Course Descriptions

EDU730 / Curriculum Design [3-0, 3 cr.]

The course reviews the history of curriculum development, to analyze the current curricular issues, including the impact of new technological advancement on curricula and to develop a comprehensive curriculum design. Students will learn to critically evaluate curricula in terms of structural elements, tools, and assumptions regarding subject matter and learning.

EDU731 / Research Methods [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces and develops the essential concepts and skills of quantitative and qualitative research designs that are most commonly used in addressing educational issues. Data acquisition and analysis tools are presented and applied in a structured, hands-on and supportive environment for learning. The course also enables students to critically interpret and evaluate research by analyzing the research methods used in various educational publications. It culminates in setting up a research project for a small- scale study.

EDU732 / Educational Technology [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course offers students the opportunity to develop a theoretical background and gain practical experiences in the design and production of teaching and learning materials, integrating the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools. Participants will be able to create technology-rich class and online situations to better engage learners, improve their performance, and enhance the quality of their learning environment. Participants will also read, analyze and synthesize research about the use of technologies in teaching and learning.

EDU733 / Advanced Educational Psychology [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course aids educators understand, predict, and control the fundamental principles of learning and human development, as they apply in educational settings. Topics include theories of learning, cognitive, social, and moral development, motivation, and teaching methods. The course critically examines research in human development and psychology, and its implication to the teaching and learning processes.

EDU771 / Pedagogical and Cognitive Foundations in STEM Education [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course presents and discusses the pedagogies unique to the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math). It builds on cognitive science to foster an analysis, evaluation and selection of STEM-based pedagogical approaches for developing and implementing curriculum materials for STEM education. Through readings, discussions and case studies, participants will gain insights into the cognitive foundations and the pedagogical strategies that can enhance STEM education.

EDU772 / Trends and Issues in STEM Education [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course aims to discuss the issues pertaining to STEM education, as well as the latest trends in the development of such integrative approach. The main issues to consider relate to the nature of math / science as learning subjects, their philosophical, societal, and cognitive bases (alternative conceptions, motivation, etc.). The course also includes discussions and reflections about the STEM approaches, the opportunities they create and the challenges they face.

EDU773 / Research in STEM Education [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides participants with a range of readings that report educational research in the STEM fields. Through discussions, analysis and synthesis, the approaches used are investigated. Participants will, individually and in groups, identify similarities, differences and overlaps among the researched issues, research designs, methods, and results. Research projects in STEM education are formulated and developed by the class.          

EDU751 / Leading & Managing Schools/Education Institutions [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course discusses major topics of educational management and leadership such as standards for school principals and various roles that senior and middle managers assume as they deal with decision making, team work, conflict management, micro-politics, organizational culture and others. Students reflect on current readings and analyze case studies from the field.

EDU752 / Trends & Issues in Educational Management [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides the opportunity to examine trends and issues in educational management and leadership such as a leader’s philosophy and style, role in instructional supervision, improving school climate and creating a learning environment, and others. Students reflect on current readings and analyze case studies from the field. Course readings are updated according to emerging trends and issues in the field.

EDU753 / School Effectiveness and Improvement [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides exposure to planning, organizing, and managing departments, schools, and other educational institutions under the supervision of the course instructor and cooperating practitioner. The seminar component focuses on readings in elements of effectiveness and improvement and in system thinking, strategic planning, and others. Students reflect on current readings and analyze case studies from the field. The course culminates in a research based project where students observe and conduct interviews at the site of their practicum and write synthesis reports based on their findings.

EDU740 / Trends & Issues in Early and Middle Childhood Education [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides opportunities for those interested to learn about context specific as well as related global challenges of the recent issues and trends in early childhood education. The course is designed to create awareness of the directions the field is taking, the challenges that early childhood education faces and identify potential solutions or alternatives for existing challenges, from both a theoretical and practical perspective.

EDU761 / Trends & Issues in TESOL [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides a critical perspective on current trends and issues in teaching languages for speakers of other languages.  It covers the major theoretical and research developments in the learning of other languages and investigates the relevance, and application of this work in the language classroom.

EDU762 / Sociolinguistics & Social Context of Language [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides an overview of the field of sociolinguistics.  It discusses language in its social context and looks at how linguistic choices are associated with social and situational characteristics, which relate closely to other aspects of language study such as discourse, pragmatics, and culture.

EDU763 / Discourse and Materials Development [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course discusses how language teachers incorporate pragmatic and discourse awareness in their teaching to implement a communicative approach in their respective classrooms to enhance the teaching of traditional areas of linguistic knowledge, as well as the teaching of language processing skills.

EDU741 / Special Education for All Educators [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course studies present trends and other topical issues affecting students with learning disabilities and related mild disabilities.  This course equips in-service teachers and administrators who are increasingly responsible for educating students with special needs in the regular classrooms with knowledge and skills to identify and support students with learning disabilities, but also other common disorders, namely ADHD, communication disorders, autism spectrum and so forth. Special focus is on diagnostic issues, assessment reports, differentiated instruction and an introduction to essential cognitive, academic, and behavior intervention strategies.

EDU742 / Behaviour Modification Techniques [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course focuses on the principles and applications of behavior theory, as they apply to the classroom setting. The main objective of this course is to equip students with tools that will allow them to design and execute educational plans tailored specifically to fulfill the needs of each individual in the classroom. The course is geared toward the managing of day-to-day problems as they arise in the school setting. Limitations of the behavioral model are also addressed.

EDU743 / Trends and Issues in Teaching, Learning and Assessment [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides an overview of the current trends and issues in teaching, learning, and assessment.  It aims to acquaint learners with key theoretical trends in teaching, learning and assessment at the classroom, subject or department levels. The course provides hands-on experiences and practical examples.

EDU745 / Educational Policies and Social Impact [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course highlights the challenges posed by educational policy makers in the field of educational politics and its impact on society as a whole, from an educational perspective. The course will cover global issues, such as poverty, economy, the role of stakeholders, and the role of foreign aid within the field of education and the impact of policy performance on educational systems. There will be emphasis on policy and education theories in line with the practical implications on education systems.

EDU748 / Topics in Education [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course discusses current issues and concerns in education. It is alternatively taught by various faculty members to cover a wide range of specialty areas.

EDU798 / Project in Education [3 cr.]

This course entails producing an original contribution typically in the form of educational materials (educational kit, curriculum or sections of a curriculum, guidebooks, etc.) or a field study.

EDU799 / Thesis in Education [6 cr.]

This course entails producing an original contribution. It may be field research, qualitative or quantitative, descriptive or experimental, case study, document analysis, or action research.

Graduate Workshop

This workshop requires students to attend a certain number of seminars/ thesis defenses/ workshops and make at least one presentation other than their own thesis defense and proposal. All work has to be completed within the two years of registering the course. The student has to submit a report (to the department) listing the attended seminars and given presentations and reflecting on each. It is mandatory for all graduate students. The department will notify the Registrar’s Office of the student’s completion of the requirements of this Workshop.