Students who major in Education may study to become a teacher, a school social worker, or work in the community as an educator via the specialization in Children, Youth, and Family Services.
Students' academic programs include the Colloquy in Integrated Learning, the study of a content or discipline area, coursework and practical experiences in educational settings. Throughout their program, Education students continue to develop their skills in English, Arabic, and technology. Students complete other classes appropriate to the grade and subject levels they are preparing to teach. Faculty advisors in the College work with students to make course selection decisions.
Specialization in Teaching
Education majors specialize in kindergarten through grade 3 or in grades 4-9.
Early Childhood/Kindergarten/Primary
Students who wish to become nursery school, kindergarten or primary teachers major in Education and follow the appropriate eight-semester plan.
Upper Primary Preparatory
Students who wish to become upper elementary/preparatory teachers of English, math, science, or art (grades 4-9) major in Education and take selected coursework in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Specialization in School Social Work
Students majoring in Education may study to become a school social worker by following the appropriate eight-semester plan. The specialization is offered in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences.
Specialization in Children, Youth, and Family Services
Candidates majoring in Education may study to become a specialist in the education and social services sectors, both private and public. This specialization is offered in collaboration with the Department of Natural Science and Public Health in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Joint degree program with the College of Information Technology
The College of Education and College of Information Technology jointly offer the B.S. with a major in Technology and Education. The emphasis in this concentration is on the knowledge and skills needed to manage an IT laboratory, provide instruction in basic technology skills, and serve as a resource for the use of educational technology. The Technology and Education major prepares students for positions such as trainers in technology, computer lab supervisors, consultants, and developers of educational technologies.
Field Experiences in Educational Settings
All students majoring in Education or in Technology and Education complete a core portion of their work in field settings; observing and working with students and teachers or with working with professional supervisors in educational settings.
Assessment Protocols
Students are formally assessed for satisfactory performance in the program at stipulated intervals. Student achievement in the ZU Learning Outcomes is assessed through the normal assessment process in each course. In addition, the College has identified major points of transition where student advancement depends upon the quality of performance. These include admission to the program, completion of practicum, admission to internship, exit from internship, and graduation.
Demonstration of competencies related to the major is assessed through periodic assessments by instructors and advisors during the undergraduate program. In addition, students complete an electronic portfolio. These portfolios provide evidence of the degree of completion of both the College of Education and Zayed University Learning Outcomes.
