Vital Connections
The teacher licensure programs at Heidelberg University are based on a constructivist philosophy. This means that the pre-service and in-service teachers in our programs build or construct their knowledge as a result of a student-centered, hands-on approach to learning. From the beginning of their experience at Heidelberg, our students are actively involved in their coursework and clinical/field experiences.
Specifically, students build or construct their knowledge about teaching and learning with several tools - theory, practice and reflection. These are the building tools that connect the constructivist core of the conceptual framework to each of the teacher education licensure programs:
Theory - principles of teaching and learning- Practice - clinical and field experience
- Reflection - thinking about, evaluating and revising one's teaching and learning
Getting in the Classroom
Field placements include multiple opportunities for students to gain expertise in real classroom experiences so they can develop teaching skills combining theory and practice. All education majors complete numerous field experiences throughout the teacher preparation program. During these experiences students plan and teach lessons under the guidance of a mentor/cooperating teacher in real classroom conditions to develop their knowledge, skills, and dispositions in preparation for student teaching.