The goal of the physics teacher education program is to prepare teachers who are capable of using innovative teaching techniques that will move students toward scientific literacy as outlined by Project 2061, the National Science Teaching Standards, the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium principles, and the Illinois State Board of Education's State Goals for Learning. To this end the prospective teachers must attain a certain level of content and procedural knowledge, and exhibit scientific dispositions. The end in view is to prepare prospective teachers who are motivated to enhance the achievement of the learner, produce better and more productive citizens, and improve society. This goal is aligned with the University's conceptual framework for teacher education -- Realizing the Democratic Ideal.
The following objectives are closely aligned with university, program, state, interstate, and national goals and standards, and are reflected in the prospective physics teacher's knowledge base:
Objective 1: The prospective physics teacher understands the major concepts and assumptions of science, and relates the physical and life sciences to technology and society.
Objective 2: The prospective physics teacher understands the principles of physics, procedures of inquiry, and scientific dispositions, and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the subject matter meaningful to students.
Objective 3: The prospective physics teacher understands the relationship between teaching and learning, and creates experiences that maximize learning among students.
Objective 4: The prospective physics teacher understands how children learn and develop, and provides learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and personal development.
Objective 5: The prospective physics teacher understands how students differ in their approaches to learning, and creates instructional opportunities that are adapted to learners regardless of intellectual ability, gender, race, or disability.
Objective 6: The prospective physics teacher understands the meaning of scientific literacy, and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
Objective 7: The prospective physics teacher understands individual and group motivation and behavior, and creates a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
Objective 8: The prospective physics teacher understands the role of communication in teaching, and uses knowledge of effective verbal and nonverbal techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
Objective 9: The prospective physics teacher understands the interaction of curriculum and instruction, and plans lessons based upon knowledge of subject matter, available technology and curricula, and curriculum goals.
Objective 10: The prospective physics teacher understands standard and alternative assessment strategies, and uses them to evaluate knowledge, skills, and dispositions to ensure the continuous intellectual and social development of the student.
Objective 11: The prospective physics teacher understands the meaning of reflective practice, and continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on others in order to grow professionally.
Objective 12: The prospective physics teacher understands the meaning of life-long learning, and fosters relationships with colleagues and agencies in the larger community to develop professionally.
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