Course description
This field of specialization considers educational and discipline-related theories and practices related to the cognitive, social, emotional, psychological and behavioural development of learners across the lifespan.
Degree Requirements
Five credits (or ten half-credit courses) are required to complete the MEd program. Thesis route: Four credits (eight half-credit courses) plus the thesis. Project route: Four and one-half credit courses (nine half-credit courses) plus the project.
The program consists of required core course(s) (see below), EDUC 5P92, program electives (see below), project/thesis proposal tutorial (EDUC 5P90), and a required exit project (EDUC 5P93) or thesis (EDUC 5F95). At least one half-credit elective must be selected from the student's field of specialization electives. Remaining electives may be selected from any of the four fields specializations or general purpose courses.
Full-time students must register for a non-credit graduate seminar (EDUC 5N99) in each Fall term of full-time studies.
Teaching, Learning, and Development
EDUC 5P30
Development, Learning and Curriculum
Overview and application of basic educational foundational theory to the types of decisions educators make before, during and after contact with students, colleagues, administrators and community members. Emphasis on a variety of perspectives for critical and personal analysis of current issues in the field.
Note: Failure to obtain a minimum grade of 70% in EDUC 5P30 may result in withdrawal from the program.
EDUC 5P31
Families, Schools and Learning
Examination of research, educational policy and issues related to family literacy, academic achievement, and home/ community partnerships. Exploration and analysis of curriculum models and research related to family literacy and parental involvement.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5V15.
EDUC 5P32
Learning and the Mind
Exploration of cognitive factors that influence learning including long and short-term memory, attention, and metacognition. Review of principles of explicit instruction and scaffolding. Participation in mini-experiments related to memory, learning and strategic instruction.
EDUC 5P33
Development, Life-Long Learning and Meaning-Making
Critical understandings of developmental issues in education using life-span psychology and narrative methodologies. Exploration of professional aging and development using theoretical and practical approaches and implications for teaching and learning.
EDUC 5P35
Adult Teaching and Learning
Examination of theoretical foundations of adult teaching and learning, characteristics of adult learners in diverse contexts, and guiding principles for practice. Exploration of current topics including women as learners, technology, self-directed learning, andragogy and transformative learning. Designing, facilitating and evaluating adult learning activities.
EDUC 5P36
Critical Perspectives on Adult Learning
A critical examination of a variety of perspectives on adult education. Understanding and analyzing the conceptual frameworks that underlie adult education practices across a variety of contexts. Critical perspectives to personal practice and topics of interest.
EDUC 5P37
Developmental and Educational Issues in Children and Adolescents
Explores issues from child and adolescent developmental psychology. Develops a personal framework for understanding past, present and future educational experiences.
EDUC 5P38
Clinical Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties and Disabilities
Participation in a practicum-based course with a client of the Reading Clinic. Using formal reading assessments to determine client's reading strengths and weakness. Engaging in parent intake, report writing and parent debriefing.
EDUC 5P39
Understanding the Reading Process and Reading Difficulties
Exploration of the reading process and associated theories of reading ability. Examining factors that influence students' reading abilities and evidence-based practices that support the development/ enhancement of these skills. Exploring topics of related interest.
EDUC 5P41
Early Childhood Education
Exploration of the research on the effectiveness of past and present program models of child development with the intent of designing curriculum for young children that encourages optimal growth.
EDUC 5P42
Innovative Practices in Curriculum/Assessment (K-16)
Examination of contemporary practices that bridge accountability and relevance based on learning/teaching principles. Exploration of curriculum alignment with an emphasis on assessment into instructional strategies.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5P01 and/or 5P04.
EDUC 5P43
Invitational and Holistic Approaches to Education
Creative application of invitational and holistic theory to teaching, learning, and curriculum practices. Connecting theory to multiple intelligences, emotional intelligence and self-concept, interpersonal skills, integrated studies, collaborative learning and creative problem solving, and organizational strategies and democratic practice.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5P51.
EDUC 5P44
Curriculum Design, Implementation and Evaluation
Examination of past and current curriculum design, implementation and assessment models from the perspective of students, teachers and administrators. Exploration of future directions in program design, implementation and evaluation.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5P18, 5P26 and/or 5P27.
EDUC 5P45
Learning Difficulties in the Classroom: Diagnosis and Programming
Examination of major theories, research and instructional strategies developed for students with exceptionalities. Critical analysis of current perspectives and controversies on identification, intervention and causative factors. Exploration of effective intervention strategies through case study.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5V40 and/or 5V41.
EDUC 5P46
Behavioural Disorders in the Classroom
Analysis of the behavioural disturbances of children and adolescents. Examination of biological, psychological, behavioural and cognitive models regarding etiology, diagnosis and interventions. Topics include oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, hyperactivity anxiety and depression. Case study analysis to connect theory to practice.
