EDU 336: Science Teaching Methods
This course aims at promoting student teachers’ understanding about how primary school students construct, acquire and inquire science knowledge. In addition, the student teachers will be introduced to conceptual understanding and change theories in order to understand how students’ naïve ideas emerge. Moreover, the student teachers will be supported in order to develop the necessary lesson design and teaching skills. Modern teaching theories, pedagogies and strategies, as well as recent research findings from the domains of science education and cognitive psychology will be introduced. A great emphasis will be placed on inquiry as a teaching method, as well as on the science method and thinking skills associated with it. Finally, the teachers will be requested to design and implement their one lessons in an attempt to move from theory to practice.
More info: https://applications.ucy.ac.cy/pub_programs/courses_pck.show_course_info?p_course_id=5964
EDU 489: Computer Science Applications and Modern Trends in Science Teaching
This course aims at introducing and familiarizing student teachers with ICT tools that have the potential to materialize and support learning in natural sciences. These ICT tools include communication tools, collaboration tools, data management and analysis tools, control of mechanisms and measurement tools, as well as computer programming environments for creating simulations, animations and models in general. Another objective of the course is to introduce and familiarize the student teachers with digital games and enable them to understand their potential as means for learning science. Students are expected to (i) devote time in learning and familiarizing themselves with each ICT tool, (ii) explore the potential added value of each tool in children’s learning in the natural sciences, and (iii) integrate each tool in their curriculum and teaching materials. A third objective of the course, is to have the student teachers situate the aforementioned ICT tools in the constructivism and inquiry paradigm. The idea is to show to the student teachers how to provide guidance and proper scaffolding to their students when enacting constructivist, inquiry-based learning activities in science class.
More info: https://applications.ucy.ac.cy/pub_programs/courses_pck.show_course_info?p_course_id=9947
EDU 435: Teaching Natural Sciences in Pre-Primary School
This course aims to help students develop familiarity with a variety of approaches to teaching and learning in the Kindergarten with emphasis on helping children enrich their experiences with natural phenomena and interact verbally using observation an experimentation as a starting base. Acquire experience with interaction with children in the early years in the context of activities relating to the natural and artificial environment. Develop self-confidence in selecting and enacting activities with emphasis on free exploration of natural phenomenal and on developing the attitudes and practices that are characteristic of the sciences.
More info: https://applications.ucy.ac.cy/pub_programs/courses_pck.show_course_info?p_course_id=6187
