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.

Objectives

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

ED 604Cognitive Social and Emotional Development of Learners

3 credits

ED 606Socio-political and Cultural Influences on Families, Organizations, and Communities

3 credits

ED 608Action Research

3 credits

Integrative Learning Core

CBEL 612Innovative Teaching and Learning for 21st Century Skills

3 credits

LTED 623Digital Literacy and Media

3 credits

CBEL 616Community Engagement and Leadership

3 credits

Capstone

Students must select a capstone in their primary focus area. 

LTED 701Literacy Capstone

3 credits

CBEL 720Community-Based Education and Leadership Capstone

3 credits

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.

ED 550Mathematical Concepts and Problem Solving for Middle School Teacher

3 credits

ED 560Scientific Concepts for Engaging Middle School Learners

3 credits

ED 605STEM Curriculum Principles and Practices

3 credits

ED 615Principles of Assessment

3 credits

ED 630Principles of Special Education

3 credits

ED 660Foundations for Teaching ELL

3 credits

CBEL 664Teaching & Learning for Specialized Populations

3 credits

ED 690Issues in STEM Education

3 credits

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.

LTED 603Foundations of Literacy

3 credits

LTED 611Literacy Assessment

3 credits

LTED 621Culturally Responsive Literacy

3 credits

LTED XXXChildren's Literature

3 credits

ED 620Literacy Strategies in the STEM Content Areas

3 credits

ED 625Advanced Literacy Strategies in the STEM Content Areas

3 credits

CM 615Nonverbal Communication

3 credits

LTED 603, LTED 611, and LTED 621 meet educational requirements for MSDE Reading Teacher Endorsement
ED 620 and ED 625 meet MSDE Secondary Reading/Literacy in the Content Area Requirement

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.

CBEL 610Foundations and Frameworks of Community-Based Education

3 credit

CBEL 614Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation

3 credits

CBEL 662Youth Development

3 credits

CBEL 670Volunteer Management

3 credits

CBEL 672Advocacy in Community-Based Organizations

3 credits

CM 600Cultures and Communication

3 credits

CM 620Conflict Communication and Leadership

3 credits

CM 635Crisis Communication

3 credits