Course Descriptions
MA in Education- STEM concentration
EDU501 Foundations of Learning and Implications for Teaching
Examine theories and philosophies on how students learn and relate them to current educational aims and practices. Strengthen your own philosophy about education and thoughtfully implement it in your own classrooms.
EDU520 Curriculum Theory and Design
Identify, study, and apply curriculum design models across learning environments to meet learning objectives, state standards, and student needs. Practically apply curriculum planning, development, implementation, and evaluation within the classroom. Describe and analyze your own instructional planning, teaching practice and learning environment. Use state standards as a basis for designing learning activities, assessments, and scoring guides that will prioritize learning based on curriculum.
EDU531 Assessment and Evaluation of Student Acheivement
Analyze the role of assessment in curricula to determine authentic assessments. Develop and build assessments using measurement methods and through data-driven decision making. Explore different types of assessments and their use for guiding curricular decisions, differentiating instruction, fostering student achievement, and improving teacher performance. Investigate the importance of reliable assessments through fair grading practices, rubrics, portfolios, and student feedback. Master education technology tools as means for assessment alternatives.
EDU532 Methods and Strategies for Effective Instruction
Examine instructional trends that engage students in learning through instruction or learning strategies such as graphic organizers, class-wide peer tutoring, paraphrasing, station rotations, and the Socratic Seminar. Excel in the active, inquiry-based, and project-based learning methodologies and practices using technology and multimedia as part of instruction. Describe and reflect on your instructional planning, teaching practice, and learning environment. Peer review other participants’ videos and written commentary.
EDU540 Ethics in Education
Examine Jewish sources to gain both theoretical and practical insights into Jewish ethics as they relate to education and the role of the educator. Consider how specific philosophical ideas shape educational values and how these can be reflected in your own ethical teaching practices. Utilize fundamental moral principles from the Jewish faith to foster a classroom culture characterized by respect and sensitivity.
EDU601 Teaching to STEM
Research philosophy, perspectives, and pedagogy make STEM learning successful. Analyze different methodologies and engagements, such as project-based learning, necessary for authentic, integrated STEM learning. Incorporate technology and engineering tools, practices, and standards that contribute to K-12 STEM education in your curriculum.
EDU611 Technology in the Classroom
Investigate the theoretical underpinnings of the field of Educational Technology. Study current methods and research projects in effect, as well as future trends as technology in learning evolves as a practice. Learn how to use technology as an effective learning tool and leave equipped with a robust arsenal of digital tools and instructional techniques that can be used to enhance learning outcomes in your classroom.
EDU622 Developing Innovators and Driving Innovation
Design integrated STEM curricula that focus on content and include appropriate assessments. Specialize in developing innovation skills in your students by fostering scientific and mathematical thinking and practices. Encourage the exploration of discovery skills such as associating, questioning, observing, networking, and experimenting. Learn how to create a culture of innovation and provide learning opportunities that promote perseverance, encourage curiosity, and ignite intrinsic motivation.
EDU630 Research Methods
Interpret and compare qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, and action research studies. Evaluate the quality and value of different research methodologies. Apply statistical procedures conducted in educational research and program evaluation through both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Use experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental designs to determine best solutions to educational problems and issues. Study components of research papers such as ethics in educational research, the development of a research question, an annotated bibliography, a literature review, statistical techniques, causation, validity and reliability, and testing and assessments relevant to educational settings.
EDU700 Capstone and Student Teaching Practicum
Execute a research-based STEM Education practice in formal or informal educational settings. Review self-selected theoretical literature and their relevant pedagogical strategies for the purpose of designing an appropriate curriculum that addresses the research-based STEM education practice. Include in the curriculum effective instructional practices and assessment methods studied in the program. Implement the curricula in a school classroom or other educational setting, allowing for at least two observations by a supervisor. Maintain a portfolio with artifacts such as resources, strategies, assessments, and other related items. Submit a report that includes the research, design and development process, implementation, and evaluation of the curriculum as a STEM teaching practice.
