Students undertaking a B.A. in Education or Teaching Diploma at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) are well prepared for life in the classroom. Courses like Intercultural Communication, in which students acquire the necessary tools to successfully navigate a career in teaching in diverse cultures, provide a solid theoretical foundation, along with molding students into citizens of a global economy. In addition to theory, students are encouraged to become active community members applying the principles learned in class by observing and assisting teachers in nearby schools as part of the Internship Courses.
This past Fall, Education and Teaching Diploma students have maintained this theory/practice balance splendidly: shadowing teachers at NDU, presenting material to fellow students in lessons, and participating in supplementary educational events.
In the Educational Psychology course given in Fall 2018, students presented case studies in addition to team teaching and individual teaching of a subject in their major. They also gave oral presentations on a relevant supplementary material they read to offer insights and comments on a specific area of interest. These vital public speaking skills assist both inside and outside of the classroom and without, by giving our students opportunities to teach people who are their age in addition to younger generations.
As part of the Children’s Literature course, students familiarized themselves with a wide variety of literary genres and integrated them into their class lesson plans. Certain students also participated in the bi-annual NDU “Read Aloud Event” hosted by the University Library Committee, where they applied their understanding of the principles studied in class by holding reading sessions for young children.
Encounters like these help our prospective teachers formulate their philosophies of Education by giving them opportunities to learn directly from professionals in the field, and determine how best to adopt those methods which will highlight their own strengths in teaching. When NDU - B.A. Education and Teaching Diploma graduates successfully complete their studies and apply for teaching positions, they are not only up-to-date on best practice in Education, they are equipped with the practical knowledge to take on students in Lebanese classrooms and beyond. Should students aim to work outside of the classroom, a solid understanding of both theory and real world applications means they can look forward to possible careers in consulting for the government, NGOs, and international organizations.