Diploma in Primary Education Course at Tonota College of Education (TCE)

What is Primary Education ?

Primary education or elementary education is typically the first stage of formal education, coming after preschool/kindergarten and before secondary school. Primary education takes place in primary schools, elementary schools, or first schools and middle schools, depending on the location.

Synopsis

The Bachelor of Primary Education (BPE) degree is a combined 4-year pre-service and in-service programme. The in-service component is part of the continuing professional development (CPD) of serving teachers committed to upgrading serving teachers with 21st century approaches to teaching. Depending on how much prior-learning a candidate has, they can enter at either level one hundred, two hundred of three hundred. The pre-service component prepares fresh entrants from high school to meet new demands for quality education in a global world. Acknowledging that one of the most effective determinants of quality education is quality teachers, entrants are prepared to excel as effective teachers in the specialist areas of Language education, Mathematics and Science education, Social Studies and Environmental Education. The DPE recognizes the importance of new global perspectives on classroom teaching and learning grounded in the principles of lifelong learning and learning-to-learn including competent use of ICTs. Both in-service and pre-service entrants graduate to competently apply 21st century teaching and learning approaches; effectively assess learning; conduct action research; and pursue continuous professional development. All our graduates are eligible to register with professional regulatory bodies.

Departmental Special Regulations

Subject to the provision of General Academic Regulation 00.0 and 20.00 (General Regulation for Degree Programmes) and the Faculty of Education Special Regulation 10.30, the following Departmental Special Regulations shall apply:

Entry Requirements

The program has 4 entry points.

Applicants with a 3-year Diploma in Primary Education or its equivalent shall normally enter at Level 300 of the DPE degree program, depending on prior learning and relevant work experience in an educational setting. Those who wish to specialise in mathematics and science education shall enter at level 200 of the DPE degree program.

Holders of a 2-year Diploma in Primary Education or equivalent shall normally enter at Level 200, depending on prior learning and relevant work experience in an educational setting.
Holders of a 1-year Certificate in Primary Education or its equivalent shall enter at Level 100 of the DPE degree program.
Applicants with O-level (BGCSE) or equivalent should have a minimum of C in English Language, and a minimum of D in mathematics and/or science and shall enter at Level 100 of the DPE degree program.

In addition, the following requirements shall determine the areas of specialization.

For pre-service, to specialize in mathematics or science candidates should have a minimum of C grade in EPM 100, EPM 112, EPM 120 and EPM 125 at Level 100 of the DPE program. Candidates who meet the Faculty of Science entry requirements shall be exempted from the above DPE courses. Instead, these candidates will take the following optional courses: ENV 101, EPE 114, EPE 215, ELC 202, EPS 200, ELM 201, EFH 100, and EFA 100.
To specialize in Languages (English or Setswana) candidates should have a minimum of C in each subject area from Level 100.
To specialize in Social Studies and Religious Education, candidates should have minimum of a C in Social Studies, or Developmental Studies, or Religious Education, or History, or Geography from Level 100.
For in-service, to specialize in mathematics or science candidates should have a minimum of a C grade in mathematics or science at College level, and shall enter at Level 100 of the Faculty of Science program.
For in-service, to specialize in either Languages (English or Setswana) or Social Studies, candidates should have a minimum of a C in each of the subjects at College level.

Pre-service applicants with O-level (BGCSE) should have a minimum of a C in English Language, and a minimum of a C in mathematics and/or science and shall enter at Level 100 of the program.
In-service applicants with a 3-year Diploma in Primary Education or its equivalent shall normally enter at Level 300 of the program, pending approval of prior learning and relevant work experience in an educational setting.
In-service applicants with a 2-year Diploma in Primary Education or equivalent shall normally enter at Level 200, pending approval of prior learning.
In-service applicants with a Certificate in Primary Education or its equivalent shall enter at Level 100 of the program.

General Provision

The Bachelor of Primary Education is a four-year combined major programme. All students are required to take Primary Education as one major and choose a second major, and are required to take General Education courses (GEC), Electives and Optional courses as defined in general regulation 00.212
The Primary Education major consists of mandatory courses for all students enrolled in the department of Primary Education.
At the end of Level 100, the Grade Point Average (GPA) shall be calculated on the basis of lecture hour equivalent as specified in General Regulation 00.8 and 00.9. Each course must be passed as per general regulation 00.845.
By the end of the programme 1/3 of the overall credits for the BPE programme must come from the electives and General Education courses and the remaining 2/3 must come from the core (Primary and Area of Specialisation) and optional courses.

