Kumamoto University Graduate school of instructional systems
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Pedagogical Fundamentals

Lecturer: Katsuaki Suzuki
Open:2nd.1.2009
Subsequent courses:Practicum in e-Learning I, Special Research I
Course Description: Basic ability is to be fostered so that e-Learning practices can be examined from a pedagogical viewpoint. During a short period of time students will learn the essential points of pedagogy, educational methodology and educational psychology which are necessary for obtaining a teacher's license, and basic knowledge of instructional design theory. This is a supplementary course for new students who lack in basic knowledge of pedagogy.


[What’s New]

The deadline for all assignments and tasks is 31st, January 2009.

Textbook:Dewey, J. (1938) Experience and Education. Free Press, 1997 (Paperback)
* This textbook will be used in Session 11 & 12

Reference book:Numano, I. (1986). Information Society and Teachers' Mission (Kokudosha, Kyoiku Sensho 8, 1986), [In Japanese]
* A part of this reference is used in Session 13. A translated English version will be provided as a supplementary material in a PDF format.

<When each block is finished, you can proceed to the next block.>


1Block (1) Introduction
[Session 1] to [Session 2]
2Block (2) Theories of learning, instruction and evaluation
[Session 3] to [Session 6]
3Block (3) Three major trends of learning psychology
[Session 7] to [Session 10]
4Block (4) Two major trends of pedagogy
[Session 11] to [Session 13]
5Block (5) Summary and review
[Session 14] to [Session 15]

Credits will be given to those who have achieved scores of at least 60% for all the following assignments.

[Assignment 1] Reflection Paper I
To be uploaded as the task for Session 2. Describe your current ideas about education (principles, philosophy, views, methods, etc.), what your basic ideas about the teaching profession is, what your explicit or implicit expectations are, how you came to have those ideas and expectations, what you learned yourself, encounters with your mentors, and what kind of educational courses and programs you have taken part in so far. References are not required, but specify books and other materials, if any, that influenced your ideas. Uploaded papers will be reviewed by participants for mutual comments. Both papers and comments are subject to evaluation.

[Assignment 2] Understanding of theories of learning, instruction and evaluation / Participation & contribution
Answer questions on tasks in Block 2 to show that you have properly understood the theories and concepts. An assessment will be made as to whether you have clearly explained your understanding of the theories and concepts based on your personal experiences. How actively you have posted comments on the discussion boards in Block 2, and how you have contributed to the overall discussion will also be evaluated.

[Assignment 3] Understanding of learning psychology / Participation & contribution
Answer questions on tasks in Block 3 to show that you have properly understood the theories and concepts. An assessment will be made as to whether you have clearly explained your understanding of the theories and concepts based on your personal experiences. How actively you have posted comments on the discussion boards in Block 3, and how you have contributed to the overall discussion will also be evaluated.

[Assignment 4] Understanding of pedagogy / Participation & contribution
Answer questions on tasks in Block 4 to show that you have properly understood the theories and concepts. An assessment will be made as to whether you have clearly explained your understanding of the theories and concepts based on your personal experiences. How actively you have posted comments on the discussion boards in Block 4, and how you have contributed to the overall discussion will also be evaluated.

[Assignment 5] Reflection Paper II
The First draft is to be submitted as the task for Session 15. The draft will be reviewed by other participants for preparation of a final version, taking their comments into account. This task is designed to help you see and describe in the paper how your ideas have changed or deepened through participation in this course. Mention what theories and concepts have impressed you most, how you expect the course to influence your learning and instruction in the future, and what you think are the reasons the theories or concepts impressed you, etc. Both final papers and mutual comments are subject to evaluation.