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Course Description
This class presents a unique and provocative analysis of violence in American schools today. It synthesizes the research on violence, and offers a model that educators can use to predict and prevent violence in schools. In the process, teachers will uncover the "missing dialogue" that is at the heart of violence in schools. By addressing the deepest issues and concerns about our system of schooling and asking questions educators typically avoid, teachers discover workable solutions to problems associated with violence in schools.
This online course consists of six modules taught over a six week period. Each module consists of a reading and writing assignment, as well as an application assignment. Participants will post assignments weekly and dialogue with colleagues regarding assignments and experiences. They will also communicate personally each week with the instructor via e-mail. The content of the course will be supplemented with links to resources providing current research. Each module requires approximately five hours to complete.
At the completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion recommending 30 inservice points or professional development credits be awarded by the participant's school district. It is up to participants to get prior approval from their district to take this course for professional development credit.
Skills, Hardware, and Software Requirements
Students are expected to have a very basic knowledge of how to use an Internet browser such as Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, or America Online (AOL). Students must be familiar with e-mail and have an active e-mail account and Internet access. In addition, students must possess basic word processing skills.
Course Readings
The required textbook for this course is The Missing Dialogue by Dr. R. Hayman Kite. The textbook and course materials will be provided for all students. In addition, online readings will be assigned during the course to enhance learning. These readings will be presented as annotated Web sites within the course content.
Course Outline
Module 1: Defining the Problem
Objectives: Students will meet colleagues through personal introductions; clarify goals, objectives, and assignments; analyze the allocation of time within the home, school, and community.
Content:
Module 2: Criteria for Meaningful Dialogue
Objectives: Students will understand the stages of dialogue development; identify typical barriers to an open, meaningful dialogue among students, teachers, and parents; identify specific techniques and strategies for creating positive dialogue.
Content:
Culminating Assignment: Students will read Chapters 1 and 2 in the textbook and write a one page paper, analyzing a dialogue using the criteria prescribed in the Module. Students will post the assignment, "A Student Dialogue" in the Forum. Students will read and comment on their colleagues' postings.
Module 3: An Explanation of the Causes of School Violence
Objectives: Students will learn a theory explaining and predicting violence; identify and define key variables causing violence; understand the relationships among causal factors.
Content:
Culminating Assignment: Students will read Chapter 3 in the textbook. Students will also post results from the assignment, "Applying Theory to Reality" in the Forum. Students will read and comment on their colleagues' postings.
Module 4: Predicting Violence Through Dialogue
Objectives: Students will improve ability to predict and prevent violence by applying the model for effective dialogue and practice skills for effective communication.
Content:
Culminating Assignment: Students will read Chapter 4 in the textbook and post results from the assignment, "Topics for Dialogue" in the Forum. Students will read and comment on their colleagues' postings.
Module 5: School Sociology
Objectives: Students will to identify school cultures and describe their impact on acceptance, rejection, and exclusion among students; understand the relationship between school cultures and a meaningful dialogue.
Content:
Culminating Assignment: Students will read article, "School Culture and Violence." Students will compose a brief reflection on school cultures and how they impact communication within a school. They will also consider and react to how you think "Parity of Means" influences school cultures.
Module 6: Application
Objectives: Students will use the model to create a workable solution for problem associated with violence in the classroom and capture a vision of a school free of violence.
Content:
Culminating Assignment: Students will read Chapter 6 in the textbook and post the assignment, "Towards a Violence Free School" in the Forum. Students will read and comment on their colleagues' postings. Students will complete the course evaluation.
Grading Criteria
This course is for offered on a pass/fail basis. Students are expected to complete each assignment by the specified due date. Students are expected to participate in each Forum and dialogue with their colleagues. Students that meet these requirements will pass this course.
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