Early Childhood Education

CMSR101 - Community Service - 1 credit

This course requires students to spend 60 hours in community service activities that aid the needy and marginalized members of the local Palestinian society. Through this program, students learn about community development needs and various programs designed to meet those needs. Service work is done on an individual or small group basis under faculty supervision. In addition, the course raises the awareness of students towards voluntary work.Grading for this course is on a pass/fail basis.

EDUC151 - Psychology of Learning - 3 credits

This is a fundamental course in the early childhood education programs at Bethlehem University. It discusses the theoretical background of the learning process in terms of its psychological components. Focus is placed upon the different theories of learning and their application to the students’ own learning process.

EDUC152 - Drama for Teachers of Young Children - 3 credits

This is a fundamental course in the early childhood education programs at Bethlehem University. It attempts to develop the students' perceptions of themselves as teachers of young children. The course consists of a series of drama exercises for the teachers of young children so as to enhance creative self-expression and to develop an understanding of the children’s environment.

EDUC153 - Palestinian Family - 3 credits

This course discusses the family as a social institution and a connection between a person and social ambiance to which he is related. Emphasis is placed on the importance of socialization, politicization and enculturation within the context of the Palestinian family and society

EDUC161 - Development & Growth of Young Children - 3 credits

This course discusses the growth and development characteristics of the early childhood stage in the context of the overall human development. It is based on the various theories of child development.
Pre Requisite: EDUC151 or EDUC131 or PSYC131

EDUC162 - Intro. to Early Childhood Education (Ece) - 3 credits

This is one of the central courses in the early childhood programs. It contributes to the development of the student’s vision of the educational philosophy which is adopted by the early childhood programs at Bethlehem University. This course presents basic and common principles of Early Childhood Education Care and Development and the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the possibility of its implementation in the local society

EDUC163 - Creativity & Play - 3 credits

This course illustrates the importance of play in enhancing the child’s self- concept and in promoting his/her latent ability to learn. It discusses the role of play in developing: the sensory motor skills, expressive language, cognitive and intellectual skills, social skills, imagination and creativity
Pre Requisite: EDUC151 or EDUC131 or PSYC131

EDUC250 - Learning Theories - 3 credits

This course introduces students of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy to the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective aspects of human learning. Focus is placed upon the various theories of learning and their application to both the student's own learning processes, and also to enable patients and relatives to learn in a therapeutic situation

EDUC251 - Thought & Language Acquisition - 3 credits

This course discusses the nature of the relation between language and thought in early childhood. It gives students practical experiences contributing to the discovery of developing factors of language as a thinking tool which effects and is affected by thought. It also develops the students’ understanding for the basic role of the child’s language environment and its effect on his/her perceptions, thinking abilities and skills in addition to academic readiness
Pre Requisite: EDUC161

EDUC252 - Music in Ece - 3 credits

This course provides students with various musical experiences in developing their musical appreciation, understanding basic principles of movement, auditory skills and listening, folklore movement and creating stories with music and movement

EDUC253 - Music Education - 2 credits

This course provides students with various musical experiences in developing their musical appreciation, understanding basic principles of movement, auditory skills and listening, folklore movement and creating stories with music and movement. In this course students learn how to use the musical elements as teaching methods with children in the formal and informal context.

EDUC256 - Computer & Technology Skills in Ece - 3 credits

This course prepares students to use, evaluate, design and integrate a variety of computer-based programs into the classroom. Students will gain experience with microcomputers by reviewing the research, exploring software design features, completing activities using the computer, designing a computer program, and utilizing the World Wide Web. In addition to other educational computer techniques which suits the stage of the Pre-school and Lower Basic Stages.

EDUC259 - Practicum Orientation - 1 credit

This course is considered the introduction to the field training and fundamental towards the theoretical and practical framework. It prepares students for the practicum program in schools. It is presented in sequence and interdependence within a number of group meetings which aims to prepare the practicum students before heading to schools. Also, within this part a discussion is being raised to highlight the objectives of the practicum training, its levels, elements, the role of the trainee students, the university supervisor, the school administration and teachers in this process, as well as providing the students with general guidelines and information related to the practicum training.

