Communication Education NUHS
Students in Communication Education NUHS explore basic skills in lesson plan development and practice in areas such as: liberal arts, math, science, and art (topics vary from term to term). Students work as an interdisciplinary team, researching information, practicing and presenting course material to peers and in a high school setting (11 and 12 grade students). New Urban High School is our community partner. This course requires a one full day comittment outside of classroom hours. There is no special permission is required to enroll in this course.
This Capstone is an ideal environment for students wanting to enhance their communication and presentation skills. Students will develop skills necessary to effectively prepare for and deliver a lesson plan. This includes:
- Organizing and outlining a logical presentation
- Utilizing critical thinking to present and facilitate a learning environment
- Provide and receive constructive feedback
- Effectively using visual aids and PowerPoint
- Engaging in active listening and learning principles
- Communicating effectively with peers, students and faculty - orally and written
- Experience working as a member of an interdisciplinary, diverse team
- Practice community based learning
From day one in the term, assignments have been structured in this course to (1) get to the final product of one really good lesson plan per group of students, and (2) to experience all four pillars (or goals) for the Capstone experience.
Core class material will focus on public speaking, lesson plan development, teaching skills, and working in teams. Students form teams of 4 to 5 students to develop and facilitate one FULL lesson plan. Team members research, plan, practice and present this lesson as a group. Every student participates in an ALL DAY presentation of this lesson plan ( up to 6x) to a classroom at New Urban High School between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Lesson plans are developed based on a specific topic of the community partner’s choice (with allowed flexibility and creativity. Assignments are given on a weekly basis and will vary depending on class dynamics, readings, lesson plan development, etc. All assignments and reading materials are intended to stimulate critical thinking and prepare you for developing and presenting your lesson plan. Course Assignments are all designed to lead to our final product of each group having a detailed and thorough lesson plan. Assignments are successive through the term towards this goal, and include: lesson plan rough drafts (in electronic form), a Group Contract (which is revised ongoing throughout the term), and a Final Reflection Paper (to assist students in reflecting on their experience in relationship to the Capstone goals).