Programme Structure

LEVEL 100

Level 100 students shall take a single Major-Primary Education, General Education and Elective Courses. The curriculum shall comprise the following courses:

LEVEL 100: Semester 1 (15-18 credits)

MAJOR: Primary Education

ICT121 Computer Skills Fundamentals 1(2 credits)
COM161E Communication and Academic literacy Skills 1(3 credits)
EFF 220 Historical, Philosophical and Sociological Foundations of Education (3 credits)
ALL 122 Characteristics of Human language (3 credits)
EPM 120 Introductory Biology and Earth Science for Primary Teachers (3 credits)
EPM 100 Foundations of Mathematics I (3 credits)

LEVEL 100: Semester 2 (15-18 credits)

ICT 122 Computer Skills Fundamentals 2 (2 credits)
COM 162 Communication and Academic literacy Skills 2(3 credits)
EPM 112 Foundations of Mathematics II (3 credits)
ENG 131 Writing in English (3 credits)
EPM 125 Introduction to Chemistry and Physics (3 credits)
EPS 203 Indigenous People and their Environment (3 credits)

LEVELS 200 – 400

The programme shall entail a minimum of 15 and Maximum of 18 lecture hours or equivalent per week. In Level 200-400, in addition to the Major Primary Education, each student shall choose one of the following areas of specialisation to make the second Major:

Languages specialisation
Maths Education specialisation
Science Education specialisation
Social Studies Education specialisation

LEVEL 200: Semester 1 (15-18 credits)

MAJOR I: Primary Education

EPE 222: Literacy across the Curriculum   (3 credits)
EFP 100: Introduction to Educational Psychology (3 credits)
EPM 223: Introduction to Numeracy and Science for Teachers (3 credits)
EPE215: Fundamental Issues in Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
EPE211: Language across the Curriculum (3 credits) -for students who have not chosen language Specialisation) Or EPE212: Introduction to Language Arts (3 credits) -for students who have chosen language Specialisation)

MAJOR II: Areas of Specialisation: Students shall choose one of the following areas of Specialisation. This choice will be followed throughout the course of the degree programme.

Languages Education Specialisation

English

ENG 211: The Pronunciation of English
EPL 224: Strategies in Teaching Literacy in Schools

Setswana

ALL 141: Introduction to African Oral and Written Literature

EPL 224: Strategies in Teaching Literacy in Schools

1 Elective Course (3 credits)

Optional Courses (choose one):

EHF 201 Counselling over a Life Span (3 credits)
EPI 228 Foundations of Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
EPI 224 Foundations of Environmental Education (3 credits)
EPP 217 Introduction to Philosophy of Music Education and Fundamentals of Music (3 credits)

Science Education Specialisation

MAT 111Introductory to Mathematics I (4 credits)
PHY 112 Geometrical Optics and Mechanics (3 credits)
CHE 101 General Chemistry I (3 credits)
BIO 111 Principles of Biology (3 credits)

1 Elective Course (3 credits)

Mathematics Education Specialisation

MAT 111Introductory to Mathematics I (4 credits)
EPM 200Teaching Methods for Mathematics in Primary Schools (3 credits)

Social Studies Education Specialisation

EPS 200 Introduction to Social Studies (3 credits)
EPS 331 Teaching Social Studies in Primary Schools (3 credits)
EPS 322 Social Studies and Curriculum Development (3 credits)

1 Elective Course (3 credits)

Optional Courses (choose one):

LEVEL 200: Semester 2 (15-18 credits)

MAJOR I: Primary Education

EPE 213 Project-Based Learning and Teaching (3 credits)
LME 308 Managing Education for Sustainable Development (3 credits)
EPE 217 Human Growth and Development (3 credits)

MAJOR II: Areas of Specialisation: Students shall continue with the area of Specialisation chosen in Level 200, semester1. This choice will be followed throughout the course of the degree programme.