EDUC260 - Research in Ece - 3 credits

This course develops the student’s ability to use organized scientific methods of research in the field of Early Childhood Education as well as solving problems they face inside and outside the school. Various methods of collecting valid, reliable and objective data are explored. Data analysis and interpretation are discussed in view of communicating relevant information to parents and administration as well as using it for the maximal benefit of the child
Pre Requisite: EDUC161

EDUC262 - Methods of Teaching Civic & Social Studies - 3 credits

This course focuses on the Civic and Social subjects in grades 1 to 4 as integrated and interrelated subjects based on active learning experiences. Analysis of the content of the Civic and social studies school text books and relevance to the lives of the pupil. This course focus on planning, implementing, supervising and evaluating teaching sessions with children in the formal and informal contexts.

EDUC263 - Storytelling - 3 credits

Storytelling is a fundamental, experiential course in the development of the speaking voice of teachers of young children. Students study the physiology of the voice and breathing mechanism while simultaneously experimenting with their own vocal development. The process includes experiences in oral interpretation (individual, group and platform), storytelling (literary, cultural and imaginary), and creative dramatics.
Pre Requisite: EDUC152

EDUC264 - Technology & Instructional Materials - 2 credits

This course provides the opportunity to the students to implement active learning principles in producing and evaluating a wide range of educational materials. Students are encouraged to explore various types of electronic and educational equipment and materials that promote the learner's creative and critical thinking.
Pre Requisite: EDUC163 and EDUC256

EDUC267 - Practicum in Pre-School I - 1 credit

This course develops observation skills of students through their presence in the classroom. It gives them an opportunity to live and notice the educational environment of the pre-school and the first grade. The observation includes outdoor and indoor physical space, educational materials, number of children in comparison to adults, schedule, curriculum and teaching learning practices.

EDUC269 - Practicum in Grades 1-4 I - 1 credit

This course develops observation skills of students through their presence in the classroom. It gives them an opportunity to live and notice the educational environment of the preparatory class (Tamhidi), first and second grades. The observation includes outdoor and indoor physical space, educational materials, number of children in comparison to adults, schedule, curriculum and teaching learning practices.

EDUC301 - Counseling - 2 credits

This course aims to introduce students of Occupational and Physiotherapy to general counseling principles and gives an overview of the different counseling techniques. Emphasis is placed upon the development of appropriate counseling skills for therapists

EDUC325 - Teaching Language Arts - 3 credits

This course studies the nature of language and the psycho- and socio- linguistic aspects of language acquisition. Emphasis is placed on teaching language arts skills (listening, reading, writing, spelling, speaking) and children's literature. Alternative methods of teaching language arts are presented and discussed in the light of existing primary grade curricula.
Pre Requisite: EDUC251

EDUC339 - Methods of Teaching English - 2 credits

The course is divided into two parts. In the first part important issues in language, learning and teaching are addressed. The second part of the course is practical. Aspects of the methodology relevant to teaching children English as a second language are observed and discussed. The merits and practicalities of topic-centered and activity-based language teaching are highlighted.
Pre Requisite: ENGL213

EDUC340 - Teaching Language Arts I - 3 credits

This course based on the course of Language Arts I . It emphasis placed on teaching language arts skills (listening, reading, writing, spelling, speaking) and children's literature. Alternative methods of teaching language arts are presented and discussed in the light of existing Lower Basic Stage curricula and Arabic text books particularly on the grades of ( 1-2).
Pre Requisite: EDUC251

EDUC344 - Methods of Teaching Mathematics II - 3 credits

This course exposes students to a variety of teaching techniques in Mathematics. Emphasis is on developing abilities and skills to teach mathematical concepts by means of hands-on activities in the classroom. Moreover, students are trained how to design math activities by using the “Discovery Method” and according to the content of the text books of Math in the Basic Lower Stage and particularly to the first and second grades.
Pre Requisite: MATH111 or MATH112

EDUC345 - Research in Ece I - 2 credits

This course develops the student’s ability to use organized scientific methods of research in the field of Early Childhood Education as well as solving problems they face inside and outside the school. Various methods of collecting valid, reliable and objective data are explored. It works on developing the student’s ability to write a good and complete educational research proposal.
Pre Requisite: EDUC161

EDUC346 - Research in Ece II - 2 credits

This course is a continuation of the first research course (Educ 345). It emphasizes on data analysis, interpretation of results and conclusions. In addition, it works on writing an academic and scientific reports in view of communicating relevant information to schools, community and governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as using it for the maximal benefit of the child.
Pre Requisite: EDUC345

EDUC347 - Arts in Ece - 2 credits

This course discusses the importance of arts in the development of the child. It deals with arts as a main teaching and learning strategy in the Early Childhood Education. It works on developing the student’s skills in teaching various subjects by using arts whether in formal and informal context.

