EDUC 310 Principles of Teaching: Elementary
EDUC 315 Pre-Practicum School Experience
EDUC 316 Communication Skills in Teaching
READ 310 Introduction to Reading and Language Arts Instruction
EDST 314 Analysis of Education
EPSE 313 Educational Application of Developmental Theories
EDUC 320 Curriculum and Instruction: Physical Education
SCED 320 Curriculum and Instruction: Science

Semester 2
This term involves the study of teaching methods in Math, Art, Music, P.E., Science, Social Studies, Reading, and English Education. There is an intensive two-week school placement in which candidates consolidate their understanding of instructional principles and approaches.

ARTE 320 Curriculum and Instruction: Art
EPSE 423 Learning, Measurement & Teaching
EDUC 321 Orientation School Experience: Elementary
ENED 320 Curriculum and Instruction: Language Arts
MAED 320 Curriculum and Instruction: Mathematics
READ 320 Curriculum and Instruction: Reading
SSED 320 Curriculum and Instruction: Social Studies
MUED 320 Curriculum and Instruction: Music

Semester 3
Candidates spend this term in elementary schools in the TRU region. Each candidate works closely with a team of experienced teachers who have been specially prepared for this supervisory and instructional responsibility. Faculty support, advice, and assessment are provided on a regular basis.

EDUC 418 Extended Practicum

Semester 4
Following completion of the extended practicum, candidates undertake professional studies to put their teaching competence in a more comprehensive framework of knowledge and understanding. The term includes elective or prescribed studies appropriate to each candidate’s personal academic and professional interests.

EDUC 420 School Organization in its Social Context
EPSE 317 Development and Exceptionality in the Regular Classroom
EDST 426 History of Education

Plus four electives chosen from:

CSED 402 Professional Use of Microcomputers for Teachers
EDUC 442 Pedagogy of First Nations Education
ENED 334 Intermediate Drama
ENED 341 Introduction to Children’s Literature
EPSE 316 Specific Learning Disabilities
EPSE 421 Assessment of Learning Difficulties
LLED 324 Teaching French in Elementary Schools
MAED 372 Mathematics Teaching: Problem Solving
MUED 400 Music Curriculum and Instruction: Elementary
PETE 401 Elementary School Physical Education: Instruction

Practicum Placements

Three types of school experiences are included in this teacher education program: During the first term, teaching candidates will make half-day visits to schools. Tasks will relate to an on-campus course and will include instructional experience on a one-to-one or small group basis.

A two-week practicum is designed as an orientation to the school, the classrooms, and the teachers of the extended practicum. Teaching candidates will undertake a variety of interrelated instructional tasks.

The culminating school experience will be a thirteen-week extended practicum. In this teaching candidates will experience a range of teaching assignments, including a sustained block of teaching with a full teaching load.

At TRU, half-day school experiences will be in Kamloops; the two- and thirteen-week practica will be throughout the college region.