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Professor John MacBeath
and
Associate Professor George Oduro
The Foundations of Teaching for Learning programme is for anyone who is teaching, or who would like to teach, in any subject and any context - be it at school, at home or in the workplace. With dynamic lessons taught by established and respected professionals from across the Commonwealth, this eight course programme will see you develop and strengthen your skills in teaching, professionalism, assessment, and more. As you carry on through the programme, you will find yourself strengthening not only your skills, but your connection with colleagues across the globe. A professional development opportunity not to be missed.
Read more
The Foundations of Teaching for Learning programme is for anyone who is teaching, or who would like to teach, in any subject and any context - be it at school, at home or in the workplace. With dynamic lessons taught by established and respected professionals from across the Commonwealth, this eight course programme will see you develop and strengthen your skills in teaching, professionalism, assessment, and more. As you carry on through the programme, you will find yourself strengthening not only your skills, but your connection with colleagues across the globe. A professional development opportunity not to be missed.
Read more
The Foundations of Teaching for Learning programme is for anyone who is teaching, or who would like to teach, in any subject and any context - be it at school, at home or in the workplace. With dynamic lessons taught by established and respected professionals from across the Commonwealth, this eight course programme will see you develop and strengthen your skills in teaching, professionalism, assessment, and more. As you carry on through the programme, you will find yourself strengthening not only your skills, but your connection with colleagues across the globe. A professional development opportunity not to be missed.
The teacher’s work becomes meaningful when it is informed by research and theories of learning, and their relationship to actual practice. This course provides an opportunity for you to identify and understand students’ expectations and prior learning.
Enhance your course by joining the Commonwealth teaching community on our website, Facebook and Twitter.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/fmbq8u/foundations
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What's inside
Syllabus
The lives of children
How much, as teachers or parents, do we understand about the lives of children and what affects their learning? How is their identity shaped, who shapes it, and in what circumstances? How many different ‘selves’ do children inhabit and how does their ‘self’ emerge in different contexts? How are boys and girls affected differently by their upbringing and the expectations we hold of them? And how do these issues play out in the multi-cultural school and classroom? We will consider these important questions in the materials this week.
Read more
Syllabus
The lives of children
How much, as teachers or parents, do we understand about the lives of children and what affects their learning? How is their identity shaped, who shapes it, and in what circumstances? How many different ‘selves’ do children inhabit and how does their ‘self’ emerge in different contexts? How are boys and girls affected differently by their upbringing and the expectations we hold of them? And how do these issues play out in the multi-cultural school and classroom? We will consider these important questions in the materials this week.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides educators with a basis for teaching students from all backgrounds
Strengthens skills of educators through improving their teaching practices
Covers topics such as the psychology of students, engaging with students, and the use of peer groups in learning
Provides opportunities for professional development and networking
Examines theories such as those of Pai Obanya, David Perkins, Abraham Maslow, and Lev Vygotsky
Facilitated by highly recognized professors and professionals
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary
Understanding learners for teaching foundations
According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation in understanding how people learn, drawing on key educational theories. Many find the content highly relevant and appreciate the practical tips offered for engaging students in various contexts, from schools to homes and workplaces. The course is generally seen as a valuable starting point, though some more experienced educators note that parts can feel too basic and could benefit from greater depth on specific topics like addressing diverse learning needs. Overall, it's considered a positive and insightful introduction to the learner-centered approach to teaching.
Applicable to teaching in various settings.
"for anyone who is teaching... at school, at home or in the workplace."
"As a homeschooling parent, this gave me so much insight into my children's development and how to structure learning at home."
"Wish there were more examples specific to workplace training contexts, but it's a strong base."
Instructors are knowledgeable and clear.
"lessons taught by established and respected professionals..."
"The instructors were knowledgeable, and the content on child development and learning styles was incredibly relevant..."
"Decent content, but lectures were sometimes dry."
Offers practical tips for engaging students.
"Practical tips for classroom engagement too. Highly recommend for new teachers."
"I appreciated connecting theory to practice throughout the modules."