EDUC348 - Methods of Teaching Science - 3 credits

This course exposes students to a variety of teaching techniques in Science. Emphasis is on developing abilities and skills to teach science concepts by using different activities in the classroom and out of the classrooms. Moreover, students are trained how to design science activities by using the “Discovery and Problem Solving Methods” and according to the content of the text books of Science in the Basic Lower Stage.
Pre Requisite: SCIE111 or SCIE251

EDUC349 - Methods of Teaching Religious Education - 3 credits

This course deals with moral and religious education and its importance in shaping and creating human character in the early stages. It discusses various theories of moral and spiritual growth of children. It also presents various approaches and methods in teaching religious education in the first four years of school by using the content of the text books of the religious education of this stage. It provides the opportunity to the students to plan, implement and evaluate activities based on the text books of religious education in the Lower Basic Stage.

EDUC351 - Principles of Guiding Young Children - 3 credits

This course discusses educational approaches and teachers behavior in Palestinian schools and the outcome of these approaches on children’s personality development. The emphasis, in this course, is on alternative guidance and educational skills, which preserve the natural development of children. This course helps educators to understand and to fulfill the needs of children by providing healthy educational settings in schools and to realize the effect of their behavior on the children’s mental health

EDUC352 - Arts & Crafts in Ece - 3 credits

This course discusses the importance of arts and crafts in the development of the young child. The arts and crafts curriculum in the pre-school and the first four grades, extra-curriculum activities, as well as activities appropriate for youth and children’s clubs, are included.

EDUC353 - Teaching Children Physical Education - 2 credits

This course provides concepts related to physical education philosophy and its significance to this period. It also outlines the curriculum used at this stage, methods of designing the annual plan, lesson plans, and evaluation. The course also helps students understand characteristics of children`s movement and activities appropriate for this stage.

EDUC354 - Environment Education in Lower Basic - 2 credits

This course focuses on social and environment subjects in grades 1 to 4 as integrated and interrelated subjects based on active learning experiences. Analysis of content of social studies school texts and relevance to the lives of the pupil, planning, conducting, supervising and evaluating teaching sessions and meetings are included.

EDUC355 - Children’s Literature - 3 credits

The course introduces the importance of children’s literature in bringing joy to children as well as developing their linguistic abilities both orally and in writing. Children’s literature also plays a significant role in developing the readers’ cognition and the necessary steps for reading and writing readiness. The course introduces various kinds of children’s literature and tests their validity in both content and form for pre-school and elementary school children.

EDUC356 - Community Education in Pre-School - 3 credits

This course deals with the social science curriculum in the pre-school. It discusses the importance of the hidden curriculum in the development of the cultural and social identity of the child.

EDUC357 - Practicum in Pre-School II - 1 credit

This course provides experiences to help students discover their own abilities and skills as teachers of the pre-school stage. It concentrates on developing classroom interaction between teachers and children as well as children with each other. In addition, their interaction with children in the non-curricular activities of daily life

EDUC358 - Methods of Teaching Mathematics III - 3 credits

This course exposes students to a variety of teaching techniques in Mathematics. Emphasis is on developing abilities and skills to teach mathematical concepts by means of hands-on activities in the classroom. Moreover, students are trained how to design math activities by using the “Discovery Method” and according to the content of the text books of Math in the Basic Lower stage and particularly on the books of the third and fourth grades.
Pre Requisite: EDUC344

EDUC359 - Practicum for Grades 1-4 II - 1 credit

This course provides experiences to help students discover their own abilities and skills as teachers of grades 1-4. It concentrates on developing classroom interaction between teachers and children as well as among children. In addition, their interaction with children in the non-curricular activities of daily life.

EDUC360 - Moral Education in Pre-School - 3 credits

This course deals with moral education and its importance in shaping and creating human character in the pre-school stage. It discusses stages of moral and spiritual growth which children go through during the early childhood years. In addition it increases the students understanding the nature of children as well as planning and implementing activities that develop moral values within the child.

