Program Structure

The Bachelor of Education (Elementary) program is 70 credits extending over two academic years of two terms each.

Courses and associated school practicum experiences are completed in a specified sequence. Course order may vary slightly between Fall and Winter semesters subject to program needs.

Year 1 (Fall and Winter)

Term 1 - September to December
EDPR 3100
Practicum 1 (24 hours)

EDPR 3100 Practicum 1 (24 hours)

Credits: 1 credit
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes:

This introductory practicum provides teacher candidates with an orientation to elementary schools and the opportunity to link their on-campus courses with teaching experiences in the classroom. In learning teams, teacher candidates collaborate on various short-term teaching responsibilities. Teacher candidates work with close guidance and mentorship from a qualified and experienced teacher to design, implement and reflect upon lessons and assessments. Teacher candidates may participate in different classrooms with different teachers which foster positive relationships with students, colleagues, and the school community. Teacher candidates also understand their roles in addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and adhere to the BC Standards of professional educators.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Bachelor of Education Elementary program. A criminal Record check is required.
For more information, search for this course here.

EDCO 3100
Communications 1 (2,0,0)

EDCO 3100 Communications 1 (2,0,0)

Credits: 2 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Communication

This course is designed to provide teacher candidates with an opportunity to develop skills for effective communication with students, parents, colleagues, and other school-related persons. This course includes field education components at various location(s). This course includes instructional time at McQueen Lake, the environmental education centre operated by the Kamloops/Thompson School district. Teacher candidates learn effective communication skills, including an introduction to conflict resolution and teaching social skills, through role-playing and discussion. Science exploration (such as Project Wild group activities) and physical activity (such as nature walks) are integral parts of learning about effective communication. Science exploration and physical activity are integral parts of learning about effective communication.
Prerequisite: Admission to a TRU Bachelor of Education program.
For more information, search for this course here.

EDIE 3100
Child Development and Teaching (3,0,0)

EDIE 3100 Child Development and Teaching (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes:

This course presents an overview of child development as it relates to teaching. It will begin with a survey of the main models and theories of child development and then consider relevant implications for teaching. Students will review research that examines child development and teaching, especially research that reviews effective teaching practice with children who are at different developmental levels, and children from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education program
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both EDIE 3100 and EDPY 3100
For more information, search for this course here.

EDEF 3100
History of Education (3,0,0)

EDEF 3100 History of Education (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Critical Thinking and Investigation, Intercultural Awareness

This foundations course focuses on the complex dynamics between school and society. Teacher candidates examine the relationship between schools and society over time, gaining insight into individuals and groups that determine what kinds of schools should exist and what should happen to them. Issues of gender, race, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, social class, and location inform and enlighten investigations. Readings; lectures; presentations; discussion; group work; review of television, film, and video materials; and guest speakers inform the learning. Prerequisites: Admission to TRU Bachelor of Education program
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both EDEF 3100 and EDTE 3180
For more information, search for this course here.

EDLL 3100
Language and Literacy 1 (3,0,0)

EDLL 3100 Language and Literacy 1 (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Communication

This course introduces key concepts related to language and literacy learning and teaching in the elementary language arts classroom and across the curriculum. Students are provided an overview of the knowledge required to make sound curriculum decisions to implement an effective language and literacy program. This course is the first component of two interdependent courses that focus on methods to teach language and literacy in elementary school, with an emphasis on the reading process, the skills central to reading acquisition and reading achievement, individual differences in reading development, and effective reading instruction methods. The course is linked with the initial school practicum
Prerequisite: Admission to the Bachelor of Education program
For more information, search for this course here.

EDMA 3100
Mathematics 1 (3,0,0)

EDMA 3100 Mathematics 1 (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes:

Teacher candidates develop a basic understanding of teaching mathematics in elementary schools. The course provides methods in teaching problem solving, numeracy, the use of manipulatives, early number sense, patterns, assessment, and operations with numbers. Participants also examine the use of literature and games in a math program and undergo a comprehensive study of the British Columbia mathematics curriculum. A variety of resources are provided to teacher candidates to experience the methods used to provide a rich elementary mathematics program.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Bachelor of Education program
For more information, search for this course here.

EDPE 3100
Physical Education Methods (2,0,2)

EDPE 3100 Physical Education Methods (2,0,2)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes:

The aim of this course is to provide a foundation of principles, learning opportunities and teaching, and critical thinking strategies in physical education that can be applied to whole classrooms of elementary students. Emphasis is on applying the various concepts of movement (games, dance, gymnastics, alternate-environment activities, and individual and dual activities) when planning to teach physical education. Teacher candidates participate in classroom, gymnasium, and outdoor activities that provide tangible links with scheduled practica and encourage putting theory into practice.
Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education program
For more information, search for this course here.

