Characteristics of NIU's Community of Learners
Future educators will attain a sound liberal education and acquire sufficient general knowledge and intellectual versatility to enable them to become informed and resourceful members of society. Although there are unique aspects to the variety of programs that prepare professional educators, there is a common set of values and goals that are shared by all of the programs:
- require students to have a solid content and pedagogical knowledge base
- provide opportunities for collaboration
- teach curriculum grounded in research literature
- incorporate appropriate methods and use of instructional design, assessment and technology
- integrate issues of diversity
- employ faculty with a strong knowledge base and commitment to preparing professional educators
- provide field experiences
- require students to reflect on their experiences
Other common characteristics include development of the following skills:
- building professional relationships
- fostering educational collaboration
- working effectively with diverse populations
- creating and managing effective classroom environments
- practicing self-assessment
- promoting professional development
- engaging students in active learning
- communicating in professional settings