EDUC361 - Testing & Evaluation in Ece - 3 credits

This course assists students to acquire skills required to prepare and use tests as educational tools in order to promote individualized teaching. Furthermore, meeting individual needs of learners in view of their personal circumstances and abilities are also acquired.
Pre Requisite: EDUC354 or EDUC260

EDUC362 - Teaching Children Mathematics & Science - 3 credits

This course exposes students to a variety of teaching techniques in math and science. Emphasis is on developing abilities and skills to teach mathematical and scientific concepts by means of hands-on activities in the classroom. Moreover, students are trained how to design math and science activities by using the Discovery Method.
Pre Requisite: SCIE111 and MATH111

EDUC363 - Teaching Children a Second Language - 3 credits

The course is divided into two parts. In the first part important issues in language, learning and teaching are addressed. The following questions are raised: What is the nature of the language? How is it acquired? What are the skills and instincts that young children bring to learning a foreign language? What is the teacher’s role in promoting second language development? The second part of the course is practical. Aspects of the methodology relevant to teaching children a second language are observed and discussed. The merits and practicalities of topic-centered and activity-based language teaching are highlighted
Pre Requisite: ENGL213 and ENGL120 and ENGL121

EDUC364 - Teaching Children Religious Education - 2 credits

This course deals with moral and religious education and its importance in shaping and creating human character in the early stages. It discusses various theories of moral and spiritual growth which children experience. It also presents various methods and styles in teaching religious education in the first four years of schooling which concentrate on the child as the active agent in the learning process.

EDUC365 - Pre-School Administration - 2 credits

This course focuses on educational administration skills in kindergartens. It includes concepts and processes of leadership as supports of learning experiences. It also includes the leadership role in enhancing and developing activities as well as cooperation of children, parents, and the local community with kindergartens.

EDUC366 - Movement Education in Pre-School - 3 credits

This course introduces the concept of movement education and its significance in the development of children’s character. It focuses on children at the 3-5 year stage and on the significance and variety of movement activities as well as teaching methods that are suitable for children at this stage.
Pre Requisite: PSED101

EDUC367 - Practicum in Pre-School III - 1 credit

This course provides experiences that help students develop communication skills, verbal and non-verbal. It concentrates on students’ interaction with children, teachers and other adults who work in kindergartens.

EDUC368 - Science & Math in Pre-School - 3 credits

This course equips students with a variety of teaching techniques in math and science. Emphasis is on developing abilities and skills to teach mathematical and scientific concepts through hands-on activities in the classroom. Moreover, students are trained to design math and science activities by using the Discovery Method.
Pre Requisite: SCIE111 and MATH111

EDUC369 - Practicum Teaching in Grades 1-4 III - 1 credit

This course provides experiences that help students develop communication skills, verbal and non-verbal. It concentrates on students’ interaction with children, teachers and other adult who work in grades 1-4.

EDUC380 - Practicum for Grades 1-4 III - 2 credits

This course provides experiences that help students develop communication skills, verbal and non-verbal. It concentrates on students’ interaction with children, teachers and other adults who work in grades 1-4.

EDUC389 - Senior Seminar - 1 credit

This course provides seniors an opportunity to review, organize and integrate material from previous major courses. Seminar participants present papers for open discussion and response of students and faculty members, assisting as coordinators or resource consultants, at seminar sessions. The seminar meets weekly and attendance is required for graduation.

EDUC440 - Teaching Language Arts II - 3 credits

This course based on the course of Language Arts I . It emphasis placed on teaching language arts skills (listening, reading, writing, spelling, speaking) and children's literature. Alternative methods of teaching language arts are presented and discussed in the light of existing lower basic stage curricula and Arabic text books particularly on the grades of ( 3-4).
Pre Requisite: EDUC340

EDUC446 - Principles of Academic Writing - 1 credit

This is a basic and introductory course to the senior seminar course (Educ 389). It teaches senior students the main principles of the academic writing and how to implement it in writing their own projects and academic articles in order to be published in national and regional academic Journals.

EDUC451 - Instructional Materials & Equipment in Ece - 3 credits

This course is an advanced course where students implement active learning principles in producing and evaluating a wide range of educational materials. Students are encouraged to explore various types of equipment and materials that promote the learner`s creative and critical thinking.
Pre Requisite: EDUC163

EDUC452 - Working With Parents - 3 credits

This course discusses the importance of the positive and strong relationship between the different partners who are working with the child such as: the home, the school, cultural center etc... It introduces the various ways and methods used to strengthen the partnership between them which is needed to improve and develop the early childhood sector
Pre Requisite: EDUC153

EDUC453 - Integrated Curriculum - 2 credits

This course emphasizes the concept of the Comprehensive Teacher. Based on the analysis of the prescribed curricula students are encouraged to plan cross-subject themes in grades 1-4. This enables the teacher to comprehensively teach all subjects to a particular class or grade level.