EDTL 3100
Foundations of Teaching and Assessment (3,0,0)

EDTL 3100 Foundations of Teaching and Assessment (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Critical Thinking and Investigation

Teacher candidates develop pedagogically appropriate methodologies to design lesson plans and use various methods of assessment practices to connect with multiple ways of learning. Teacher candidates understand the various technologies within their curricula, appropriate application, and demonstrate usage in safe, responsible, and effective ways. Teacher candidates identify and respect the diversity of students in schools to create safe, anti-racist, and socially just learning spaces that invite critical reflection. They build an awareness of trauma-informed classroom practices, recognize the values of other ways of knowing, Indigenous pedagogies, worldviews, and perspectives. Teacher candidates create safe, inclusive, relevant, and effective learning environments for neurodiverse and culturally diverse learners. Teacher candidates demonstrate the proficiencies related to the Professional Standards for BC Educators
Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education Elementary program.
For more information, search for this course here.

Term 2 - January to April
EDPR 3200
Practicum 2 (60 hours)

EDPR 3200 Practicum 2 (60 hours)

Credits: 2 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes:

This practicum experience emphasizes consecutive teaching and learning experiences, so teacher candidates can respond effectively to the needs of students. Students assume teaching responsibilities including planning, instructing, managing classroom behaviors, and collecting evidence of learning. Working closely with a qualified and experienced teacher, teacher candidates collaborate and reflect on various teaching responsibilities as well as create and implement consecutive lessons and assessment plan. Teacher candidates integrate Indigenous perspectives into teaching and adhere to the BC Standards of professional educators.
Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education Elementary program. A criminal record check is also required.
For more information, search for this course here.

EDLL 3200
Learning through Reading and Writing: 4-7 Focus (3,0,0)

EDLL 3200 Learning through Reading and Writing: 4-7 Focus (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes:

This course focuses on literacy development, instruction, and assessment for students in Grades 4 through 7. Using the BC English Language Arts curriculum, teacher candidates recognize that reading, writing, listening, and viewing as learning tools that support positive personal and cultural identity, and develop communication, creative, and critical thinking competencies. Teacher candidates plan effective and developmentally appropriate literacy experiences that support students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Teacher candidates use Indigenous children's literature to learn about Indigenous perspectives and knowledge. This course emphasizes the use of assessment data to inform and differentiate literacy instruction. Teacher candidates gain competency as creative and resourceful teachers of reading and writing with a repertoire of culturally relevant practices consistent with current research evidence.
Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education Elementary program
For more information, search for this course here.

EDMA 3200
Mathematics 2 (3,0,0)

EDMA 3200 Mathematics 2 (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Knowledge

This course builds on EDMA 3100: Mathematics I. Students are introduced to topics that include place value, geometric thinking, spatial sense, measurement, statistics and probability, and assessment. The course is linked to the practicum (EDPR 3200) that teacher candidates take in the same semester to allow them to have an opportunity to apply the methods they have studied.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1, Term 1
For more information, search for this course here.

EDSC 3200
Science Methods (3,0,0)

EDSC 3200 Science Methods (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Knowledge

This course provides teacher candidates an overview of current principles and strategies applied to teaching science from Kindergarten to Grade 7. The four content strands of the British Columbia Science curriculum, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth and Space Science, provide the basis for exploring scientific content in terms of how children learn science effectively. Weekly classes include hands-on labs, presentations, website explorations, article reviews, current events, experiential learning, and the relationship of cultural and Indigenous pedagogies to science instruction. Teacher candidates design science learning unit plans, reflecting current best practices, research-based assessment tools, computers, and technology. Teacher candidates acquire, connect, and apply knowledge and application of the BC science curriculum in lesson planning.
Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education Elementary program.
For more information, search for this course here.

EDSO 3200
Social Studies Methods (3,0,0)

EDSO 3200 Social Studies Methods (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Social Responsibility

This course presents an overview of various philosophies, perspectives, approaches, disciplines, and contemporary issues related to the teaching and learning of Social Studies from the BC curriculum. Teacher candidates explore and reflect on Social Studies frameworks related to social responsibility, civic engagement, sustainable practices, ethical judgement, and bias. Teacher candidates develop a repertoire of ecological, ethically, and socially responsible strategies in connection to place and land-based education while incorporating appropriate Indigenous views as well as anti-racist and anti-oppressive teaching and learning principles.
Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education Elementary program.
For more information, search for this course here.

