Course Information Explorations in Literacy is a graduate survey course in the teaching of literacy. In this course, we will explore the nature of reading and writing, as well as the characteristics of developing readers and writers, with special emphasis on effective instructional practices in these areas. This course includes an exploration of what it means to be a reader/writer, the nature of reading and writing processes, and critical features of developmental phases of reading and writing. We will critique a variety of instructional practices and literacy programs in relation to what it means to be literate.
Teaching Philosophy My approach to teaching is simple: Make learning as authentic as possible.
What do I mean by authentic learning? Authentic learning should be experiences that connect to and expand on your own practice. Authentic learning is not about doing something for the sake of a grade. While you will get a grade in this course, authentic learning is about creating and sharing materials with an audience wider than myself and (ideally) wider than your classmates.
However, this class is not just about me. It's not even mostly about me. It's all about YOU. What you experience in this class is what we make of it together. In my role as teacher, I see myself as constructing experiences for you to engage in that will push your understandings of what it means to teach. It is up to you how much you fully engage with these experiences.
Required Readings
Most of the readings can be found for free on the course schedule. The one book you will need to purchase is:
Whitaker, T., Zoul, J., & Casas, J. (2015). What connected educators do differently. Routledge Publishers.
This book is not available at the UNC bookstore. You will need to order it through Amazon.
Schoology
We will be using Schoology this semester to keep track of your Achievements. Read the directions for how to sign up. Your access code is: PZRJ2-6ZRJH
Receiving notifications from Schoology regarding badges will probably require you to adjust the settings. Here is how a student explained it:
I just had to change my notification settings. In the top right corner there is a link called notifications and I just checked all of the boxes. Then I clicked on my name under members again and they were there!
Discussion Notes
When we have discussions, a document will be available for taking notes. I will take notes so you can be free to think and speak. However, you may add to the notes as you wish at the same time I am writing them. You can also reference them at any point. This will be a continuous document for the semester.
Technology You will need regular internet access during class. You may bring a laptop or an IPAD. If you need to borrow a laptop you can do so. You will need to let me know at least one week in advance of our class that you need a laptop.
Join PI
You will need to join PI. Read about it here.
Need Tech Help? This class will require you to use technology. I can sometimes answer basic tech questions. However, it is more efficient for you to contact Clint Kale in the School of education either by email (clint_kale@unc.edu) or phone (919-962-5435). Leave him a message, and he will get back to you promptly.
Explorations in Literacy is a graduate survey course in the teaching of literacy. In this course, we will explore the nature of reading and writing, as well as the characteristics of developing readers and writers, with special emphasis on effective instructional practices in these areas. This course includes an exploration of what it means to be a reader/writer, the nature of reading and writing processes, and critical features of developmental phases of reading and writing. We will critique a variety of instructional practices and literacy programs in relation to what it means to be literate.
Location
When we meet in person, we meet at the Carolina Center for Educational Excellence from 5:00-7:50 (also known as the CCEE). Check the calendar when you arrive to confirm the room we are in.
Contact Me
If you wish to contact me or learn more about me you can find that information here: http://soe.unc.edu/fac_research/faculty/hall.php
Teaching Philosophy
My approach to teaching is simple: Make learning as authentic as possible.
What do I mean by authentic learning? Authentic learning should be experiences that connect to and expand on your own practice. Authentic learning is not about doing something for the sake of a grade. While you will get a grade in this course, authentic learning is about creating and sharing materials with an audience wider than myself and (ideally) wider than your classmates.
However, this class is not just about me. It's not even mostly about me. It's all about YOU. What you experience in this class is what we make of it together. In my role as teacher, I see myself as constructing experiences for you to engage in that will push your understandings of what it means to teach. It is up to you how much you fully engage with these experiences.
To get a sense of what I am like, I recommend the following posts from my blog:
Class as Experience
Being Ok with Discomfort
Having an Epic Fail
Why I Love Blogging as a Teaching Tool
Required Readings
Most of the readings can be found for free on the course schedule. The one book you will need to purchase is:
Whitaker, T., Zoul, J., & Casas, J. (2015). What connected educators do differently. Routledge Publishers.
This book is not available at the UNC bookstore. You will need to order it through Amazon.
Schoology
We will be using Schoology this semester to keep track of your Achievements. Read the directions for how to sign up. Your access code is:
PZRJ2-6ZRJH
Receiving notifications from Schoology regarding badges will probably require you to adjust the settings. Here is how a student explained it:
I just had to change my notification settings. In the top right corner there is a link called notifications and I just checked all of the boxes. Then I clicked on my name under members again and they were there!
Discussion Notes
When we have discussions, a document will be available for taking notes. I will take notes so you can be free to think and speak. However, you may add to the notes as you wish at the same time I am writing them. You can also reference them at any point. This will be a continuous document for the semester.
Technology
You will need regular internet access during class. You may bring a laptop or an IPAD. If you need to borrow a laptop you can do so. You will need to let me know at least one week in advance of our class that you need a laptop.
Join PI
You will need to join PI. Read about it here.
Need Tech Help?
This class will require you to use technology. I can sometimes answer basic tech questions. However, it is more efficient for you to contact Clint Kale in the School of education either by email (clint_kale@unc.edu) or phone (919-962-5435). Leave him a message, and he will get back to you promptly.