"Learned practical strategies I can use when interacting with students."
Provides a solid basis in core learning theories.
"Excellent overview of foundational learning theories. I really enjoyed the lectures on Vygotsky and Maslow."
"Good theoretical basis for understanding learners and their motivations."
"A valuable course for understanding learners and linking theory to practice."
Some topics could benefit from more detail.
"Needed more depth on addressing diverse learning needs."
"The part on differentiated teaching was a bit brief."
"Wish there were more examples specific to workplace training contexts..."
May be basic for experienced educators.
"Some parts felt a bit basic, but it's called 'Foundations' so fair enough."
"Found this course quite basic and repetitive if you already have some background in education. Not much new information for experienced teachers."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Learners and Learning with these
activities:
Volunteer in a classroom or tutoring program
Show steps
Volunteering in a classroom or tutoring program will give you hands-on experience working with students.
Show steps
-
Find a volunteer opportunity
-
Contact the organization and express your interest
-
Attend a training session
Compile your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams from the course
Show steps
Compiling your materials will help you to organize your learning and identify areas where you need to focus your studies.
Show steps
-
Gather your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
-
Organize the materials into a binder or folder
-
Review the materials regularly
Watch a tutorial on how to use a specific teaching tool or technology
Show steps
Watching a tutorial will help you to learn how to use a new tool or technology that can help you to be a more effective teacher.
Browse courses on
Educational Technology
Show steps
-
Identify a teaching tool or technology that you want to learn more about
-
Find a tutorial on how to use the tool or technology
-
Watch the tutorial
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a lesson plan for children on a topic of your choice
Show steps
Creating a lesson plan will help you to think through the learning objectives, activities, and assessments that you will use in your lessons.
Browse courses on
Lesson Planning
Show steps
-
Identify the learning objectives for the lesson
-
Select activities that will help students to achieve the objectives
-
Create an assessment to measure student learning
Practice your questioning skills
Show steps
Practicing your questioning skills will help you to ask more effective questions in the classroom.
Browse courses on
Questioning
Show steps
-
Read about different types of questions
-
Practice asking questions to yourself
-
Ask questions to students in a real-world classroom setting
Review the book 'How Children Learn' by John Holt
Show steps
Reading this book will provide you with a deeper understanding of how children learn, which will help you to be a more effective teacher.
Show steps
-
Read the book
-
Take notes on the key points
-
Reflect on how you can apply the principles in your own teaching
Create a portfolio of your work as a teacher
Show steps
Creating a portfolio will help you to reflect on your teaching skills and identify areas for improvement.
Browse courses on
Portfolio Development
Show steps
-
Collect evidence of your teaching skills
-
Organize the evidence into a portfolio
-
Reflect on your teaching skills and identify areas for improvement
Volunteer in a classroom or tutoring program
Show steps
Volunteering in a classroom or tutoring program will give you hands-on experience working with students.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a volunteer opportunity
- Contact the organization and express your interest
- Attend a training session
Compile your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams from the course
Show steps
Compiling your materials will help you to organize your learning and identify areas where you need to focus your studies.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
- Organize the materials into a binder or folder
- Review the materials regularly
Watch a tutorial on how to use a specific teaching tool or technology
Show steps
Watching a tutorial will help you to learn how to use a new tool or technology that can help you to be a more effective teacher.
Browse courses on
Educational Technology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a teaching tool or technology that you want to learn more about
- Find a tutorial on how to use the tool or technology
- Watch the tutorial
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a lesson plan for children on a topic of your choice
Show steps
Creating a lesson plan will help you to think through the learning objectives, activities, and assessments that you will use in your lessons.
Browse courses on
Lesson Planning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the learning objectives for the lesson
- Select activities that will help students to achieve the objectives
- Create an assessment to measure student learning
Practice your questioning skills
Show steps
Practicing your questioning skills will help you to ask more effective questions in the classroom.
