Education | Bachelor degree in Ontario

Education Courses

Bachelor of Education Program

The Ontario Ministry of Education and the Ontario College of Teachers requires a four-term (60 credit) Bachelor of Education degree program.

Program Options

You may choose to train to teach in two different divisions. For the Primary/Junior Level (kindergarten through grade 6) you are not required to have a teaching subject. If you plan to teach at the Junior/Intermediate Level (grades 4 through 10), you are required to have a minor (at least 6 term courses, 18 university credits) in one of the subjects below:

Dramatic Arts
English
French as a Second Language
Geography
Health & Physical Education
History
Mathematics
Music – Instrumental or Vocal
Religious Education in Catholic Schools
Science – General*
Visual Arts

*The Science – General teaching subject must include courses from three separate science disciplines (biology, chemistry, environmental science, physics, etc.)

Regardless of which track you choose, the completion of the program leads to the Bachelor of Education degree (B.Ed.).

Primary/Junior Program

Note:

A minimum grade of 6.00 (C+) in EDU-303 and EDU- 478/479 and a minimum departmental GPA of 6.00 is required to continue to the final year of the program.
A minimum grade of 7.00 (B-) is required to pass the final year practica (EDU-490 to 499). Successful completion of practica is required for the successful completion of the program. Refer to the Academic Calendar pages 59–62 for more information.
It is strongly recommended that those who plan to take a 400-level practicum in a Catholic school take EDU-310 in advance of their placement. Similarly, it is strongly recommended that those who plan to take a 400-level field experience in an independent Christian school take EDU-307 in advance of their placement.
Students in the Primary/junior division wishing to teach in a French immersion setting must complete EDU-329. Please note that EDU-329 will not be considered an equivalent prerequisite to the FSL Part II AQ course for primary/junior teachers. See EUD-329 course description for more information or speak with the Department of Education.

Junior/Intermediate Program

Foundation requirements (25.5 credits):

EDU-301; 303; 306; 323; 327; 331; 407; 414; 415; 417; 432; 488;

Curriculum studies requirements (16.5 credits):

EDU-333; 338; 341; 423; 424; 442; 443; 447;

Curriculum studies electives (6 credits) from:

EDU-222, 251, 307, 310, 321, 322, 325, 326, 329, 335, 404, 437, 438, 449. See note below for teaching subject requirements.

Practicum and field experience requirements (12 credits):

EDU-479; 491; 493 or 495 + 497, or 499;

Teaching Subject Requirements:

French: EDU-329
Geography: EDU-437
History: EDU-438
Music: EDU-222
Religious Education in Catholic Schools: EDU-310
Science: EDU-449
Visual Arts: EDU-321

Note:

It is strongly recommended that those who plan to take a 400-level practicum in a Catholic school take EDU-310 in advance of their placement. Similarly, it is strongly recommended that those who plan to take a 400-level field experience in an independent Christian school take EDU-307 in advance of their placement.

Course Details

Teaching Music (JI) EDU-222

This course provides teacher candidates who have identified music as their intermediate division teaching subject with a sustained focus on music curriculum and pedagogy. Building on the foundation established in EDU-333, this course will provide depth and breadth for the effective teaching of music in the intermediate grades. (1.5 credits)

An Introduction to Children’s Literature (PJI) EDU-251

A survey of standards, classic and contemporary books for children, with special
consideration of literature’s capacity to delight, to instruct, and shape the values and
convictions of young readers.

Development and Learning EDU-301

The purpose of this course is to extend the knowledge of psychology as it applies to teaching and learning while introducing students to theories and techniques of pedagogy. The teacher assisting experience (see EDU-303) is to provide a bridge between theory and practice and to serve as part of an apprenticeship experience.

Corequisites:

EDU-301 and 303 are delivered as a package, where learning from the courses are entwined with 100 hours of classroom observation and assistance in schools, leading to the exploration and application of learning concepts.

Social Foundations and Introduction to Teaching EDU-303

In this course, students participate as teacher assistants in local elementary schools for
an equivalent of two full mornings a week (100 hours minimum spread over the term).
In addition to assisting a teacher in various classroom duties, the practicum demands
intensive observation, active teaching, and thoughtful reflection. This practicum is
required and integral to the course of study for EDU-301/303.

History and Philosophy of Education EDU-306

This course reviews the history and philosophy of education. It seeks to help students
understand how worldview and philosophy come to expression in schools. Its review
of schooling and educational philosophy is focused on helping one understand present
educational patterns in Canada and develop one’s own philosophy of education. A
Western tradition is not the only important tradition in Canada today and discussions will seek to relate the history and philosophy studied to concerns for equity, multiculturalism, and equal opportunity.

