Atlanta Campus Catalog 2011-2012 - Mercer University

Candidates will gain an organized overview of current research, future possibilities andsurrounding issues in the field of instructional technology. In-depth opportunities toreview, interpret, and synthesize the literature relating to current and future trends ininstructional technology will be provided.EDCI 847. Pedagogical Needs of the Adolescent Learner (3 hours)An in-depth examination of the research related to the pedagogical needs of middle andsecondary learners. Includes study of appropriate assessment models and the resultingimpact on curricular and instructional planning.EDCI 848. Pedagogical Needs of the LearnerAn in-depth examination of the research related to the pedagogical needs of learners.Includes study of appropriate assessment models and the resulting impact on curricularand instructional planning.EDCI 849. Pedagogical Needs of the Early Learner(3 hours)This course is designed to help educators plan and evaluate methods appropriate forassessing individual learning needs in a performance-based early childhood curriculumas well as constructing and evaluating a long-term instruction plan. This course (a) examinesthe importance of differentiating instruction for today’s diverse student population;and (b) examines the issue concerning the purpose of school and looks at the role ofmotivation in student learning.EDCI 851. Advanced Research Design(3 hours)A study of research design models resulting in a proposal based on individual researchinterests. Provides an in-depth knowledge of research paradigms, promotes the developmentof a topic of interest, and supports the design of a quantitative and/or qualitativestudy. Prerequisites: Quantitative Research Methodology and Qualitative ResearchMethodologyEDCI 861. Global and Political Curricular Issues(3 hours)An investigation of curricula related to global and political issues. Emphasis will be givento six major concepts: (1) the process of social change; (2) the social and economicorganization of society; (3) multi-cultural perspectives; (4) advocacy for children and adolescents;(5) the nature, economics, and organization of schooling; and (6) education’slink with other social services.EDCI 863. Curriculum Models for Interdisciplinary(3 hours)Early ChildhoodA study of the historical and contemporary theories and issues related to early childhoodcurricula. Provides for in-depth study of current research related to early childhood curriculawith particular attention given to related cultural and political contexts and foundations.Includes study of influential educators’ ideas about early childhood curricula, examinationof various curriculum models, discussion of current debates about curriculum, anddetermining implications of these understandings for designing curricula.EDCI 865. Curriculum Models for the Adolescent Learner (3 hours)A study of curriculum models appropriate to the needs of the middle and secondary student.Examines cognitive, emotional, physical, sexual, self-image, peer, group, authority,relationship, and decision-making issues related to the adolescent learner. Includesreview of research as it specifically addresses adolescent decision-making and behaviorsand the related curricular and instructional issues, especially regarding curricular modelsand instructional approaches.214 / MERCER UNIVERSITY