ECIS 500 Introduction to Media and Instruction

This course introduces the principles of instructional design and learning theory; examines methods for planning, production and utilization of media in instruction and provides experience in the development of a lesson plan that incorporates the use of instructional media.

ECIS 502 Theories of Learning

This course examines varied learning theories that directly impact education and their influences on teaching and learning in international schools.  Philosophies relating to how people learn, curriculum design, assessment and the focus on effective practices and reorganization for school change will be discussed.

ECIS 591 Workshop in Student Evaluation

This course offers a variety of practical skills for improving assessment techniques and instruments.  Among assessment systems to be covered are design and development of assessment plans, teacher-made tests, alternative and multicultural assessment instruments, and portfolios.  Program evaluation, role of standardized testing in education, and the relationship of learning, assessment and decision-making will also be examined.

ECIS 504 Creativity in the Curriculum

This course offers a variety of strategies and hands-on ideas for fostering creativity in the K-12 international school environment.  Methods for planning creative activities, assignments that call for original work, independent learning, self-initiated projects, and experimentation are examined.

ECIS 505 Appropriate Curricular Practices in Multicultural Settings

This course examines how to develop and implement appropriate curriculum in multicultural settings. Discussion of what constitutes a developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum for linguistically (ESL) and culturally different learners as it pertains to the ECIS effective practices for ESL, Modern Languages, and Social Studies is emphasized throughout the course.  Guidelines for the selection of appropriate teaching approaches, materials, and activities with consideration to all aspects of diversity and the host country culture are examined.

ECIS 506 Curriculum and Instruction

Using the principles of curriculum development and related research and the ECIS evaluation and accreditation standards and effective practices, students will develop a plan for a unit of instruction, including a needs assessment, use of resources, implementation specifications, and assessment of instructional effectiveness.  In addition, this course covers the topics above as they apply specifically to the participant's area of specialization, and incorporates curricular issues uniquely associated with the Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

ECIS 526 Educational Research for Practitioners

This course emphasizes the skills needed by educational practitioners in international schools in accessing, reviewing, and utilizing research.  These skills include the use of bibliographic databases, interpreting published research for application in instruction and training, developing objectives for evaluating applied research projects, and collecting and analyzing classroom data.  The course also covers the sources of published research (with an emphasis on international education issues) and the data-gathering techniques unique to the participant's area of specialization.

ECIS 503 Classroom Management and Organization

This course assists students in integrating teaching methods, principles of curriculum development and evaluation, and methods for dealing with student behavior into a cohesive, well-managed educational program.  The course also covers techniques for communicating with parents and methods for working effectively within the school's administrative structure.

ECIS 602 Technology and the School Curriculum

This course examines the role of technology in the curriculum and its impact on school change.  Research on the design of computer aided instruction and computer utilization in the K-12 classroom will be explored.  Methods of educational software evaluation, selection, and acquisition are introduced.  Students will apply the modern technologies and principles of curriculum development in producing programs of instruction at international schools.

ECIS 501
School and Society: Comparative Education Systems

This course examines various K-12 educational systems in the global society.  Students will be asked to compare schooling in various societies and examine how the educational systems are organized to meet the political, social, and economic agenda of the 21 st century.  Students will review and recommend strategies to ensure capacity and compliance of their home systems and within the global educational community and host country by utilizing the ECIS evaluation and accreditation standards.  Research and presentation skills as well as the use of technology will be emphasized.

ECIS 699 International Teacher Leadership Institute (Online or On-Site Option)

The International “teacher leadership institute” is an experience designed to provide participants with opportunities for professional development, which will enhance their leadership skills and abilities.  The participants gather to listen to presentations, interact and share knowledge and experiences, collect information and obtain resources and materials that will be helpful and valuable to them in their own school settings.  Participants are invited to share their own experiences, expertise, and views on matters of primary concern to school communities.  To earn credit for the international “teacher leadership institute,” participants must successfully complete the artifact component.