TEDX1892X - Reading & Writing in Content Area

Course Description

The course Reading & Writing in Content Area has been divided into four chapters. This course will provide information on such issues as recognizing reading difficulties, assessing textbooks, and the integration of reading strategies within a content area. The strategies taught are aligned with the Praxis Reading Across the Curriculum test guide and the Reading in the Content Area national standards.

The first chapter is an overview of theories of teaching adolescents and language acquisition. The second, third, and fourth chapters discuss current theory regarding the teaching of reading, including phonics, fluency, and motivation. In addition to the theory, these chapters challenge the learner to use specific teaching reading strategies. Strategies are given with step-by-step directions for a teacher to integrate into curriculum the next day.

These four chapters should give you an understanding of the various strategies with step-by-step teaching techniques to successfully integrate reading into your daily content teaching.

After you have completed each chapter of the course, an examination will be used to evaluate your knowledge and ability to apply what you have learned.

View Reading & Writing in Content Area syllabus for additional information.

Key Benefits

• 100% online self-paced course.
• No prior experience required.
• No textbooks and other materials required for purchase.

Learning Modules Include

• Chapter 1: Reading & Writing as a Process
  • This chapter discusses theorists such as Piaget and how their research is applicable to teaching adolescents. This chapter will also provide an overview of language acquisition theories. The “big picture” of integrating reading into content areas is the main focus.
• Chapter 2: Reading/Writing Environment, Materials, Instruction
  • This chapter discusses motivational theory and techniques and connecting reading to students’ lives. The main focus of this chapter is on strategies such as Inquiry Questions, Questioning the Author, Editor Interview, and Socratic Seminars.
• Chapter 3: Reading/Writing Comprehension
  • This chapter discusses characteristics of good readers. The main focus of this chapter is on strategies such as an Anticipation Guide, DRT, KWL, DIA, and SQ3R.
• Chapter 4: Vocabulary & Assessment
  • This chapter discusses the importance of teaching vocabulary within the context of a content area. The main focus of this chapter is on Word Maps, Semantic Maps, Discussion Webs, RAFT, Concept Maps and the Frayer Model. This chapter also discusses informal assessment of readers and of curriculum. Other areas of focus for this chapter include the use of Reading Inventories, GRI, and Cloze.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Identify various reading skills.
• Identify and discuss factors that contribute to reading failure.
• Describe and implement approaches to improve comprehension skills.
• Identify methods for vocabulary development.
• Develop reasonable instructional goals for the content reader.
• Stress the acquisition of reading and writing skills across the curriculum.
• Summarize research for the teaching of reading and writing at the secondary level.
• Provide methods for the teaching of skills using technology resources.
• Use specific methods for dealing with reading and writing problems.

Requirements to Enroll

No application is needed to enroll. All learners are eligible to enroll in the course. There are no admission requirements. It is recommended that learners have a high school diploma or GED, and have basic computer and internet knowledge.

Semester Open-Enrollment Schedule:

• Spring = January - April
• Summer = May - August
• Fall = September - December

*Please note that students are only allowed to register max 5 TEDX courses per semester period*

Estimated Time to Completion

This course can be completed in approximately 30 hours of asynchronous work.

Access Time

Learners will have access to their course learning modules for up to 365 days from the date of enrollment.

CEUs and PDUs

• CEUs 3.0 National University Continuing Education Units

Certificate of Completion

Learners will be awarded a National University Workforce and Community Education, Professional and Continuing Education Certificate of Completion after satisfying the course requirements below:

1. Complete all four information sections showing a competent understanding of the material presented in each section.
2. Complete all four section examinations, showing a competent understanding of the material presented.  You must obtain an overall score of 70% or higher, with no individual exam score below 50%, to pass this course.  *Please note: Minimum exam score requirements may vary by college or university; therefore, you should refer to your course addendum to determine what your minimum exam score requirements are.
3. Complete a review of any section on which your examination score was below 50%.
4. Retake any examination, after completing an information review, to increase that examination score to a minimum of 50%, making sure to also be achieving an overall exam score of a minimum 70% (maximum of three attempts). *Please note: Minimum exam score requirements may vary by college or university; therefore, you should refer to your course addendum to determine what your minimum exam score requirements are.
5. Complete a course evaluation form at the end of the course.

Refund Policy

We at National University want all of our students to have a positive and rewarding learning experience. In the event that a student is not completely satisfied with a course, we offer a refund policy to ensure satisfaction.

To be eligible for a refund, the student must submit a written request, including a valid reason, within 9 calendar days of registering for the course. Additionally, the student must not have attempted more than 25% of the course.

To request a refund, email PACE@nu.edu and include your full name, student ID, and course name. Your reason for requesting a refund will be carefully reviewed, and we reserve the right to refuse a refund if we determine the request to be invalid.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are approved for a refund, we will issue a refund to your original method of payment within 60 days of the refund approval.