Partners at Learning - Course Descriptions

PAL Course Descriptions

"This class is probably the best class you will ever take at UCSD. The kids are great and they will love and admire you on a daily basis." ~ UCSD Undergraduate

Course Descriptions: Preschool & Elementary

EDS 130. Introduction to Academic Mentoring of Elementary School Students
This course focuses on the role of undergraduate mentors in raising academic expectations for students and families traditionally underrepresented at the university. The relationship between the school and community, the social and political organization of elementary schools, and the academic achievement of elementary children are examined. (Corequisite: EDS 139 Practicum in Learning)

EDS 131. Assisting in Preschool
This course examines effective practices for early education and development for pre-school children ages 2-5 years old. Field experience and seminar focus on cognitive and social development and the undergraduate/preschool student relationship, teaching and learning processes in early education, and community service.

EDS 134. Introduction to Literacy and Numeracy Tutoring
This course examines effective practices for language arts and mathematics learning for elementary school children. The field experience and seminar focus on the tutor / student relationship, teaching and learning processes for literacy and numeracy, and community service. (Corequisite: EDS 139 Practicum in Learning)

EDS 139. Practicum in Learning
Students are placed in local schools and work with students in classrooms and the community. Students work on educational activities with K-12 students a minimum of four hours per week.

Course Descriptions: Secondary

EDS 136. Introduction to Academic Tutoring of Secondary School Students
This course focuses on the role of undergraduate tutors in building academic resiliency in secondary students traditionally underrepresented at the university. The relationship between the school and community, the social and political organization of secondary schools, the philosophical, sociological, and political issues which relate to the U.S. secondary educational system, and the academic achievement of secondary children are examined. (Corequisite: EDS 139 Practicum in Learning)

EDS 138. Introduction to Academic Tutoring at Charter Schools
This course focuses on effects of the Charter School movement on public education in the U.S., the role of the research universities in K-12 education, the social and political organization of the schools, the philosophical, sociological, and political issues which relate to the U.S. secondary educational system, and the academic achievement of secondary children. Students investigate the role of undergraduate tutors in building academic resiliency in secondary students traditionally underrepresented at the university. (Corequisite: EDS 139 Practicum in Learning)

Note: All students must come to the Education Studies office and complete some paperwork prior to enrolling so we may preauthorize your enrollment. Also, before tutoring at any school, a current TB test (1 yr or earlier prior to the start of your course) must be on file. If you need a TB test, contact Student Health for more details.