By the end of the minor, students will be able to:

• Evaluate how their knowledge of, and appreciation for, schools and schooling has changed.
• Describe the role of education in creating a more equitable society, as a result of analyzing the policies and philosophies which shape schooling in the U.S.
• Explain the processes of teaching and learning more broadly conceived outside traditional pre-K-12 classrooms.
• Relate societal conceptions of ability, race, poverty and language proficiency to school practices for students who can be described as not representing the norms of any or all of these groups.
• Articulate how learners develop, the role of motivation in learning, the characteristics of a positive learning climate and various theoretical approaches to the teaching process; and will be able to act on the implications of this theoretical framework with skills appropriate to beginning educators.
• Identify and analyze their strengths and growth needs as potential teachers.

The Department of Educational Studies offers several undergraduate courses that are not included in the minor in educational studies. Students are encouraged to pursue these courses to broaden their understanding of relevant issues of learning and teaching.