EDUC 5P47
Emotional Lives in the Classroom
Investigation of students' emotional experiences and self-knowledge through psycho-educational research, inclusive philosophies and educational practices.
EDUC 5P48
Science in the Curriculum
Analysis of elementary and secondary science curriculum including current approaches. Emphasis on the use of multimedia and instructional activities.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5P02.
EDUC 5P49
Writing Development
Exploration of current theories of writing development, in terms of both developmental stages and implications for pedagogy. The Ontario Curriculum and Provincial Language Standards are examined. Participants take part in a writing process experience throughout the course.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5P03 and/or 5V04.
EDUC 5P52
Contemporary Issues in Higher Education
Exploration of expectations, roles and stakeholder functions in relation to changing educational and professional environments in higher education. Topics include information and communication technology, distance learning, public accountability and performance indicators.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5V48.
EDUC 5P54
Designing Curriculum to Develop Thinking Abilities
Analysis and application of past and current conceptions and theories on how to develop critical and reflective thinking skills across the curriculum.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5P16.
EDUC 5P55
Mathematics in the Curriculum
Analysis of elementary and secondary mathematics curriculum including current approaches. Emphasis on major issues and trends.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5P12 and/or 5V07.
EDUC 5P56
Technology in the Curriculum
Analysis of the impact of computer technology and the information age on society and schools. Examination of the integration of new technology (including microcomputers) and information-age skills into the curriculum.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5P22.
EDUC 5P57
Physical Education in the Curriculum
Exploration of the nature and scope of elementary and secondary school physical education. Examination of the issues and research in physical-education curriculum theory. Future trends with respect to student development, instructional strategies and evaluation.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5P28 and/or 5P29.
EDUC 5P59
The Arts in the Curriculum
Examination of the contributions of educating through art, drama, music and writing for meaningful learning. The cognitive, social, kinesthetic and problem-solving strategies used by creative persons.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5V60 and/or 5V69.
EDUC 5V30-5V70
Special Topics in Teaching, Learning, and Development
Seminar for students wishing to study a specific problem area Teaching, Learning, and Development.
General Courses
EDUC 5F95
Thesis Tutorial in Educational Studies
A research project carried out in collaboration with a faculty adviser and relevant resource personnel.
Prerequisite: EDUC 5P90.
EDUC 5N99
Graduate Seminar in Education
A non-credit graduate seminar that focuses on issues in graduate studies and educational research student's encounter while developing their programs of study and preparing their proposals, projects and theses.
Note: This course is a required course for all full-time students.
EDUC 5P90
Project/Thesis Proposal Tutorial
A proposal that provides the framework for the student's project or thesis. The proposal will be formally presented to the project supervisor. Prerequisite: All required core courses and electives, including l "EDUC5P90" EDUC 5P92 or permission of the Graduate Program Director.
Note: The proposal contract form must be completed and returned to the Graduate Department of the Faculty of Education before students are allowed to register for this course.
EDUC 5P92
An Introduction to Educational Research
Interdisciplinary analysis of research methods used in education with an emphasis on basic research concepts and their application.
Note: this is a required course for all students; failure to obtain a minimum grade of 70% in this course could result in withdrawal from the program.
EDUC 5P93
Project Tutorial in Educational Studies
Individual investigation or analysis of an issue/area in contemporary educational practice. Topic must be approved by a faculty advisor who will also supervise and guide the student during the preparation of the project. Students are required to prepare two copies of the final document according to the published MEd project guidelines.
Prerequisite: EDUC 5P90.
EDUC 5P94
Advanced Writing Seminar
An interdisciplinary approach to scholarly writing and publishing in higher education. Exploration of the stages of the writing and publishing cycle in relation to personal interests, and a sense of self as writer.
EDUC 5P96
Educational Internship
A one-semester field experience for MEd students not normally available through either course-work or the exit requirements. Provides an opportunity for students to work as an apprentice to a field mentor on specific learning goals.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair on the basis of a written application.
Note: Only one internship course may count towards the MEd degree. Applications must specify the name and role of the field mentor as well as the name of a faculty supervisor. Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5V96.
EDUC 5P98
Independent Study in Education
Specialized study on an individual basis under the direction of a faculty supervisor.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair on the basis of a written application.
Note: Only one independent study course may count towards the MEd degree.
EDUC 5P99
Introduction to Studies in Education
Education as a field of study and multiple ways of knowing. Review of current educational theories, trends, and issues. Provides a foundation for research literacy.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in EDUC 5P55.
EDUC 5V90-5V98
Special Topics in Graduate Education
Seminar for special topics of a general nature.
