Course Descriptions

The study of how adults learn in a variety of institutional settings and in learning at their own initiative. Includes theories of learning, development, and participation and the social, political, and ethical concerns of making learning available to all adults who seek it.

An examination of and the consequent development of those skills necessary for facilitating learning in order to increase productivity in task-oriented groups of adults. Issues, problems and concepts frequently encountered are addressed, as well as possible solutions.

An overview of the common methodological procedures underlying research projects across disciplines; this course is interdisciplinary in scope. Content includes the epistemology of research decisions, knowledge of sources, methods of collecting data, writing, presenting, and criticizing research studies.

An examination of the philosophical and theoretical foundations of learning and education from the classical era to contemporary authors.

This course provides a theoretical framework for multiculturalism focusing on the divergent American cultural communities including the past, present, and future education of each. The attitudes, values, traditions, and customs effecting education will be examined.

This course provides students with the theoretical framework for understanding key ideas central to recent research on teaching and learning. It explores educational action research as a way to systematically look at educational practices and recording what was done, why it was done, collecting data, analyzing the data and reflecting on how the results might influence future teaching endeavors. It explores ways to apply knowledge of teaching and learning to establishing policy and transforming practice.

This course focuses on concepts and strategies necessary to step into a leadership role in the integration and application of technology and learning. This course is an overview of the role of leadership in enhancing organizations through the effective use of technology. In addition to providing an overview of how and why technology impacts organizations, emerging technological roles and expectations will be discussed.

This course uses both a seminar approach and experiential activities to facilitate learning of (a) classical and contemporary organization theory, (b) the importance of culture in influencing organizational effectiveness and efficiency, (c) variables that affect organizational development, (d) organization structure and its relation to organizational culture and organizational development, (e) leadership roles and responsibilities related to effective organizational development and operation. This course may be taken in part through an off-campus learning format to illustrate key concepts. It will provide both theoretical comprehension and skill development.

This course prepares teacher leaders for their roles of supporting teachers, conducting assessment for the purpose of improving practice, developing and conducting professional development and exploring how mentoring and peer coaching can support school improvement initiatives.

This course is a blend of both academic and experiential learning theory and practice in the educational setting. It examines teacher leadership roles, teacher leadership characteristics, the need for teacher leadership, and the barriers to teacher leadership created by the school structure and the culture of teaching. In addition, this course examines the impact on schools as teachers assume new forms of leadership. Candidates are required to do a 45 hour practicum experience in the area of teacher leadership and complete a Graduate Project. The Graduate Project provides the student with a culminating experience through portfolio, requiring synthesis of skills and knowledge the student has gained. The portfolio requiring both analysis and action is proposed by the student.