Prerequisites:

EDU-306 serves as the Capstone Course for the B.Ed. degree.

Teaching Religion Studies (PJI) EDU-307

This is a basic course in the purpose, curriculum, and methods of dealing with religious
studies in schools. It will include a study of the Ontario curriculum and guidelines for
religious education in public schools, separate schools, and independent schools. It will
stress the importance of respecting beliefs of all children and their families. It is strongly recommended that those who plan to take a 400-level field experience in an independent Christian school take this course in advance of their placement. (1.5 credits)

Religious Education in Catholic Schools (PJI) EDU-310

This course is designed to prepare candidates to teach in Catholic schools. It fosters
professional knowledge in the field of Religious Education, assists in the acquisition of
the theological background and pedagogical skills necessary for the implementation of
Religious Education curriculum, develops skills that enhance the integration of Gospel
values across the curriculum, and promotes an understanding of teaching as a vocation
rooted in the call to Christian ministry. This course is required for those in the junior/
intermediate division who wish to claim Religious Education in Catholic Schools as a
teaching subject. It is strongly recommended that those who plan to take a 400-level
practicum in a Catholic school take this course in advance of their placement.

Teaching Visual Art (JI) EDU-321

This course provides teacher candidates who have identified visual art as their intermediate division teaching subject with a sustained focus on art curriculum and pedagogy. Building on the foundation established in EDU-333, this course will provide depth and breadth for the effective teaching of art in the intermediate grades. (1.5 credits)

Multiliteracies in Education (PJI) EDU-322

This course is designed as an introduction to the practice of multiliteracies in P/J/I
classrooms across the curriculum. Reflecting today’s social and cultural diversities,
multiliteracies practices allow for flexibility in supporting linguistic, cultural, and
multimodal forms of communication reflecting the Ontario Literacy curriculum’s
expanded understanding of literacy. Understanding how to utilize multimodal forms
of communication in classrooms to support collaborative learning, inquiry, and
differentiated learning styles helps support a social community of practice which is
foundational to developing a pedagogy of multiliteracies. Teacher candidates will learn about how multiliteracies can inspire creativity, is inclusive for all student abilities, and can be both local and global while supporting the Ontario curriculum. Students will work with a variety of multiliteracies resources, expand their understandings of multiliteracies pedagogy, and develop appropriate assessment practices across grade levels and curricula. Purposeful reflection and integration of a Christian worldview will shape our understandings of how Christ is reflected in all things for his purposes. (1.5 credits).

Multicultural Education in Global Context (PJI) EDU-323

This course explores how Canadian schools and teachers intersect with what is currently being termed as diverse “glocal” communities. We explore how educational systems respond to and interact with different multicultural groups within Canada (including immigrants, resident Canadians and global refugees), in multicultural and global educational contexts. The impact of various educational and cultural patterns upon community relations and the formulation of policy for multicultural education will be critiqued. Central to this discussion is an examination of the formation of identity and our response as global citizens to be hospitable and loving to the cultural “others” in our midst from a Christian worldview. This course examines relevant current curriculum documents to best prepare candidates for teaching in an increasingly multicultural and global world. By the end of the course, students will understand different educational systems and how they fit within the framework for the UN’s Millennium Development Goals. (1.5 credits)

Collaborative Workspaces and Restorative Practices (PJI) EDU-325

This course provides students with the opportunity to consider the nature and
development of a collaborative learning community from a Christian perspective, as well as the potential impacts such a community might have beyond the classroom. It explores cooperative and collaborative learning elements, considering how they could inform and enable community and collaboration in the classroom. Potential issues and challenges, as well as potential strategies to address them will be identified. The course also considers the nature and purpose of the use of restorative practices in education. The course will provide students with the opportunity to consider the relationship between their teacher identity, view of learning, and the culture they will seek to establish in their classrooms. (1.5 credits)

Environmental Education (PJI) EDU-326

The purpose of this course is to facilitate teacher candidates’ building of theoretical
knowledge and pedagogical skills in Environmental Education. Within the course
opportunities will be provided for participants to explore fundamental concepts of EE
along with various curricular approaches to the subject and how these can inform
teachers’ pedagogical practice in classrooms. Specifically, the course shall interrogate
the terms environment, education, care, justice, and action as understood from
Christian and other perspectives. Opportunities will be provided for participants to
evaluate some of the tensions and practical problems surrounding the implementation
of EE in schools. (1.5 credits)

