Prof.  J. Bernice Stieva

Bernice StievaAssistant Professor of Education

N235, 780-465-3500 x8183
bernice.stieva@kingsu.ca

Education:

M.Ed. (Studies in Teaching and Learning),  Brock University, 2008
Thesis : Cross-Age Mentoring Program for Struggling Students
B.Ed., Brock University, 1996
B.A.Sc., Guelph University



Courses I teach:

EDUC 301 - Educational Learning Theories and Applications
EDUC 306 - Elementary School Language ArtsEDUC 309 - Teaching with Children's Literature
EDUC 330 - Curriculum & Instruction in Secondary English Language Arts & Social Studies
EDUC 341 - Psychology of Exceptional Children and Adolescents
EDUC 351 - Elementary Introductory Practicum
EDUC 451 - Elementary Major Practicum
 
I suppose it is now safe to confess that I am one of those people who grew up always wanting to be at teacher; knowing that I was going to be a teacher.  As a child, I was able to occasionally convince my brothers to be the students in my imaginary school. I’d write on my little chalkboard, try to teach them important things like addition or the alphabet, and of course assign them homework. Thankfully, although my understanding of teaching has deepened and my pedagogical methods changed, my passion for teaching continues.

Previous to my arrival at The King’s University College, I  spent 17 years teaching elementary students. I was privileged to teach children from preschool to grade eight, in single and double graded class settings.  I also spent a few years as a special education teacher working with students in inclusive and withdrawal programs. I thoroughly enjoyed so many aspects of working with young learners, and sharing their learning journeys. The challenge of helping diverse students to recognize their own creativity, and helping them to learn strategically was wonderful. I treasure those delightful moments of telling stories in bible and history classes, exploring works of literature or creating innovative works of art. 

Those years of teaching in elementary school remain precious to me, and still inform my teaching today.  I taught for one year as a sessional instructor at Redeemer University College, which kindled a passion for working with pre-service teachers. This passion brought me to The King’s University College Faculty of Education in 2008.

The transition into teaching at the tertiary level, has allowed me to integrate my areas of interest into the classes that I teach, and into my areas of potential research. I am fascinated by pedagogy and how teachers design innovative lessons and invitational learning environments that are conducive to promoting learning success, creativity and growth for their students. I continue to be interested in the multimodal methods of  teaching; intertwining music, drama, visual art, storytelling and literature into all areas of education. I am thankful that God has blessed me with the joyous privilege of walking alongside pre-service teachers as they transition into becoming their teacher-selves.

Related Links

Elementary B.Ed. | Secondary B.Ed. | Course Schedule

Educational Learning Theories and Applications, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-0)
Lectures and discussions focus on learning in the classroom situation: the processes by which students learn and the factors that facilitate/inhibit learning. Specifically examined are learning theories, motivational theories, cognitive styles, discipline practices and assessment approaches. This course is open only to students in the B.Ed. (AD) program. Students with credit in PSYC 361 cannot receive credit in EDUC 301.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251
Elementary School Language Arts, Every Year, Fall 3(3-1-0)
The focus of this course is the language arts curriculum in elementary grades. Topics include: language acquisition, the oral language base of reading and writing, as well as theories, methods and materials related to the teaching of listening, speaking, reading and writing. A weekly seminar period will be used to have students engage in micro-teaching opportunities.
This course is open only to students in the B.Ed. (AD) program.
Teaching with Children's Literature, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-0)
In this course, students are introduced to a representative selection of contemporary children's authors and literary genres with a view to using children's literature in elementary language arts programs and across the elementary curriculum. Although this course is open to non-Education students, in the event of enrolment pressures, preference is given to B.Ed. (AD) students.
Prerequisites: ENGL 204, 205
Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary English Language Arts and Social Studies, Every Year, Winter 3 (3-0-0)
This curriculum and instruction course provides in depth study of the methods and materials used in the teaching of junior and senior high school English language arts and social studies with a special focus on the Alberta curriculum guides for subjects. This course is closely coordinated with the EDUC 353 first practicum; classes are conducted as a regular course for six weeks and as a weekly 3 hour lesson study seminar during the six week practicum. This course helps English language arts and social studies preservice teachers to understand both the theoretical and pedagogical underpinnings of their major and minor teaching area. Topics covered include the basic functions of teaching, planning, managing, and assessing.
This course is open only to students in the B.Ed. (AD) Secondary program.
Psychology of Exceptional Children and Adolescents, Every Year, Fall 3(3-1-0)
This course provides an overview of the major intellectual, academic, emotional, behavioural, sensory and physical exceptionalities that are encountered in clinical or school settings. Course participants are encouraged to become familiar with exceptional children and/or adolescents through credited volunteer activities. The seminar component of the course consists of applied statistics or movie and novel reviews. Same as PSYC 341.
Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251
Introductory Practicum, Every Year, Winter 5(5 Weeks)
This course provides students in the B.Ed. (AD) program with a reflective practicum experience that includes four weeks of in-school practical experience in an elementary classroom and a one week campus-based seminar. The four weeks of practicum are coordinated with EDUC 305 - Selected Elementary Teaching Methods and Materials. Students will spend approximately 40 hours in actual classroom instruction under the supervision of a certificated teacher and a faculty supervisor. During this time, students will also be required to assemble a teaching portfolio including detailed lesson and unit plans The concluding seminar will focus on student presentations of teaching experiences as well as analyses of these experiences in the light of the theory and methods course taken previously. Students who receive a grade of less than B on the Alpha 4.00 scale for EDUC 351 will not be allowed to continue into the second year of the B.Ed. (AD) program. This course is open only to students in the B.Ed. (AD) program. Please se the current EDUCATION 351 PRACTICUM MANUAL for additional information pertaining to the evaluation of this course.
Prerequisites: EDUC 251, 305
Major Practicum, Every Year, Winter 15(13 Weeks)
This is the major practicum in the B.Ed. Elementary (AD) program. Twelve weeks are spent in an elementary classroom and one week in a concluding seminar. The student is assigned to a certificated teacher and is required to do a substantial amount of teaching on a graduated scale culminating in at least six weeks at the full-time level. Students also meet in seminar with a faculty supervisor for one half day per week to discuss topics of mutual concern - primarily classroom management and evaluation issues. In addition to the interactive teaching that is evaluated by both the cooperating teacher and faculty supervisor, students develop a detailed teaching portfolio that can be used to form the basis of an employment portfolio. This course is evaluated by the Faculty Supervisor in conjunction with the Cooperating Teacher. Students who receive a grade of less than B- on the Alpha 4.00 scale for EDUC 451 will not be recommended to the Professional Development and Certification Branch of Alberta Learning for Inter m Professional Certification. This course is only open to students in the B.Ed. (AD) program. Please see the current EDUCATION 451 PRACTICUM MANUAL for additional information pertaining to the evaluation of this course and the appeal process.
Prerequisites: EDUC 351