SOE - M.Ed. INSTRUCTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

CORE Courses

EDU 550C Curriculum: Design and Practice (3)
An exploration of the content that revolves around the development of the curriculum, this course includes curriculum analyses, models, alignment, and evaluation.

EDU 551C Psychological Foundations of Learning (3)
This course addresses developmental stages within the context of major learning theories. The psychology of learning includes motivation, humor, strategic learning, anchored instruction, mediated learning, metacognition, brain research, classroom organization, management, climate, and communication for effective teaching.
(A field experience is required in order to pass this course, see syllabus for specific details)

EDU 552C Assessment for Excellence (3)
Models of assessment are examined to determine measures of student performance. These include authentic assessment, competency-based assessment, assessment instruments, and assessment reports. Emphasis is given to accountability, data-driven instruction, and current trends in assessment.
(A field experience is required in order to pass this course, see syllabus for specific details)

EDU 553C Technology for Learning (3)
This course focuses on using e-mail, word processing, data bases, and spreadsheets to support instruction. Internet resources, interactive media, and webpage design are also examined. Hands-on laboratory experiences develop and understanding of the power of technology to  assist in the teaching and learning process

EDU 554C Instructional Design (3)
Emphasizing the decision-making process, this course is a survey of instructional models for teaching including planning, delivery, strategies, grouping, themes, and resources. Differentiated learning, including learning domains, teaching and learning styles, and multiple intelligences as well as evaluation of student performance and parental involvement are essential components of this course.
(A field experience is required in order to pass this course, see syllabus for specific details)

EDU 555C Issues and Trends in Teaching and Learning (3)
This course addresses issues of philosophical importance including historical influences, diversity, educational theorists, family and society, health, and physical and emotional safety in schools. The correlates of effective schools will be emphasized.

EDU 556C Research Into Practice (3)
Participants study conceptualization of research problems, development of hypotheses and strategies, using quantitative and qualitative research, research into practice, problem-solving, and applied educational research.

EDU 560C Exit Assessment Seminar
The Exit Assessment Seminar is required of ALL students pursuing the Master of Education in Instructional Effectiveness degree. Taken during the last semester of the program, the purpose is to assess the progress of the student through group work on major issues, critiquing of speakers, writing experience, and program evaluation.

EDU 563C Legal, Ethical, and Political Issues (3)
Legal and ethical responsibilities of teachers toward their students are central to this course. The legal rights and liabilities of teachers and the responsibilities in maintaining an orderly classroom climate will be discussed. Political influences are juxtaposed against moral and ethical responsibilities in decision making. Strategies for interacting with media are included.

NON-CORE COURSES
EDU 515C Culture, Ideas, and Values (1-4)
Requiring considerable independent work, students investigate significant research with emphasis on instructional leadership, the educational change process, and other current educational influences. Students critique materials selected and orally present their synthesizing of research findings.

EDU 610C Educational Issues (1-3)
This course is an exploration of specific issues in education. Alternative instructional delivery requires student to possess a high level of personal discipline and responsibility and technological skills.

EDU 6400 Financial Planning for Educators (3)
Investment strategies and retirement vehicles are explored, such as company retirement plans, stock market, mutual funds, certificates of deposit, annuities, trusts, income tax, social security, personal business, and real estate. This course is designed to prepare the educator to make decisions that will allow financial independence.

EDU 6600 E-Portfolio (NC)
The student will maintain an E-portfolio throughout the program that will be evaluated as part of the seminar in reading or action research course.