In this facilitated course you will have exposure to cutting-edge research about how word learning shapes thinking, especially in our youngest learners. You will see that how we model, recognize and encourage use of sophisticated vocabulary has lasting effects on children’s cognition. You will learn the ins and outs of fostering good word consciousness among your students and will see how it is truly a precursor to vocabulary growth. You will explore book sharing routines that promote steadfast word learning, and have the opportunity to look critically at the books we read to and with children as resources for vocabulary exposure. You will step into the classroom of master teacher, Alicia Poulin, and watch as she inspires curiosity in her students and makes essential instructional choices about teaching specific words using PBS Kids digital learning resources. Participants will also look at ways to guide students toward independence as you teach them specific strategies for learning words on their own. Finally, you will learn to assess student’s vocabulary growth in a way that will inform your instruction and keep your teaching practice rigorous yet sensitive to the needs of your learners. Through readings, interactive activities, journal reflections and discussion questions, you will have the chance to collaborate with others while consistently being given the opportunity to reflect on your own accumulation of knowledge. The course was authored by Jeanne Paratore, Professor of Education and Coordinator of the Reading Education and Literacy and Language Education Programs at Boston University. She is a published expert in the field of emergent literacy, and a master lecturer who appears in the course’s video lecture segments.
By successfully completing all course requirements participants will:
- Understand the connection between vocabulary, phonemic awareness, and comprehension.
- Understand how vocabulary knowledge develops.
- Understand what it means to “know” a word.
- Understand the mismatch between what we know about the ways children learn vocabulary and common vocabulary teaching practices.
- Understand the concept of word consciousness and know ways to promote it in school and at home.
- Understand how to select and teach individual words.
- Understand how to select and teach independent word learning strategies.
- Understand how to assess vocabulary knowledge and act on assessment findings.
- Why does vocabulary matter?
- How does vocabulary knowledge develop?
- Do common instructional practices align with what we know about vocabulary learning?
- How should teachers do? Begin with Word Consciousness!
- How do children learn words from books?
- What book sharing routines support word learning?
- Which Ones and How Many?
- Implementing Effective Instructional Strategies
- Why Are Independent Word Learning Strategies Important?
- Teaching Vocabulary: Putting It All Together
- Assessment Routines that Align With Vocabulary Learning Principles
- Assessment Strategies that Align With Vocabulary Learning Principles
National graduate credit providers offer graduate credit based on the following hours of course time:
15-hour PBS TeacherLine course = 1 credit hour
30-hour PBS TeacherLine course = 2 credit hours
45-hour PBS TeacherLine course = 3 credit hours
Graduate credit is an additional cost that Learners pay directly to graduate credit providers at the time of registration for graduate credits. Learners must wait until the course begins before registering for graduate credit. Detailed information on how to register is provided in the first Announcement for each course. Cost varies by institution. Please see the list of providers below for more information about credit costs.
Learners who register for graduate credit can obtain a transcript from the credit provider registered with during the course.
Learners who successfully complete PBS TeacherLine courses may be eligible for CEU credits from their state or school district. States and districts have their own unique requirements. Learners should check with their district or state professional development office to determine eligibility before enrolling in a PBS TeacherLine course.
PBS TeacherLine provides Learners with:
- The opportunity to print a course certificate of completion which will includes a letter grade course hours of the course.
- A PDF copy of the course syllabus.
PBS TeacherLine does not offer CEUs directly and is not authorized to grant CEU credits. This is typically done by state and district professional development offices.
The facilitator brings the course to life by being present in the learning, keeping the learners on track, giving feedback on assignments, nudging the discussion forums and giving meaningful comments on journals. When learners feel the presence of their peers and the facilitator, they become more accountable and obliged to remain engaged. PBS TeacherLine facilitators are highly qualified teachers who have been peer-selected and hold master’s degrees. They are available for overall support and guidance throughout the six-week session so that even novice computer users feel comfortable taking an online course.
Each PBS TeacherLine facilitated course section has no more than 30 total learners, allowing our experienced facilitators to ensure a manageable course size for discussion and collaboration.
The design and structure of the PBS TeacherLine course is based on best practices and research that highlight the importance of online learning communities. The instructional content is a blend of multimedia resources delivered to improve participant attitudes and practices through weekly assignments, readings, model teaching video, discussion boards, and opportunities for reflection.
A course is divided into Six Sessions. The facilitator will guide learners through one session per week for a six-week term.
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Learners who drop a course before 12:00 AM Eastern Time on the start date, will receive a full refund of their paid course price. This will show as 'Dropped' on the Learner's profile and no grade will be displayed.
Learners who drop a course on the start date, or within the first seven days of the course (before midnight Eastern Time on the 7th day of the course), will receive a refund of 80% of their paid course price. This will show as 'Dropped Late' on the Learner's profile and no grade will be displayed.
Learners who drop a course after 12:00 AM Eastern Time on the seventh (7th) day of the course will not receive any refund. This will show as ‘Withdrawn’ on the Learner's profile and no grade will be displayed.
Learners who cannot continue a course after the 7th day of the course should withdraw from the course so the 'earned letter grade' does not display on the Learner's profile.
PBS TeacherLine will process refunds due to Learners approximately five business days after the drop date. Learners will receive a confirmation email when dropping a course, and another, once the refund has been processed.
Please allow up to 2 business days for response.
Alethea is a 2nd grade teacher and has been a PBS TeacherLine Facilitator for more than 10 years. She was voted Teacher of the Year for 2018. With degrees in elementary education, gifted education, math and technology, Alethea helps make math instruction easier and more accessible for early elementary teachers. The flexibility of connecting with her Learners online from just about anywhere allows Alethea to keep up with a busy schedule that includes directing the annual South Carolina State Chess Tournament, competing in triathlons, and being the proud Mom of 2 sons!
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