Languages Education Specialisation

English

ENG 221: English Linguistics (3 credits)
ENG 233: Poetry of Southern Africa (3 credits)

Setswana

ALL 142: The Study of Drama (3 credits)
ALL 222: Structure of words in African Language (3 credits)

Elective Course (3 credits)

Optional Courses (choose one):

EPE 109: Introduction to Education for Sustainable Development (3credits)
EPP 218: Listening, Composing, and Performing (3credits)
PHR 142: Organization and Administration of Physical Education and Sports (3credits)
EPP 202: Practical Art, Craft and Design Skills for the Classroom Teacher (3credits)

Science Education Specialisation

MAT 122 Introductory to Mathematics II (3credits)
PHY 122 Electricity, Magnetism and Elements of Modern Physics (3credits)
CHE 102 General Chemistry II (3credits)
BIO 112 Diversity of Animals and Plants (3credits)
EPM 258 Methods of Teaching Basic Science (3credits)

Mathematics Education Specialisation

MAT 122 Introductory to Mathematics II (3credits)
EPM 211 Teaching Number System in the Primary schools (3credits)

Optional Courses (choose one):

Social Studies Education Specialisation

EPS 201 Theories and Practice of Values in Education (3credits)
TRS 209 History of Christian Thought (3credits)

Optional Courses (choose one):

LEVEL 300: Semester 1 (15-18 credits)

MAJOR I: Primary Education

EPE 316: Assessment in Primary Schools
EPE 300: Organizing & implementing Remedial programs in schools
EPE 319: Information and Communication Technology Application in School (3 credits)

MAJOR II: Areas of Specialisation: Students shall continue with the area of Specialisation chosen in Level 200, semester1. This choice will be followed throughout the course of the degree programme.

Languages Education Specialisation

English

ENG 211: The Pronunciation of English (3 credits)
ALL 321: The Structure of the Sentence (3 credits)

Setswana

ALL 221: Sound Systems in African Language (3 credits)
ALL 321: The Structure of the Sentence (3 credits)

Elective Course (3 credits)

Optional Courses (choose one):

EHF 303: Multicultural Counselling (3 credits)
EPP 301: Appropriate Art, Craft and Design Methods and Materials for School (3 credits)
EPP 327: Introduction to Ethnomusicology Education (3 credits)
FCS 103: Pre-Natal and Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
PHR 269: Motor Learning and Human Performance (3 credits)
EPM 223: Introduction to Numeracy and Science for teachers (3 credits)
EPL 224: Strategies in teaching Literacy in schools (3 credits)

Science Education Specialisation

PHY 232: Properties of Matter, Basic Thermodynamics and Introduction to Nuclear Physics (3 credits)
CHE 211: Introduction to Analytical Chemistry (3 credits)
CHEM 213: Analytical Chemistry Lab (3 credits)
BIO 214: Mammalian Physiology (3 credits)
EPM 323: Games and Science Teaching Strategies (3 credits)

Mathematics Education Specialisation

MAT 211: Introductory to Set and Number Theory (3 credits)
MAT 221: Calculus I (3 credits)
EPM 302: Geometry for Primary School Teachers (3 credits)

Elective Course (3 credits)

Social Studies Education Specialisation

EPS 401: The Role of Democracy in the teaching of Social Studies (3 credits)
ELR 301: Theory of Religious Education (3 credits)

LEVEL 300: Semester 2 (15-18 credits)

MAJOR I: Primary Education

EPE 301Conducting Remedial Teaching in Schools (3 credits)
LME 302 Introduction to Educational Research (3 credits)
EDT 310 Instructional Materials (3 credits)

MAJOR II: Areas of Specialisation: Students shall continue with the area of Specialisation chosen in Level 200, semester1. This choice will be followed throughout the course of the degree programme.

Languages Education Specialisation

English

EPL 300: Theory and Practice of Second Language Teaching (3 credits)
ENG 311: Modern English Grammar (3 credits)

Setswana

ALL 222: The Structure of Words in African Languages (3 credits)
EPL 300: Theory and Practice of Second language Teaching (3 credits)
EPL 312: Breakthrough to Literacy (3 credits)

Optional Courses (choose one):

EHF 305: Teaching Guidance and Counselling in Schools and Other Settings (3 credits)
EPI 321: Curriculum, Development in Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
EPI 335: Evaluation and Monitoring in Environmental Education (3 credits)
EDT 310: Instructional Materials (3 credits)
EPP 328: Teaching Methods in Music Education (3 credits)

Science Education Specialisation

PHY 241: Advanced Electricity and Magnetism (3 credits)
CHE 221: Atomic Structure Bonding and Main Group (3 credits)
BIO 215: Principles of Ecology (3 credits)
EPM 339: Current issues in science Education (3 credits)

Mathematics Education Specialisation

MAT 212: Introductory to Linear Algebra (3 credits)
MAT 222: Calculus II (3 credits)
EPM 331: Teaching School Mathematics (3 credits)

