Online Courses for Teachers

NJCTL online courses in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science can be taken at your own convenience. Whether you want to build your teaching skills and content knowledge, learn a new subject, or prepare to teach AP courses, we have a class for you.

Content courses use an online version of the same classroom pedagogy as our courses for students. Asynchronous virtual constructivism, the online version of social constructivism, helps ensure an effective, learner-directed process by weaving together short, direct instruction videos with formative assessment questions. Each question is followed by immediate feedback and the opportunity to watch a video solution of that problem being solved. All courses are divided into modules with online quizzes, virtual labs that enable laboratory investigations via simulations, and, finally, virtually proctored tests that can be taken anytime, anywhere.

Praxis Prep courses include modules aligned to each content category of the test. Each contain problem solving notebooks, with embedded review; mastery questions with solutions; a discussion board, moderated by certified instructors; and a unit test. The final module includes two full-length, Praxis-style tests.

Field Experience courses are based on a clinical supervision model that supports continual improvement of classroom policies and practices. Teachers submit reflections on the implementation and effectiveness of their policies, as well as videos of their classroom practice. Ongoing dialog with an NJCTL coach provides the support to improve on both. This non-evaluative feedback model helps improve teaching without pressure.

Teaching Methods course shows how to use research-proven approaches to create a highly effective and welcoming learning environment. Pedagogy topics include social constructivism; meta-cognition; differentiation; and meeting the needs of English language learners. Policy topics include grading based on mastery; why homework should not be graded; and providing retests to promote continuous improvement."

For more information on NJCTL policies and procedures, see the NJCTL Graduate Student Handbook and Program Guide. read more...