Browse courses on
Questioning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read about different types of questions
- Practice asking questions to yourself
- Ask questions to students in a real-world classroom setting
Review the book 'How Children Learn' by John Holt
Show steps
Reading this book will provide you with a deeper understanding of how children learn, which will help you to be a more effective teacher.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book
- Take notes on the key points
- Reflect on how you can apply the principles in your own teaching
Create a portfolio of your work as a teacher
Show steps
Creating a portfolio will help you to reflect on your teaching skills and identify areas for improvement.
Browse courses on
Portfolio Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Collect evidence of your teaching skills
- Organize the evidence into a portfolio
- Reflect on your teaching skills and identify areas for improvement
Career center
Learners who complete Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Learners and Learning will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Teacher
Teacher
As a teacher, you will have the opportunity to use your understanding of how children learn to create engaging and effective lesson plans. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful teacher, including classroom management, lesson planning, and assessment.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designer
Instructional designers use their knowledge of how people learn to create effective learning materials. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful instructional designer, including needs assessment, curriculum development, and evaluation.
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultant
Educational consultants work with schools and other organizations to improve teaching and learning. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful educational consultant, including needs assessment, program evaluation, and strategic planning.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum developers design and develop educational programs and materials. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful curriculum developer, including needs assessment, curriculum design, and evaluation.
Educational Researcher
Educational Researcher
Educational researchers study how people learn and how to improve teaching and learning. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful educational researcher, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
School Administrator
School Administrator
School administrators oversee the operation of schools and other educational institutions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful school administrator, including leadership, management, and budgeting.
Education Policy Analyst
Education Policy Analyst
Education policy analysts analyze and evaluate education policies and programs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful education policy analyst, including research, analysis, and writing.
Education Nonprofit Manager
Education Nonprofit Manager
Education nonprofit managers oversee the operation of nonprofit organizations that provide educational services. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful education nonprofit manager, including leadership, management, and fundraising.
Higher Education Administrator
Higher Education Administrator
Higher education administrators oversee the operation of colleges and universities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful higher education administrator, including leadership, management, and budgeting.
Corporate Trainer
Corporate Trainer
Corporate trainers design and deliver training programs for employees. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful corporate trainer, including needs assessment, curriculum development, and delivery.
Learning and Development Specialist
Learning and Development Specialist
Learning and development specialists design and deliver training and development programs for employees. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful learning and development specialist, including needs assessment, curriculum development, and delivery.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers oversee the human resources department of an organization. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful human resources manager, including leadership, management, and employee relations.
Organizational Development Consultant
Organizational Development Consultant
Organizational development consultants help organizations improve their performance. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful organizational development consultant, including needs assessment, strategic planning, and change management.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project managers plan, execute, and close projects. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful project manager, including project planning, risk management, and stakeholder management.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business analysts identify and solve business problems. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful business analyst, including problem solving, analysis, and communication.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fmbq8u/foundations
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Learners and Learning.
Save
Comprehensive review of the research on what works in education. It valuable resource for educators who want to improve their teaching practice.
Provides practical strategies for culturally responsive teaching. It is based on the author's research on how to create inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students.
Provides practical strategies for promoting student engagement and learning. It is based on the authors' research on how students learn best.
This well-regarded textbook provides an overview of the major learning theories and their implications for teaching practice. It would be useful for learners who want to delve more deeply into the theoretical underpinnings of teaching and learning.
Provides practical strategies for engaging and empowering students in the 21st century classroom.
Comprehensive guide to teaching science in middle and secondary schools. It includes practical strategies for engaging students and promoting learning.
Provides a comparative overview of different theories of learning. It valuable resource for educators who want to understand the different ways that students learn.
Save
Provides an overview of the philosophical foundations of education. It valuable resource for educators who want to understand the philosophical underpinnings of their practice.
Provides insights into the importance of mindset for student success. It valuable resource for educators who want to help their students develop a growth mindset.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fmbq8u/foundations
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Effort
3-4 hours per week
Via
Coursera
Institution
Commonwealth Education Trust
Instructors
Professor John MacBeath
Associate Professor George Oduro
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
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