Janet Ferguson, EdD, a professor in the Teacher Education Department, is taking students away from the classroom and into the field. This semester, Ferguson taught Middle Childhood Cognition, Learning and Assessment (EMC 391/553), one of two classes students must take to obtain teacher certification at the middle school level. Every Monday, Ferguson takes students to Sweet Home Middle School, where they learn to apply their classroom knowledge with real world experience.
They begin the day by reviewing textbook theories and concepts. After review, the students split up and enter the classrooms where they interact with the middle school students. At the end of the day, Ferguson’s students listen to a speaker who discusses current events and issues occurring within the school. These speakers represent a variety of areas that affect middle school education and include a guidance counselor, family services representatives, curriculum coordinator, a representative from special education and the assistant principal.
One of Ferguson’s students commented “The best way to learn is to get our head out of the textbook once in a while and live what we are learning.” Ferguson has adopted a similar notion by showing her students how theory and practice come together.
Submitted by: Sara Morris, PhD, associate vice president, academic affairs