Indigenous Education (PJI) EDU-327

This course addresses the histories, cultures, contributions, and perspectives of First
Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples with specific attention paid to education and pedagogy. Candidates will be enabled to recognize their responsibility to engage all learners in their classes to ensure that students of Indigenous background will be able to see their cultures, histories, and perspectives reflected in the curriculum, pedagogy, school and community. This course will help candidates consider the role of schools in the lives of Indigenous students and the powerful role teachers can play in seeking justice in society. (1.5 credits)

Teaching French as a Second Language (JI) EDU-329

This course is intended to enhance professional practice and extend knowledge and
skills in the delivery of French as a Second Language. It also explores the theoretical
foundations, the development of learners, program planning and implementation,
assessment, the learning environment and ethical considerations related to teaching
and learning across the divisions. In addition, this course will discuss particular topics
and issues that are relevant to a variety of school systems. NOTE: This course may be
considered an equivalent pre-requisite for the FSL Part II AQ course for qualified teachers in the junior/intermediate division with a French teaching subject; however, the course is not equivalent to the FSL Part I AQ course and will not be noted on the Certification of Qualification by the OCT.

Prerequisites:

Students wishing to take French as a teaching subject are advised that there is a GAT: Grammar Accuracy Test and an OPT: Oral Proficiency Test to be passed (70% minimum) in order to be accepted into EDU-329. These tests should be done as soon as
possible after applying to the program.

Digital Technology for Learning (PJI) EDU-331

This course is designed to introduce educators to technology use in a classroom setting.
This is a practical, hands-on course in which students will investigate and discover
techniques and strategies related to the use of technology in the classroom. Students
will find and share resources related to daily classroom activities for both the educator
and the student. Through discussion, issues and concerns about technology in the
classroom will also be examined. (1.5 credits)

Teaching the Arts: Visual Arts, Drama, and Music (PJ) EDU-332

This course will be divided into three modules: visual art, drama, and music. All
three modules will address pedagogical content knowledge, practical applications of
specialized concepts, and applications to the Ontario curriculum expectations and
assessment practices. The visual arts emphasize an introductory understanding to the
materials and instructional techniques of artistic processes while developing visual
expression, appreciation, and reflection. Drama will address the theoretical and practical teaching of dramatic forms while the Music module will encourage theoretical and practical applications of instructional techniques and musical concepts. Topics relevant for the P/J division include instructional method and strategies, authentic assessment practices, artistic growth and creatively, lesson planning, resource development, Christian perspective, and personal artistic growth.

Teaching the Arts: Visual Art, Drama, and Music (JI) EDU-333

This course will be divided into three modules: visual art, drama, and music. All
three modules will address pedagogical content knowledge, practical applications of
specialized concepts, and applications to the Ontario curriculum expectations and
assessment practices. The visual arts emphasize an introductory understanding to the
materials and instructional techniques of artistic processes while developing visual
expression, appreciation, and reflection. Drama will address the theoretical and practical teaching of dramatic forms while the Music module will encourage theoretical and practical applications of instructional techniques and musical concepts. Topics relevant for the J/I division include instructional method and strategies, authentic assessment practices, artistic growth and creatively, lesson planning, resource development, Christian perspective, and personal artistic growth.

Play-based Learning and Teaching in the JK-SK Program (PJ) EDU-334

This course will support teaching and learning in the full day Kindergarten Program in
Ontario schools. In this course students will grow in their understanding of play based
learning and learn how to organize learning around the Four Frames of the Kindergarten Program: belonging and contributing, self-regulation and well-being, demonstrating literacy and mathematics behaviours, and problem-solving and innovating. Students wishing to be in a kindergarten practicum must take this course. (1.5 credits).

Early Elementary Reading Practices (PJ) EDU-335

This course presents a cognitive framework for understanding reading development and for diagnosing and remediating the reading difficulties encountered by some students. After review of reading theory and current methods of teaching reading, there is an examination of some informal methods of assessing students’ reading difficulties and ways of remediating these problems. This course includes working with an at-risk reader. It is strongly recommended that students interested in Special Education or working with struggling readers at the JK-Grade 3 level take this course.

Teaching Social Studies (PJ) EDU-337

An examination of curriculum design, topics, methods, resources, and practical
application for teaching social studies in the primary and junior grades with special
reference to the Ontario curriculum. (1.5 credits)

Teaching Social Studies: History and Geography (JI) EDU-338

An examination of curriculum design, topics, methods, resources, and practical
application for teaching social studies in the junior grades and history and geography in
the intermediate grades with special reference to the Ontario curriculum. (1.5 credits)

Teaching Health, Dance, and Physical Education (PJ) EDU-340

This course provides introductory skills and information necessary to planning and teaching an effective health and physical education program in the primary and junior divisions.

