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:
- Analyze the social and emotional development that shapes the way learners interpret information, build knowledge, and communicate.
- Assess the socio-political and cultural influences on learners, their families, and the educational systems within their communities.
- Design engaging and innovative learning experiences that foster critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills of learners.
- Evaluate the purpose and application of digital tools and media to support the reading, writing, and communication skills of 21st century learners.
- Analyze leadership theories and leader behaviors that foster change, empower others, and promote collaboration among educational and community stakeholders.
- Integrate theory with practice through action research that seeks to advance integrative and engaged learning.
- Reflect on one's role as an educator and leader.
Requirements
Required Courses
Theory and Research Core
| ED 604 | Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Development of Learners | 3 credits |
| ED 606 | Socio-political and Cultural Influences on Families, Organizations, and Communities | 3 credits |
| ED 608 | Action Research | 3 credits |
Integrative Learning Core
| CBEL 612 | Innovative Teaching and Learning for 21st Century Skills | 3 credits |
| CBEL 616 | Community Engagement and Leadership | 3 credits |
| LTED 623 | Digital Literacy and Media | 3 credits |
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.
| CBEL 664 | Teaching & Learning for Specialized Populations | 3 credits |
| ED 510 | Psychology and Development of Adolescents | 3 credits |
| ED 550 | Mathematical Concepts and Problem Solving for Middle School Teacher | 3 credits |
| ED 560 | Scientific Concepts for Middle School Teachers | 3 credits |
| ED 605 | STEM Curriculum Principles and Practices | 3 credits |
| ED 615 | Principles of Assessment | 3 credits |
| ED 630 | Principles of Special Education | 3 credits |
| ED 690 | Issues 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.
| CM 615 | Nonverbal Communication | 3 credits |
| LTED 603 | Foundations of Literacy | 3 credits |
| LTED 611 | Literacy Assessment | 3 credits |
| LTED 621 | Culturally Responsive Literacy | 3 credits |
| LTED XXX | Children's Literature | 3 credits |
| ED 510 | Psychology and Development of Adolescents | 3 credits |
| ED 620 | Literacy Strategies in the STEM Content Areas | 3 credits |
| ED 625 | Advanced Literacy Strategies in the STEM Content Areas | 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 610 | Foundations and Frameworks of Community-Based Education | 3 credit |
| CBEL 614 | Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation | 3 credits |
| CBEL 616 | Community Engagement and Leadership | 3 credits |
| CBEL 662 | Youth Development | 3 credits |
| CBEL 670 | Volunteer Management | 3 credits |
| CBEL 672 | Advocacy in Community-Based Organizations | 3 credits |
| CM 600 | Cultures and Communication | 3 credits |
| CM 605 | Communication Ethics in the Public Sphere | 3 credits |
| CM 620 | Conflict Communication and Leadership | 3 credits |
| CM 635 | Crisis Communication | 3 credits |