Driver Education

DRED 500 — Introduction to Driver Education. 3 hours.

Introduces safety problems related to the use of the highway transportation system. Current rules and regulations governing driver education will be taught. Additional learning activities will focus on the traffic problems novice drivers may encounter during their driving experiences. Emphasis is placed on risk awareness (distracted and aggressive driving). Issues involved in the administration, organization and evaluation of a driver education program will be introduced. Designing a parent/teen orientation night and procedures for obtaining an instructional permit will also be included.

DRED 502 — Advanced Driver Education. 3 hours.

The course provides candidates with simulation, multi-car range and on-road teaching experiences. Safe driving skills and attitudes needed in the operation of a motor vehicle plus emergency procedures and evasive actions will also be taught in relation to the capabilities and limitations of the driver and the vehicle.

DRED 503 — Teaching Driver Education in the Classroom. 3 hours.

The course provides driver education information which will prepare the candidate to teach driver education in a classroom setting. Learning activities will focus on preparing the driver education teacher with appropriate classroom teaching skills. Organizating a classroom setting with regard to course content, maintaining a learning environment, developing instructional modules, the use of technology and evaluation methods will be included.

DRED 504 — Behind the Wheel Teaching Methods. 3 hours.

Designed to prepare the candidate to use various methods in teaching operational skills to the novice driver. Candidates receive instruction in the area of lesson planning and development of learning experiences and activities for prospective student drivers in behind-the-wheel, simulation, and multi-car range situations.

DRED 505 — Using Technology to Improve Instruction. 3 hours.

Provides candidates with a comprehensive view of the technology components necessary for educators to make decisions regarding the effective use of technology to improve instruction. These components include using research to enrich teaching applications, improving lesson planning and design, increasing technology applications for student projects, and effectively evaluating educational technology for classroom use. These learning activities are designed to keep all school community stakeholders technologically aware in the informational age.

DRED 506 — Safety Issues Related to Alcohol and Other Drugs. 3 hours.

The course is designed to provide information for driver education instructor candidates that will prepare them to address substance use/abuse with students as it applies to drive education issues. Candidates will explore issues such as legal consequences of alcohol and drug use/abuse as it impacts driving and licensing, basic alcohol, drug pharmacology, and the application of critical thinking and problem solving skills concerning methods used to incorporate drug education into driver education programs.

DRED 507 — Safety Education on the Highway. 3 hours.

Explores the principles and applications of injury prevention and safety. Topics include railroad crossing safety, motorcycle safety, safe driving practices used in construction zones and during adverse conditions, school zone safety, safety as it applies to nature's laws, safe road sharing practices, emergency maneuvers, vehicle maintenance and safe vehicle operation in different driving arenas (city, country, interstate).