This Art course will provide participants with design applications for a studio class in a two-dimensional design format.  Concepts will be applied in relation to the arts through in-depth readings and analysis of studio works of art.

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Music

History

Although teachers are required to cover an extensive list of learning standards according to the Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Framework, there are a many opportunities to incorporate creative primary source activities into the classroom. In this online course, participants will complete a selection of pedagogical readings, discussions, and exercises to help them develop new learner-centered activities that engage with different types of primary sources. This course will be completed online over the course of five days using the Westfield State course management platform PLATO/Blackboard. Participants will be required to read four brief pedagogical articles and contribute to discussion posts about the readings. Participants will watch video clips and online presentations to explore a number of different types of primary sources and examples of creative activities. For the final assignment, students will design a new activity or assignment that incorporates insights and ideas from the course content. 

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From the Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Mayans to today, sports has and continues to play a vital role in cultures and civilizations all over the world.  Approaching history through the prism of sport can spark student interest and imagination and bring history alive.  So many topics and themes in sports history mirror events, situations, and trends in American society along with the global community.  Educators who teach World Civilizations, U.S. History, or a variety of different electives can benefit from incorporating themes and topics relating to sports into their classroom.  Topics such as industrialization, urbanization, imperialism, nationalism, race, politics, and gender through sports can be used in traditional classrooms.  The primary goal of this professional development course will be to provide educators with ideas and resources, as well as the background so that they can include themes and topics of sport into their history classroom seamlessly. This course will provide with strategies, resources, and activities that will enrich any class that they teach. As Nelson Mandela eloquently stated, "Sport has the power to change the world…it has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers."

Please contact Dr. Marsha Olsen for registration form at molsen@westfield.ma.edu.

History is more than dates, names and places.  It is true stories about individuals and events that shaped the world we live in. All the elements of drama - intrigue, courage, cowardice, tragedy and victory are embedded in history. The purpose of this 15 hour self-paced course is to use biography as a teaching tool. The telling of history from the point of view of those who lived it engages the learner by providing insight into the thoughts, emotions, and actions of real people confronting life altering challenges.

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English Language Arts

Math

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Digital Literacy

This course is an examination of Massachusetts new standards for technology use and skills, which were updated in 2016 from the 2008 standards. The new curriculum framework recognizes the necessity of students’ need for 21st century skills and the increased responsibilities that involves for teachers in all subject areas.  This course focuses on mastery of standards through elementary level math instruction.

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Physical Education/Health Education/and Classroom Teachers

Research indicates that to improve student success, teachers should provide a classroom enviroment that supports the Social Emotional Learning needs of their students.  This course addesses SEL needs by providing teachers with short, simple mindfulness-based self care skills to personally practice and share with their students at any level in order to release stress. build focus, enhance self-regulation, and support social, emotional, and physical health.

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Spanish

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This 15-hour course will focus on the analysis and discussion of the microcuento, distinct forms of literary narrative from the traditional writing style used in novels and short stories.  This workshop will ask participants to read and interpret content, develop strategies for incorporating these brief stories into the classroom through lesson planning and activities.  Participants will also be asked to write their own microcuentos/microrelatos that they will share for other participants to use and develop lesson plans.

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This workshop will focus on the viewing analyzing short films.  Participants will develop lesson plans with content focusing on the developing of strategies and activities to introduce into the classroom.