Methods of teaching include an in-depth study of different teaching models that can be applied to a teacher's own classroom. For example, teachers might study a learning-by-teacher method such as those popular in Germany and develop group mentors from students in their classroom. The methods are tested and applied until the teacher finds a good match for her personal teaching style. Most graduate-level education courses require that the teacher write a short paper on what she has learned in this course.
Another popular graduate-level education course studies standardized testing and more casual methods of testing to see what is most beneficial to the students. Although state standards might require that teachers train students to take a specific test, such instruction may not be conducive to learning. This course typically also looks at how to balance the demands of programs like No Child Left Behind with the needs of the students.
This course tends to take a look at legal issues in the classroom. Graduate students learn how to offer students with disabilities the help they need, how to maintain student privacy and how to avoid sexual harassment allegations. Another topic that is sometimes studied is freedom of speech and what falls under this amendment within the context of a school.
Sometimes called Politics and Advocacy, this course looks at the politics of education. Learn about local policy development at a school district level and how you can have an impact without jeopardizing your career. You'll also study how state and federal laws impact the classroom. Critique recent reforms in education and discuss with other students what needs to be changed and what a teacher at the classroom level can do to make an impact.