The University of Northern Iowa is proposing to offer many of the courses required for the Master of Arts in Science Education via distance learning to teacher cohorts across the state of Iowa beginning Spring 2010. This program integrates theory, application and content, allowing teachers to update pedagogy as well as add endorsement areas to their teaching licenses.
Learn how to teach science in a way that helps students to construct their knowledge within an inquiry framework. The “Techniques” courses feature different aspects of the Iowa Core Curriculum.
We recognize that multiple career and personal obligations as well as travel limitations may prevent many teachers from taking on-campus classes during the school year. As such, fall and spring courses will be scheduled via the Iowa Communications Network (ICN), or other distance education technologies, at sites in which clusters of students are located.
The “core” classes will be scheduled on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. Techniques courses may run from 5 to 6 p.m. or 8 to 9 p.m. Using a cohort model, groups of students will move through the coursework over a two- to three-year period.
MyCourses
Courses in this program have an online component utilizing MyCourses, a computer conferencing program requiring Internet access and a web browser — no additional software is required. Students may need access to someone who can assist with computer set-up.
820:113g Techniques for Science Teachers, 1-3 hours
Spectrum of options to help science teachers improve their teaching. Topics may include teaching strategies, laboratory techniques, or learning psychologies that apply to teaching various science disciplines and age levels.
820:200 The History, Philosophy and Nature of Science, 2 credit hours
Examination of the nature of science and major philosophical developments of science throughout history, and the implications to the science classroom.
820:259 Assessment and Research in Science Education, 3 credit hours
820:294 Developing Science Curriculum, 2 credit hours
Analysis and design of science curricula, with attention to articulation K-12.
820:290 Trends and Issues in Science Education, 2 credit hours
Compares contemporary reform movements to past trends in science education from the late 1800s to the present.
820:213 Teaching-Learning Models in Science Education, 2 credit hours
Survey of learning theories from behaviorism to constructivism and the way those theories are translated into practice through various pedagogies.
Plus 12-15 credit hours content/elective coursework
* The number of hours from this listed program will very depending on allowable transfer credit. MA students may pursue either a thesis or non-thesis option. Research hours (6 or 3 respectively) may be taken at various times in the latter portion of the program and can be taken completely at a distance.