EDTL 3200
Teaching and Learning: Focus on Unit Planning and Assessment (3,0,0)

EDTL 3200 Teaching and Learning: Focus on Unit Planning and Assessment (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Critical Thinking and Investigation

Building on the content of Teaching and Learning I, this course introduces teacher candidates to unit planning and extends learning from other program courses about planning and assessment. Teacher candidates prepare a unit plan that integrates and includes a variety of teaching strategies and student activities that support Indigenous views, culturally diverse, and neurodiverse learners. This course strongly focuses on assessment. Teacher candidates explore current assessment, evaluation, and reporting techniques, and learn how to use multiple methods of assessment to measure learning and adjust instruction to meet student needs. Teacher candidates engage in further understanding about their role in addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action through planning and assessment and continue to demonstrate proficiencies related to the Professional Standards for BC Educators. Prerequisites: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education Elementary program.
For more information, search for this course here.

EDEF 3200
Theoretical Frameworks of Education (3,0,0)

EDEF 3200 Theoretical Frameworks of Education (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Lifelong Learning, Knowledge, Indigenous Knowledges and Ways

This foundations course further develops the concepts explored in EDEF 3100: History of Education, encouraging teacher candidates to examine their educational beliefs and practices while deepening their insights and depth and breadth of understanding the social context of school. Teacher candidates learn the language and concepts of education, develop abilities to reflect critically on its central ideas and alternate frameworks, use evidence to make informed decisions, and refine their communication as professionals. Discussions of contemporary and educational issues include topics such as what it means to be a professional and schooling in the 21st century. Readings; lectures; presentations; discussions; group works; review of television; film and video materials; and guest speakers inform the learning. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1, Term 1
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both EDEF 3200 and EDTE 3190
For more information, search for this course here.

Year 2 (Fall and Winter)

Term 1 - September to December
EDPR 4100
Practicum 3 (90 hours)

EDPR 4100 Practicum 3 (90 hours)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes:

This practicum serves as an orientation for teacher candidates and teacher mentors for the certification practicum. Teacher candidates demonstrate positive relationships with the school community and establish classrooms routines and behavior expectations as part of productive classroom management. Placed individually, Teacher candidates integrate Indigenous worldviews and perspectives into learning experiences and adhere to the BC Standards of professional educators. Teacher candidates create and implement an assessment plan as well as design and implement consecutive, evidence-based learning experiences.
Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education Elementary program. A criminal record check is also required.
For more information, search for this course here.

EDHC 4100
Health and Career Education (2,0,0)

EDHC 4100 Health and Career Education (2,0,0)

Credits: 2 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes:

This course enables participants to help elementary students acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that help them to make good personal decisions and manage their lives more effectively. Participants focus on the emotional and social development of students from Kindergarten to Grade 7.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1
For more information, search for this course here.

EDIE 4100
Inclusive Education (3,0,0)

EDIE 4100 Inclusive Education (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Intercultural Awareness

This introductory course presents an overview of high and low incidence designations, diverse learning needs within the classroom, and relevant Special Education Ministry of Education requirements. Teacher candidates learn about evidence-based classroom strategies, assessments, assistive technology, proactive classroom behaviors, and social emotional learning. Teacher candidates develop their skills as inclusive educators by recognizing the value of Indigenous perspectives and pedagogies as well as safe, anti-racist, and socially just learning spaces.
Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education Elementary program
For more information, search for this course here.

EDTL 4100
Assessment and Cross-Curricular Connections (3,0,0)

EDTL 4100 Assessment and Cross-Curricular Connections (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Critical Thinking and Investigation

In this final of the Teaching and Learning three-course series, teacher candidates explore how to incorporate culturally relevant content and practices across curriculum subject areas in ways that create a safe and inclusive environment for Indigenous and neurodiverse learners. Teacher candidates develop cross-curricular unit plans that include Indigenous pedagogies and reflect strategies that address socio-emotional learning and behavior. Topics in the course also include the use of reliable and valid assessment techniques, and the integration of technology in planning. This course emphasizes the critiquing of self and peers while abiding to professional and ethical codes of conduct, and demonstrating proficiencies related to the Professional Standards for BC Educators.
Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education Elementary program.
For more information, search for this course here.

EDVP 4100
Drama (2,0,0)

EDVP 4100 Drama (2,0,0)

Credits: 2 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes:

Teacher candidates are introduced to the theory and practice of drama in the elementary classroom. Participants focus on experiencing various drama forms and conventions, analyzing them as ways of learning, and applying them to specific curricular and classroom needs.
Prerequisite: EDPR 3200
For more information, search for this course here.

