The Curriculum
The Curriculum
This 33 s.h. M.Ed. program is designed for teachers who are graduates of accredited institutions and initially licensed to teach.
The overall goal for the revised M.Ed. Program is to disrupt practitioners’ traditional concepts of schooling and move teachers toward more progressive visions and praxis. Candidates are: (1.) asked to re-imagine education from a range of theoretical perspectives, allowing for equitable learning opportunities that are respectful and responsive of students’ backgrounds, (2.) introduced to progressive student-centered pedagogies and classroom practices, and (3.) offered opportunities to experiment in their own practice with innovative pedagogies.
Cohort Program
Potential candidates are encouraged to enroll in Elon's intensive program leading to the Master of Education degree. The program involves two courses taught on campus each summer, three online courses in first academic year, and four online courses in the second academic year. Candidates progress through the program in a cohort. The M.Ed. Program will continue our current practice of offering candidates the option to live on campus during summer courses as this helps to foster the development of learning communities.
Innovation in Education
Graduate Core:
| MED 636 | Foundations of Research | Credits 3 sh |
| MED 761 | Leadership and Advocacy | Credits 3 sh |
| MED 780 | Master of Education Capstone I | 3 sh |
| MED 781 | Master of Education Capstone II | Credits 3 sh |
Remaining Courses:
| MED 611 | Reimagining Education | Credits 3 sh |
| MED 621 | Classroom Culture and Restorative Practices | Credits 3 sh |
| MED 625 | Justice-Oriented Teaching | Credits 3 sh |
| MED 640 | Place-Based Education | Credits 3 sh |
| MED 712 | Global Issues in Education | Credits 3 sh |
| MED 740 | Project-Based Learning | Credits 3 sh |
| MED 737 | Design Thinking | Credits 3 sh |
| MED 699 | Independent Educational Research | Credits 1-3 |
Gifted Education (K-12)
Graduate Core:
| MED 515 | Educational Assessment and Evaluation | 3 sh |
| MED 636 | Foundations of Research | Credits 3 sh |
| MED 523 | Instructional Technologies in the Classroom | 3 sh |
| MED 532 | Consultation and Collaboration Skills | Credits 3 sh |
| MED 561 | Advanced Masters Seminar, II & III | 1.5 sh each |
| PSY 515 | Advanced Psychological Theory in the Classroom | 3 sh |
Gifted Education Core:
| MED 562 | Foundations of Education of Gifted Students | 3 sh |
| MED 564 | Curriculum & Instructional Design in Gifted Education | 3 sh |
| MED 567 | Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Students | 3 sh |
Electives:
| MED 540 | Literature for Children & Youth: Analysis and Application | 3 sh |
| MTH 521 | Mathematical Concepts and Connections | 3 sh |
| SCI 565 | Integrated Science | 3 sh |
Program Outcomes
Theme One: Innovative/Progressive Pedagogies and Student Learning
Candidates will:
SLO 1: Study principles of innovative/progressive pedagogies with an emphasis on student learning, voice, equity, and agency
SLO 2: Evaluate and apply theory and research within progressive pedagogies
SLO 3: Construct a learning environment that emphasizes the importance of social justice, diversity, and inclusion
Theme Two: Foundations of Progressive Pedagogies
Candidates will:
SLO 4: Examine the history, theory, and research of progressive pedagogies
SLO 5: Articulate a stance and advocate for innovative/progressive pedagogies that enable socially just teaching and meet the needs of all learners
SLO 6: Explain merits and challenges for progressive pedagogical approaches
Theme Three: Professional Practice
Candidates will:
SLO 7: Use assessment, evaluation, and research to solve authentic problems
SLO 8: Demonstrate proficiency in the following areas of professional practice:
a. Teacher leadership
b. Respectful educational environments
c. Content and curriculum expertise
d. Student learning
e. Reflection
SLO 10: Design and facilitate a supportive learning environment grounded in progressive theories of teaching and learning.