EDUC454 - The Pre-School Curriculum - 3 credits

This course deals with the curriculum in the pre-school stage as a general framework based on needs and characteristics of children at this stage, which focuses on the nature of the educational environment. It concentrates on principles of the planning process focusing on children as a center of the learning process. It provides students with various experiences related to types, aspects and components of the planning process whether activities, experiences, materials and equipment used in the continuous evaluation of children to achieve individualization. The course also deals with teachers self-evaluation and that of all partners participating in the educational process in order to develop themselves

EDUC455 - Holistic Integrated Curriculum - 3 credits

This course emphasizes the concept of the “Comprehensive Teacher.” Based on the analysis of the prescribed curricula students are encouraged to plan cross-subject themes in grades 1-4. This enables the teacher to comprehensively teach all subjects to a particular class or grade level.
Pre Requisite: EDUC340 and EDUC344 and EDUC348 and EDUC349

EDUC457 - Practicum in Pre-School IV - 1 credit

The course provides students with various experiences in planning and implementing activities with pre-school children concerning various topics such as: arts and crafts, children�s literature, music and movement. Students also work on their graduation seminar proposal.

EDUC461 - Children With Special Needs - 3 credits

This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge about children with special educational needs. This applies to the talented, the slow learner, and those who deviate from the so-called normal because of physical or sensory impairment, degree of mental endowment, or problems of emotional adjustment. Teachers need to be able to recognize these needs, and to be aware of what can be done in ordinary schools to enhance the development of children’s potentials within their individualities and differences.
Pre Requisite: EDUC351 or EDUC361

EDUC462 - Computer in Ece - 2 credits

This course is divided into three main sections. The first is computer literacy, where basics of information technology, with emphasis on using computers, are covered. The second is basics of computer-based education, starting from curriculum design to computer education requirements, assessing the needs of teaching software and the quality and characteristics of such programs. The third part is a practical and research component where the students apply skills learned in the first two parts to a case study.

EDUC465 - Independent Teaching I - 2 credits

In this course students will practice their independency role as school teacher in planning, preparation, implementation, follow-up and evaluation for the different syllabus topics especially in the topics that have been examined in the classroom program. In addition, planning is being conducted according to the holistic integrated approach depending on active learning and research methods in the teaching and learning process

EDUC467 - Practicum in Pre-School V - 1 credit

This course provides students with an opportunity to take the complete role of the teacher in pre-school. Students plan a weekly program based on the integrated curriculum course, with coordination of the classroom teacher and the practicum supervisor. This program includes educational objectives, various activities, educational materials, games, and evaluation tools. In addition students implement the program with the children and evaluate it with the teacher and the practicum supervisor.

EDUC468 - Independent Teaching II - 3 credits

In this course the teacher student will be asked to be fully responsible towards working with the primary level students whether in or outside the class. Also, they will be asked to work as groups with other students (peers), school mentor teacher, supervisor, school administration, local community especially pupils’ families. In this training level, it is expected from students to implement all that have been learned in the program and in the classroom environment and the local community

EDUC481 - Independent Teaching II - 2 credits

In this course the teacher student will be asked to be fully responsible towards working with the basic level pupils whether in or outside of the class. Also, they will be asked to work as groups with lower basic pupils (peers), school mentor teacher, supervisors, school administration, local community especially families of the pupils.

PSED101 - Physical Education - 1 credit

In this practicum course, it is expected from students to implement all what they have been learned in the program in the classroom environment and in the local community.

PSED103 - Tennis - 1 credit

This course includes a study of the history, development, and rules of tennis. It offers participants the opportunity to practice basic skills of tennis as well as to experience, under guidance, the concept of team play. This course develops personal physical fitness and provides enjoyable recreation time.

PSED110 - Sports & Health - 3 credits

This course deals with the development of sports and its role in the prevention from diseases of modern age. It focuses on the ways for weight control, upgrading of physical fitness and practicing the sports activities available on campus. It is a 3 credit course, 2 fifty minutes of theory and two fifty minutes of practice. The theoretical part is offered for both male and female together, but the practical part is separated