The SEI for Teachers course included a comprehensive and theoretical framework included an exploration of the relationship between bilingualism and cognitive development (Gupta, 2019), the implementation of translanguaging strategies in the classroom (Kleyn & Garcia, 2019), the integration of multicultural and multilingual teaching methods (Takeuchi, 2015), and the appreciation of multilingualism through an asset-based perspective (Cummins, 2018; de Jong, 2019).
Course objectives included: Understand the challenges, considerations, and requirements for educating English Learners (ELs) in the United States and Massachusetts; Understand the implementation of the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for English Language Arts and Literacy, History and Social Science, Science and Math, and other content areas, and the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards for all Educators.
The PHYS 102 (Physcial Science Content Course) aimed to transform the teacher candidates’ diverse knowledge—encompassing subject matter, pedagogy, and context—into effective teaching strategies known as pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) (Abell, 2008). PCK is not static; it begins during teacher preparation and evolves continually. PHYS 102 designed to merge the understanding of scientific concepts with practical science and engineering tasks, thereby reflecting the real-world application of STEM. It also demonstrated effective teaching methods for STEM education and the acquisition of content-specific vocabulary for multilingual learners.
Students gleaned information related to practices of scientists including Constructing Explanations and Developing and Using Models, and Planning & Carrying Out Investigations. Practices of engineers included Defining Problems, Designing Solutions, Engineering Design, and Planning & Carrying Out Investigations. Lessons included Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Stations, Properties of Fluids, and CAD Space Station Designs
STARBASE Internship at Hanscom Airforce Base (Fieldwork)
STARBASE was the internship component located at Hanscom Airforce Base in Lexington, MA.
Students had the opportunity to develop the skills and techniques learned from ELED 305 and PHYS 102 to teach STEM* to students in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
(*STEM is science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)