Integrative Learning

Description

The Master of Education in Integrative Learning is designed to equip teachers, instructional leaders, and educational professionals with the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary to promote students’ 21st century learning, lead curricular reform, and engage community stakeholders for student success in a dynamic and changing world.

As the 21st century unfolds, an integrative approach to teaching and learning has emerged as a necessary model for addressing the learning needs of students in a world where the jobs of tomorrow have not yet been imagined. Integrative learning fosters students’ ability to think critically, make connections among concepts and experiences, use multiple literacies to communicate, and apply learning to novel and complex issues or challenges with real-world implications. Integrative learning engages students, parents, teachers, administrators, community members, and policy makers in a shared responsibility for the lifelong learning success of students. 

Degree candidates in this 36-credit program will be well-grounded in the social and emotional development of learners; the socio-political and cultural influences on students and communities; rigorous problem-based learning approaches; emerging technologies; and community engagement and leadership. Students complete 21 credits of required coursework in theory, research, and integrative learning practices. Modeling a multidisciplinary approach, students select 15 credits of elective courses from three focus areas of Engaged Learning for 21st Century Skills, Multiple Literacies, and Community Engagement and Leadership, with one area as their primary focus based on individual professional goals. All students complete an action research project and capstone experience implementing theory into practice.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Education in Integrative Learning, graduates will be able to:

1. Analyze the social and emotional development that shapes the way learners interpret information, build knowledge, and communicate. 
2. Assess the socio-political and cultural influences on learners, their families, and the educational systems within their communities.
3. Design engaging and innovative learning experiences that foster critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills of learners. 
4. Evaluate the purpose and application of digital tools and media to support the reading, writing, and communication skills of 21st century learners. 
5. Analyze leadership theories and leader behaviors that foster change, empower others, and promote collaboration among educational and community stakeholders. 
6. Integrate theory with practice through action research that seeks to advance integrative and engaged learning.
7. Reflect on one's role as an educator and leader. 

Policies

The grade of "C" is the lowest acceptable grade, and only one can be awarded during the program. A student may repeat one course in a graduate program one time. Once a student has repeated a course, the student will not be permitted to repeat any other courses. If a student repeats a course, only the latter grade is used in computing the grade point average. However, all courses taken become a part of the student's academic record. Further, a student may withdraw from each graduate course one time only. A minimum cumulative 3.00 grade point average on all graduate work attempted is required for graduation. Only one grade of a "C" may be applied toward the GPS requirement. Degree requirements must be completed within seven years after the first course applied to the degree is completed.

Requirements

Required Courses

Theory and Research Core

Integrative Learning Core

Capstone

Students must select a capstone in their primary focus area. 

Electives

Primary Focus Area - 9 credits
Students select three elective courses from one of three focus areas below as their primary area of focus: Engaged Learning, Multiple Literacies, Community Engagement and Leadership.

Secondary Focus Areas - 6 credits
Students select two elective courses from either of the focus areas other than their primary area. 

Engaged Learning for 21st Century Skills

Educators will learn pedagogies of integrative, collaborative, and experiential student-centered learning that prepares educators to be on the forefront of innovative education.

Multiple Literacies

Educators will be equipped with the theory and practice necessary to develop learners’ knowledge, skills, and abilities in interpreting and using multiple literacies such as visual, digital, media, and technological literacies within varied social and cultural contexts that moves beyond traditional literacy.

Community Engagement and Leadership

Students will learn the critical elements of leadership and management necessary to build transformative learning communities and foster collaborative school and community partnerships.