As Student Ambassadors we get asked that question a lot! Here are a few of our favorite classes that we've taken as part of the program:
MTHED 305- Basic Concepts of Mathematics: Have you looked at the requirements for the Elementary Education major and been surprised that there are TWO required math classes before practicum? Math can be intimidating, but fortunately for you, these math classes are not like the ones you dreaded in high school!
MTHED 305, or Basic Concepts of Mathematics, helps prepare you to better understand basic math so that you can help all of your students and their differing needs. This class teaches you about the various ways students will attempt the same problems and how you, as their teacher, can help them all learn the concepts they need to know.
MTHED 305 focuses on whole number operations, measurement, and geometry. While reviewing these concepts, you will also analyze thought processes and alternative ways to solve problems and equations. This class will help you to truly understand several mathematical principles so that you can teach them to a variety of learners in many ways.
For more information on MTHED 305, click here!
EL ED 203- Foundations of Multicultural Education: Do you want to become a teacher and feel unprepared to meet the needs of students from different cultural backgrounds? No worries! Foundations of Multicultural Education will help you feel better about your skills.
In Foundations of Multicultural Education, you can expect to learn about cultural identities, privilege, discrimination/racism, cultural dynamics, and deficit thinking. The type of exercises you do will really depend on your professor, but all professors have the goal to help you let go of deficit thinking for your future elementary classroom. By the end of this course, you will have a greater understanding of the differences in growing up in a culture unlike your own and gain an appreciation for the diverse cultures around you. Every child is important, no matter their cultural background. Foundations of Multicultural Education will help you become the teacher that children need to feel understood and loved.
For more information about EL ED 203, click here
TMA 352- Drama in the Elementary Classroom: If you think of Drama Class, and panic about having to do improv, act, and play with puppets, then you're not alone. Even though I was low-key dreading TMA 352, it ended up being one of my absolute favorite classes in the Elementary Education major thus far.
TMA 352 is a super fun class that teaches us different ways to apply drama and theater within the pre-K - 6 classrooms. In this class, I learned how to incorporate drama and theater activities into my curriculum and lesson plans, in order to help my future students get a better grasp on the content they are learning. I loved this class because I felt challenged to find and create resources that I will be able to use in my classroom in the future, and I feel more confident in my ability to use drama with students.
For more information about TMA 352, click here.
For more information on the required classes for the Elementary Education major, click here!
If you have any questions, you can visit our website to schedule a meeting with one of our ambassadors!