Teaching Health, Dance, and Physical Education (JI) EDU-341

This course provides introductory skills and information necessary to planning and teaching an effective health and physical education program in the junior and intermediate divisions.

Project Based Learning EDU-404

This course provides an overview of project-based learning as a pedagogical choice,
a framework to construct projects, and it will use practices (protocols, technology,
assessment) for implementation and execution of effective projects. The focus will be on
the creation and presentation of a project that can be used in the context of the Ontario
curriculum. (1.5 credits)

Systems of Education in Ontario EDU-407

This course explores the foundations of educational institutions in Canada and especially the province of Ontario. The origin and development of public, separate, and private schools will be studied. The main requirements of the Ontario Education Act, key Regulations, and the Foundations of Professional Practice will be reviewed to prepare education students to understand the legal and professional context for teaching in Ontario.

Curriculum Foundations EDU-414

This course is a survey of the orientations, themes, and concepts of curriculum theory
and practice. The focus will be on program choices and instructional decisions that
must be made in the context of a comprehensive vision for schooling in relation to the
Ontario curriculum.

Teaching Practice: Classroom Management EDU-415

This course identifies and explores theories and practices of classroom management in
light of recent educational research, professional standards for teaching in Ontario, and
the mission of the teacher education program of Redeemer University with an emphasis
on effective teaching and service to students in Ontario schools. The course challenges
students to identify their vision for classroom management, as well as to develop a plan
for specific strategies for enacting their vision. (1.5 credits)

Inclusive Teaching Practice: Special Education and English Language Learning EDU-417

This course covers theories and practices of special education and English language
learning in light of recent educational research, professional standards for teaching
in Ontario, and the mission of the teacher education program of Redeemer University
with an emphasis on effective teaching and service to students in Ontario schools. An
introduction to the theories, practices, and issues related to educating the exceptional
student in our schools is provided. This course is designed to encourage that the needs
of all students be met within an inclusive learning environment. The focus will be to
equip teachers with an ability to better understand the learning needs of all students and teaching strategies that will help meet these needs. (1.5 credits)

Engaging Literacy in the Primary Grades (PJ) EDU-421

The goal of this course is to develop an understanding of emergent literacy in the
classroom. Teacher candidates will be enabled to articulate the meaning and implications for a Christian who is teaching within a variety of school systems. This course will focus on the emergent and early learner while exploring aspects of personal classroom practices, required skill sets, child-led and centre-based learning, and theoretical practices underlying current literacy teaching. Prospective teachers will be introduced to Ministry of Education documents and provincial expectations for literacy learning. Aspects of theory as leading to meaningful practice will be explored. Learning opportunities are provided through interactive dialogic discussion, assigned readings and critique, modeled reading/writing activities, teaching practice activities, and imaginative literacy opportunities to integrate
literacy for K learners into all elements of the classroom. This course will enable new
teachers to make informed choices in developing effective, creative language arts practices for emerging and early literacy learners. (1.5 credits)

Engaging Literacy in the Junior Grades (PJ) EDU-422

In building upon the learning in EDU-421, the course will continue to explore the
research and theory that act as foundational thinking for teaching language arts in the
junior classroom. The goal of this course is to assist the P/J teacher candidate to scaffold learners from emergent into developing literacy skills. Learning opportunities include practice teaching activities, interactive dialogic readings and critique, introduction to newer literacy interventions, and planning for language arts in order to meet provincial requirements for formal schooling. This course will equip teachers to be able to design and implement a successful P/J literacy program. (1.5 credits)

Engaging Literacy in the Junior Grades (JI) EDU-423

For teacher candidates in the J/I stream, this course provides an introduction to the
theory, research and practice essential for developing student learning in literacy. This course provides instruction for teaching grades 4-6 which will then serve to scaffold further teaching of students (especially those who may struggle) in grades 7-10. Teacher candidates will be enabled to articulate the meaning and implications for a Christian who is teaching within a variety of school systems. Prospective teachers will be introduced to provincial Ministry of Education documents and expectations for learning. Aspects of theory and practice underlying current literary acquisition will be explored. Learning opportunities are provided through interactive dialogic discussion, assigned readings and critique, teaching practice activities, and imaginative literacy opportunities. This course will enable new teachers to make informed choices in developing effective, creative language arts practices for junior literacy learners. (1.5 credits)

