Mission, Goals, & Objectives

Mission Statement

The Lebanon Valley College Education Department develops knowledgeable and effective teachers that can problem solve and think critically about contemporary educational issues. All teaching certification candidates will implement the most current evidence-based practices, including current teaching methodologies, and educational technology. They value diversity and promote inclusiveness, and have genuine respect for those with whom they work. Our prospective teachers possess effective communication skills, a love for learning, and a sense of responsibility and service to their school community.

 

STEM Education Program Goals

Program Goal 1

To provide a comprehensive understanding of research methods leading to fluency in reading, applying, and disseminating research in education.

Learning Outcomes—Students will:

  • Apply concepts of educational research methodologies in thesis and/or project-based assignments.
  • Foster engagement in academic discourse with peer educators designed to clarify and persuasively communicate one’s own beliefs.

 

Program Goal 2

To prepare students to advance in their profession and given discipline by becoming communicators, mentors, and leaders in the ever-changing field of education.

Learning Outcomes—Students will:

  • Engage in activities and classroom experiences that will promote community and foster strategies for the development of life-long learning and professional and service-related collaboration.
  • Demonstrate their abilities and understandings to enhance instructional effectiveness, peer mentoring, and impact in the professional community.
  • Recognize that STEM Education is general education with the intent to prepare a citizenry who can function in a science and technology rich society.

 

Program Goal 3

To provide a comprehensive understanding of standards, design processes, and importance of STEM in workforce preparation.

Learning Outcomes—Students will

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the following standards: Next Generation Science Standards, PA Mathematics Standards, PA Science and Technology Standards.
  • Utilize the design process and a variety of resources (educational technology, information, materials, tools, machines) to safely and efficiently develop solutions to problems that require integration of concepts and skills from multiple 5 disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, math, language arts, social studies, arts, and/or physical education.
  • Explore basic fundamental concepts and major principles of science, technology, engineering and math through connections with other areas, especially history, language, arts, and culture, etc.

 

Program Goal 4

To prepare students to plan, design, and incorporate strategies to encourage active learning, interaction, participation and collaboration.

Learning Outcomes—Students will:

  • Utilize problem solving approaches and the design process to answer complex questions, engage in critical thinking, investigate societal issues, and develop solutions for challenges and real word problems.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of inquiry-based teaching and learning methodologies as applied to STEM education.

 

Program Goal 5

To demonstrate competence in creating and implementing assessments in inquiry-based learning environments in ways that assure validity and reliability of instruments and procedures.

Learning Outcomes—Students will:

  • Create differentiated learning experiences in integrative STEM education to meet the needs of all students.
  • Utilize diverse and authentic assessment strategies to monitor and adjust instruction across STEM disciplines.
  • Elicit students’ conceptions, reasoning and understanding through multiple forms of meaningful assessments including formative/summative and individual/group.

 

For more information on learning goals and outcomes, contact institutionalresearch@lvc.edu.