Introduction
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Teaching and Learning program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of practicing professional teachers. The master’s degree is for experienced teachers who want to learn the best of what research shows about the science and practice of learning and teaching. Research shows that the quality of a student‘s teacher affects that student through a lifetime. Today‘s school reform has shifted attention from how teachers teach to how students learn and what teachers must know and be able to do to facilitate student learning. Teachers must understand student development and how students learn. Qualified teachers are the key to economic success of any country. Teachers have need for continuous renewal of teaching skills and expertise. In particular, teachers need to upgrade their knowledge regarding what the World Bank (2008) calls transversal skills that will enable secondary school graduates to adapt to changes in society and the labor market. Teaching these skills requires a paradigm shift in pedagogy to include “inquiry-based learning and the adaptation of teaching to the learning capacity of individual students” and the new pedagogy requires new competencies of teachers.
The Master of Science in Teaching and Learning is a professional degree that incorporates research about the practice of teaching and how students learn. Students who complete the degree will be prepared to be teacher leaders, professional development leaders, or supervisors/technical assistance providers in their school. The program is based on the best of what is known from research about how students learn and pedagogical processes.
Objective
Through a commitment to academic excellence, the Master of Science in Teaching and Learning program develops highly competent, confident, and professional graduates who are prepared to be accomplished teachers and to contribute to effective schooling.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
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analyze learner characteristics that are influenced by student development and affect academic achievement;•
consider a range of theories of learning,•
investigate professional practice as the critical link between standards, assessments and student achievement of outcomes;•
evaluate curriculum options and the links with assessment informed curriculum and instructional strategies;•
examine differentiated instruction for students with special needs and inclusive environments;•
investigate literacy and numeracy strategies, materials, and assessment approaches in K-12 curriculum programs;•
explore and practice teaching strategies for subject areas including development, materials, plans, and teaching for higher- order thinking skills and integration;•
apply concepts, techniques, and theories learned in courses to classroom settings and reflect on outcomes;•
enhance learning through activities and methodology that engages all sensory modalities and integrates learning across curriculum areas; and•
facilitate student inquiry skills and student ownership and direction of their own learning.Faculty
The graduate courses are taught by select professors from Zayed University and partner university faculty who are academically qualified at the doctoral level and have diverse international research experience.
Curriculum
Prior to formal coursework, students participate in an orientation program that introduces them to the nature and requirements of the program, some of the major issues involved in being a graduate student, the facilities offered in the program such as the library, online databases, the Curriculum Resource Center, academic reading and writing preparation, and ways of communicating with faculty. During this orientation students form small, informal working teams to provide support for each other during the entire program.
The curriculum consists of 4 core courses, 7 specialization courses and a choice between an action research study and an internship which may be done internationally.
Core Courses
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EDC 650 Science of Cognition and Learning•
EDC 601 Introduction to Educational Research•
EDC 604 Statistics in Education and Human Services•
EDC 635 Assessment and EvaluationSpecialization Courses
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EDC 664 The Intersection of Development and Learning•
EDC 662 Using Technology in the Classroom•
EDC 661 Implementing a Research-based Framework for Education•
EDC 665 Teaching in a Complex World: Teaching and Knowing•
EDC 668 Developing the School as a Learning Community•
EDC 646 Implementing Inclusive Education•
EDC 657 Advanced Classroom ManagementCulminating Options Action Research Study
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EDC 602 Engaging in Educational Research The research will be completed in the participant’s work place to study an issue of importance in the school or classroom and rooted in curriculum and instructional leadership. The participants will make a public presentation of their research findings.Or
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Internship/Study Abroad
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EDC 699 Graduate InternshipParticipants will engage in some internship hours attached to specific coursework and should apply for the final internship. Participants will be assigned a faculty member (as a Zayed University supervisor) and a school leader to mentor the student during the internship. The Zayed University supervisor in collaboration with the mentor will identify leadership and school-based opportunities that will align with learning outcomes required in the internship and reflect the career aspirations of the participants. Participants will make a public presentation of their internship experience and demonstrate their achievement in meeting the graduate program learning outcomes.
An international internship (study abroad opportunity) is possible by arrangement (the expenses will be borne by the candidate).
Course Delivery Format
Each of the courses will be offered during either a six to eight week period or an intensive period. Each course includes face-to-face instruction, in addition to out-of-class activities conducted independently or through technology applications that complement the course interactions. All courses are based on 15 contact hours per credit.
Admission Requirements
Admission is open to males and females of all nationalities. Applicants must have earned a four-year baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher from an accredited university and demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to manage a challenging, fast-paced master’s degree program.
Graduation Requirements
Graduate students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in course work and complete a final project in fulfillment of the requirements of a graduate degree.