Engaging Literacy in the Intermediate Grades (JI) EDU-424

In building upon the learning of EDU-423, the course will continue to explore the
essentials needed for meaningful literacy practices in the adolescent classroom. The
goal of this course is to enable the intermediate teacher candidate to equip learners
into intermediate literacy skills (7-10). Learning opportunities include practice teaching
activities, introduction to a variety of literacy genres, interactive dialogic readings and
critique, introduction to 2.0 literacies, media and literature circles, and planning for
language arts that meet the provincial requirements for formal schooling. This course will equip teachers to be able to design and implement a successful intermediate program across a range of diverse and differentiated learning orientations. (1.5 credits)

Differentiated Instruction (PJI) EDU-432

This course is designed to encourage in-service teachers to develop confidence in their
abilities to better meet the needs of all students within an inclusive learning environment through differentiated instruction. The focus will be to equip teachers with an ability to better understand the learning needs of their students and teaching strategies that will help meet these needs. Class sessions will consist of group work, discussion, presentations, lectures, and readings (1.5 credits).

Teaching Geography (JI) EDU-437

This course provides teacher candidates who have identified geography as their
intermediate division teaching subject with a sustained focus on geography curriculum
and pedagogy. Building on the foundation established in EDU-338, this course will
provide depth and breadth for the effective teaching of geography in the intermediate
grades. (1.5 credits)

Teaching History (JI) EDU-438

This course provides teacher candidates who have identified history as their intermediate division teaching subject with a sustained focus on history curriculum and pedagogy. Building on the foundation established in EDU-338, this course will provide depth and breadth for the effective teaching of history in the intermediate grades. (1.5 credits)

Teaching Mathematics in the Primary Grades (PJ) EDU-440

The underlying purpose of the course is to develop candidates’ awareness and
understanding of theories, research, and methodologies that can be applied to the
teaching of mathematics in the primary grades (1-3). While the course focuses on the
content and expectations of the Ontario curriculum, its overall purpose is to expose
teacher candidates to important topics in math education that are of concern to math
teachers nationally and internationally such as: nature of math; mathematical literacy;
teaching mathematics to all students; constructivist approaches; developmental
aspects; and the use of technology in teaching math. The course will also nurture an
appreciation for the order revealed by mathematical relationships within the structures
of creation and imbue candidates with a sense of intrigue and excitement about teaching and learning mathematics.

Teaching Mathematics in the Junior Grades (PJ) EDU-441

This course follows the general framework described in EDU-440, except that the focus has shifted to the junior grades, 4-6. (1.5 credits)

Teaching Mathematics in the Junior Grades (JI) EDU-442

The underlying purpose of the course is to develop teacher candidates’ awareness and
understanding of theories, research, and methodologies that can be applied to the
teaching of mathematics in the junior grades (4-6). While the course focuses on the
content and expectations of the Ontario curriculum, its overall purpose is to expose
teacher candidates to important topics in math education that are of concern to math
teachers nationally and internationally such as: nature of math; mathematical literacy;
teaching mathematics to all students; constructivist approaches; developmental
aspects; and the use of technology in teaching math. The course will also nurture an
appreciation for the order revealed by mathematical relationships within the structures
of creation and imbue candidates with a sense of intrigue and excitement about teaching and learning mathematics.

Teaching Mathematics in the Intermediate Grades (JI) EDU-443

This course follows the general framework described in EDU-442, except that the focus has shifted to the intermediate grades, 7-10. (1.5 credits)

Teaching Science (PJ) EDU-446

This course introduces teacher candidates to theories, research, and methodologies
for teaching science and technology in the primary and junior grades. While the course
focuses on the content and expectations of the Ontario curriculum, its overall purpose is to expose teacher candidates to current topics in science education that are of concern to science teachers nationally and internationally such as: scientific literacy, science for all, scientific inquiry, the nature of science, and teaching science beyond its traditional content. The course will provide teacher candidates with opportunities for planning units, lessons and activities for teaching basic science concepts for a diversity of Grade 1-6 students. (1.5 credits)

Teaching Science (JI) EDU-447

This course introduces teacher candidates to theories, research, and methodologies for
teaching science and technology in the junior and intermediate grades. While the course focuses on the content and expectations of the Ontario curriculum, its overall purpose is to expose teacher candidates to current topics in science education that are of concern to science teachers nationally and internationally such as: scientific literacy, science for all, scientific inquiry, the nature of science, and teaching science beyond its traditional content. The course will provide teacher candidates with opportunities for planning units, lessons and activities for teaching basic science concepts for a diversity of Grade 4-10 students. (1.5 credits)

Teaching Science (JI) EDU-449

This course provides teacher candidates who have identified science as their intermediate division teaching subject with a sustained focus on science curriculum and pedagogy. Building on the foundation established in EDU-447, this course will provide depth and breadth for the effective teaching of science in the intermediate grades. (1.5 credits)