Optional Courses (choose one):

Social Studies Education Specialisation

EPS 323 Social Studies and Pedagogy (3 credits)
EPS 300 Culture and Citizenship Education (3 credits)
Elective Course (3 credits)

EPT 300 Teaching Practice

LEVEL 400: Semester 1 (15-18 credits)

Major I: Primary Education (15-18 credits)

LME 403: Practitioner Research in Educational Management (3 credits) (for In-service)
LME 308: Managing Education for Sustainable Development (3 credits) (Both Pre-& In-service)

Major II: Choose one of the following areas of specialization. Continue with the area chosen as teaching subject in Semester 1, Level 200

English

EPL 414: Literature in Primary Schools (3 credits)
EPL 411: Introduction to Reading Process (3 credits)

Setswana

EPL 414: Literature in Primary Schools (3 credits)
EPL 411: Introduction to Reading Process (3 credits)

Mathematics

MAT 271: Introduction to Mathematical Statistics (3 credits) (for Pre-service)
MAT 211: Introductory Set and Number Theory (3 credits) (for In-service)
MAT 221: Calculus I (3 credits)
EPM 430: Mathematical Application for Teachers (3 credits) (Both Pre-& In- service)

Science (continue with the area you choose in level 200 Semester 3)

BIO 218: Biology of flowering plants (3 credits) (for Pre-service)
CHE 232: Structure and survey of functional groups (2 credits)
CHE 234: Organic Chem. Lab (1 Credit) (for Pre-service)
PHY 231: Mechanics, Vibrations and waves, Physical Optics (3 credits) (for Pre-service)
PHY 232: Properties of matter, basic Thermodynamics and introduction to nuclear physics (3 credits) (for In-service)
PHY 239: Physics Practicals (3.1) (1 Credit) (Both Pre-& In- service)
BIO 214: Mammalian Physiology (3 credits) (for In-service)
EPM 423: Practical work in science teaching (3 credits) (Both Pre-& In- service)

Social Studies

EPS 401: The role of Democracy in the Teaching of Social Studies (3 credits)
ELR 494: The Religious Education Department (3 credits)

Choose any one optional course from the following

EHF 400: Substance Abuse Counselling
EPI 431: Management of Early Childhood Programs
EPI 442: Environmental Conservation Strategies I
PHR 309: Adapted Physical Education
EPM 429: Advanced Concepts in Biology and Earth Science (3 credits)
EPM 428: Teaching Algebra in schools (3 credits)

Teaching Practice (15 credits)

LEVEL 400: Semester 2 (15-18 credits)

MAJOR I: Primary Education

EFS 404: Education for Children with Attention Deficit Hyper Disorder (3 credits)
EPI 332: Infusing Environmental Education in the Curriculum (3 credits)

MAJOR II: Areas of Specialisation: students shall continue with the area of Specialisation chosen in Level 200, semester1. This choice will be followed throughout the course of the degree programme.

Languages Education Specialisation

English

ENG 321: Usage in English (3 credits)
EPL 414: Literature in Primary Schools (3 credits)
EPL 411: The Reading Process (3 credits)

Setswana

ALL 342: African Oral Narratives (3 credits)
EPL 414: Literature in Primary Schools (3 credits)
EPL 411: The Reading Process (3 credits)

Optional Courses (choose one):

EHF 407 Consultation in Schools and Community Settings (3 credits)
EPI 444 Environmental Multilateral Agreements in Conservation Education (3 credits)
ELR 301 Theory of Moral Education (3 credits)
EPP 406 Contemporary Issues in Art Education (3 credits)
EPP 449 Movement in Music (3 credits)
PHR 308 Scientific Basis of Coaching and Officiating (3 credits)
PHR 308 Scientific Basis of Coaching and Officiating (3 credits)

Science Education Specialisation

EPM 423 Practical work in science Teaching (3 credits)
EPM 449 Curriculum Design and Research in Science Education (3 credits)

Mathematics Education Specialisation

EPM 428: Teaching Algebra in schools (3 credits)
EPE 404: Teachers and Curriculum Development (3 credits)
EPM 400: The Use of Technology in Teaching Primary Mathematics (3 credits)

Elective Course (3 credits)

Social Studies Education Specialisation

EPS 400 Contemporary Issues in Teaching Social Studies (3 credits)
ELM 402 Curriculum Design in Moral Education (3 credits)
EPS 403 International Organizations and Governance (3 credits)

Optional Courses (choose one):