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Oceanography: Role in the Program

Page prepared for SERC by Jill Singer of Buffalo State College.

A discussion of the design and implementation of oceanography course serving pre-service teachers at Buffalo State College, created by Jill Singer.

A description of this course and its goals is available.

What Role Does this Course Play in Teacher Preparation?

Taken by elementary education majors earning a concentration in science and by biology and earth science secondary education majors. The audience in the course includes >50% non-teacher preparation students and the course itself is not primarily intended for pre-service teachers.

How does the Course Address Each Role?

Because of the significant pre-service teacher population, an emphasis is placed on ocean processes and the linkage among earth systems (especially atmosphere-ocean). The writing assignments are based on relevant topics and include web sites that are stable and contain high quality materials that are readily accessible by classroom teachers.

How do Students Integrate Learning & Teaching?





The course covers topics included in the NYS standards.

How does the Course Meet Certification Requirements?



Accommodating the diverse backgrounds of the students (varying levels of prior science and geology) and educational goals of the students. I have attempted to resolve this by starting each topic at the 'ground level' and focusing on major ideas processes and connections among topics, rather than emphasizing individual facts. The reading/writing assignments provide students with flexibility and enable them to learn material at their own pace.