EDUC205 Fieldwork: Observation and Assessment in Education I [Special Education/Autism Emphasis]

Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Education

  1. Course Number and Title

    EDUC205 Fieldwork: Observation and Assessment in Education I [Special Education/Autism Emphasis]

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250

  4. Prerequisites

    EDUC160 or

    Corequisites

    EDUC160

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    A minimum of 40 hours of field experience is required.
    Pennsylvania Department of Education clearances required.

  6. Catalog Course Description

    Participants engage in a hands-on experience working with children with autism spectrum disorder in a classroom setting. Students use applied behavior analysis, observation, and informal assessment techniques to increase skills and change behavior. Minimum 40 hours of field experience.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Students will:
        1. describe the learning characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder;
        2. demonstrate the ability to use the principles of applied behavior analysis when working with children with autism spectrum disorder;
        3. describe the types and purposes of observation/data keeping procedures;
        4. demonstrate consistency in applying teaching procedures when working with the children;
        5. apply reinforcement effectively and consistently;
        6. follow a structured teaching program with supervision; and
        7. interact cooperatively with peers and staff.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. definition of autism spectrum disorder
      2. informal observation techniques
      3. teaching techniques with an overview of applied behavior analysis
      4. consequences of behavior
        1. positive reinforcement
        2. negative reinforcement
        3. punishment
        4. extinction
        5. token reinforcement
        6. contingency contracts
      5. controlling antecedents/stimulus control
        1. prompts
        2. shaping
        3. graduated guidance
      6. task analysis
      7. collecting and analyzing data
      8. functional analysis of behavior
      9. skill generalization

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. The assessment of course learning goals is based on participation in classroom discussions, performance-based assessment on teaching techniques in the field, written exams, assignments, and papers.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      See course format.

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Section VIII is not being used in new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.

Review/Approval Date -4/99; Revised 7/2010