CTE Teaching Academy

In methods one, we will examine principles, practices, and learning theories of effective teaching with a focus on CTE and competency-based education. We will consider the impact of different learning styles on instruction and how various teaching strategies can be used to create engaging learning experiences. We will begin to explore education research and how to critically analyze in order to develop our individual teaching philosophies. 

• Describe the research-based characteristics of effective teaching
• Discuss differences in learners’ thinking styles & learning preferences, and evaluate methods for differentiating instruction
• Explore and analyze current educational research
• Develop a project-based learning unit of instruction, incorporating multiple teaching strategies
• Apply teaching strategies and theories to course materials in order to improve teaching effectiveness
• Demonstrate a specific teaching strategy and how it can be applied to competency-based education

In methods two, we will examine the basic practices of classroom teaching and program planning. We will develop curriculum, prepare instructional learning materials, and create learning activities that consider the individual. We will focus on the application of teaching and learning strategies to competency-based CTE content and delivery. 

• Develop curriculum including scope and sequencing of instruction and unit planning including modules and learning activities
• Organize instruction, learning materials, and learning activities to effectively teach CTE content
• Demonstrate the ability to be reflective about the teaching and learning process
• Demonstrate teaching strategies and methods in the CTE classrooms
• Conduct well-planned instructional activities that support student learning

In program and course development, we will examine and consider curriculum and what it is with respect to teaching and instruction.  Specifically, the course is to increase understanding of how technical education programs, courses, and objects are designed. Our focus is full-curricular programs that align with a technical career path.  

• Explore curriculum, all of its various meanings, and the relationship of instruction and curriculum.
• Compare and contrast course development for career and technical education to other content areas
• Apply competency-based principles to the development of a technical education program/course
• Develop an educational career path for the technical program 
• Complete a task and content analysis to identify the skills and knowledge necessary to perform satisfactorily on the job
• Develop performance objectives that will be used to align the curriculum with the content and task analysis

In evaluation and assessment, we will explore various methods used to measure and evaluate student achievement with emphasis on performance-based assessment specific to the CTE and competency-based classroom. We will use foundational theories to define different types of assessments and identify how to use each effectively based. We practice applying appropriate assessment methods to improve existing course content. 

• Align performance objectives with instruction and assessment
• Explain and demonstrate principles of effective assessment in its variety of forms 
• Explain foundational theories and concepts of assessment (e.g., fairness, measurement, evaluation, grading, etc.)
• Demonstrate the use of various formative and summative assessment strategies
• Demonstrate the use of traditional, performance-based, and alternative assessments
• Demonstrate the ability to differentiate assessment based on learning differences among students
• Differentiate between various grading schemes and identify benefits and weaknesses of each. 

Digital Tools for Learning is designed to examine the role of technology and media in a CTE classroom and demonstrate how to use media and technologies appropriately in education. The strategies presented in this course will support teaching in a digital age. We will also explore current trends and issues when using technology in the classroom, as well as, skills students need in a digital age.

• Describe and discuss key skills needed in a digital age
• Identify and discuss how technology is leading to changes in teaching and learning
• Identify the main pedagogical and andragogical characteristics of video
• Demonstrate online collaborating using current tools
• Explore virtual reality in the classroom
• Describe and discuss current trends and issues when using technology in the classroom

In Classroom and Laboratory Management, we will focus on the importance of the classroom learning environment to student success. We will explore how learning theories and current classroom management models influence classroom management in order to create a positive learning environment. This course is designed to enhance previously established understandings of pedagogy and andragogy and to positively contribute to our personal teaching philosophy and strategies.  

• Recognize what effective classroom management looks like in a competency-based, technical education setting 
• Analyze how the instructor's preparations, routines, expectations, and curriculum combine to become classroom management 
• Explore learning theories and classroom management models to identify specific strategies to increase engagement, manage behavior, improve inclusiveness, and build relationships. 
• Synthesize and apply knowledge gained from CTE Teaching academy to develop personal teaching philosophy that is grounded in theory and incorporate successful competency-based, technical education strategies