Center for International Education

The India: Science Education program is based in Mumbai (Bombay) and is undertaken collaboratively with several education institutes in the cities of Mumbai and Pune.  India is a fascinating destination to study science education.  Students learn how teachers teach science in schools with very few material resources.  They also observe schools with state of the art technology.  Cultural differences about the understanding and place of nature and the environment also pose unique challenges to student teachers.  The cultural and historical richness of India provides a compelling opportunity for students to gain insight about teaching and learning in the increasing diversity of the Maryland public school system.  The tentative dates for India: Science Education for winter term 2012 are December 27, 2011 through January 20, 2012.

CLASSES: Students take one of two courses for a total of 3 credits.

ELED 312: Science Instruction.  This class introduces the processes of science that facilitate student learning in elementary and middle schools.  Emphasis is on planning, teaching and assessment with a focus on inquiry and understanding of everyday phenomena. Attention will be given to environmental education. Prerequisite: Admission to Professional Teacher Education Program, BIOL 101, CHEM/PHYS 101, GEOG 104.

ECED 324: Primary Curriculum 3.  Explores the teaching and learning of mathematics, science and health for first through third grades.  Emphases include an integrated approach, family connections and child development principles.  Focus is on the creation of effective learning envrionments for diverse learners through the examination of content, methods, materials and assessment.  Prerequisite: Admission to Professional Teacher Education Program, ECED 215.

HOST INSTITUTION: St. Xavier Institute of Education (XIE), which is affiliated with the University of Mumbai. SU students will team with their XIE counterparts in elementary education for school visits and in-school science teaching experiences. SU students will also take part in education programs provided by additional partner institutions include the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, the IUCAA Children’s Science Centre (Pune) and the Garware Bal Bhavan (Children’s Recreation Center, Pune).

See:                                                                      

Xavier Institue of Education

IUCAA Children's Science Centre

Garware Bal bhavan

EXCURSIONS: Plans are for portions of the class to take place at major historical, cultural and natural sites in India, including the ancient cave temples at Ellora and Ajanta, beach environments at Goa, and the stone city of Hampi, the medieval capital of the Hindu empire. Students will also have free time in Mumbai and other locations.

HOUSING: During the time in Mumbai, students and faculty will live in the Mumbai YMCA International House, a simple and secure hotel-style setting with food, Internet and laundry services. Similar hotel accommodations will be arranged during excursions outside of Mumbai.