EDVP 4110
Music (2,0,0)

EDVP 4110 Music (2,0,0)

Credits: 2 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes:

This is an introductory course in music education designed to give students a basis for teaching music in elementary classroom settings. The understanding of musical concepts and the demonstration of skills will be fostered through singing, listening and appreciating, playing instruments, creative expression, and critical reading of the music education literature.
Prerequisite: EDPR 3200
For more information, search for this course here.

EDVP 4120
Visual Arts (2,0,0)

EDVP 4120 Visual Arts (2,0,0)

Credits: 2 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes:

This course is designed to facilitate the fundamental experience and understanding of the role and value of art education, as well as to explore key issues in this domain. Lessons are concerned with basic concepts related to children's artistic production, perceiving and responding to art, and teacher planning for art instruction. Studio activities are interactive and meant to develop strategies and confidence for teacher candidates to deliver and introduce selected art materials, as well as to convey appropriate techniques to facilitate positive art learning for elementary-aged students.
Prerequisite: EDPR 3200
For more information, search for this course here.

EDSL 4200
Second Language with Focus on French or Secwepemctsin (2,0,0)

EDSL 4200 Second Language with Focus on French or Secwepemctsin (2,0,0)

Credits: 2 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes:

This introductory course presents an overview of instructional and assessment strategies as it relates to promoting and learning of a second language. Teacher candidates learn about proficiency based instruction and the meaning of language competence. They create and teach lessons using French or Secwepemctsin. Teacher candidates develop their skills in assessment for learning, as learning, and of learning as it applies in a language classroom. They also learn about technology based resources, activities, and project available for the language classroom.
Prerequisite: Admission to the TRU Bachelor of Education Elementary program.
For more information, search for this course here.

Term 2 - January to April
EDPR 4200
Practicum 4 (300 hours)

EDPR 4200 Practicum 4 (300 hours)

Credits: 5 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Capstone

Functioning as a capstone course demonstrating the integration of program learning outcomes. Practicum 4 provides teacher candidates with the opportunity to reflect, demonstrate, and apply the culmination of their learning in the B.Ed. program. During Term 2 of Year 2, teacher candidates undertake a 10-week (300 hour) practicum that serves as the major school experience. Teacher candidates normally return to the same placement as they had in EDPR 4100: Practicum 3. Teacher candidates gradually increase their teaching load and sustain a minimum 80% load for five consecutive weeks. Upon successful completion, teacher candidates are able to apply for teacher certification in British Columbia.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Year 1 and Year 2, Term 1
For more information, search for this course here.

EDFN 4200
Indigenous Culture and Learning (3,0,0)

EDFN 4200 Indigenous Culture and Learning (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Indigenous Knowledges and Ways

The course begins with an overview of the history of Indigenous Education in British Columbia and Canada. The course focuses on effective teaching and learning practices for Indigenous students including developing relationships with parents and extended family members. Teacher candidates examine how to enrich the regular school curriculum by adding Indigenous content and including the cultural background of their Indigenous students. The class format is presentation and discussion based on articles and videos provided by faculty, presentations from other Indigenous educators, community members, and teacher candidates. Field experiences typically include visits to local band-operated schools, the Secwepemc Museum, the Kamloops Residential School and the Interior Indian Friendship Centre.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Bachelor of Education program or permission of the instructor
For more information, search for this course here.

EDEF 4200
School Organization (1,0,0)

EDEF 4200 School Organization (1,0,0)

Credits: 1 credit
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes:

Teacher candidates examine a number of organizations that affect their working lives as teachers and develop a perspective about issues in British Columbia education that results in the expression of their own personal philosophy of teaching. Class sessions consist of presentations and lectures followed by a discussion or question and response period. Presentations are made by representatives from a number of stakeholder groups, including the Kamloops Thompson Teachers' Association, School District #73 (Kamloops/Thompson) senior administration, and the Teacher Regulation Branch for the British Columbia Ministry of Education. Teacher candidates are guided in the preparation of resumes and interview techniques.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Year 1 courses and Year 2, Term 1 courses
For more information, search for this course here.

EDCO 4200
Communications 2 (1,0,0)

EDCO 4200 Communications 2 (1,0,0)

Credits: 1 credit
Delivery: Campus
Institutional Learning Outcomes: Communication

This course acts as a capstone by providing students the opportunity to communicate their knowledge, skills, and understandings of theory and practice developed over the 2- year B.Ed. program. Students demonstrate their abilities to rely on evidence and research to support teaching methods and practices. They show empathy and the ability to communicate in ethical and meaningful ways with diverse audiences in the school setting. Finally, students learn how to communicate their professional readiness for practice through the preparation of resumes and portfolios.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Year 1 and Fall Semester, Year 2 courses
For more information, search for this course here.