Master of Education

MEd for Experienced Educators, Problem-Based Learning Using Critical Skills

 

Reinvigorate your classroom.

You know that students learn best by doing, be it academic content or social-emotional skills. Enhance your classroom practice with complex, interesting, real-world learning opportunities that authentically boost student motivation and achievement while meeting academic standards. Integrate technology and develop quality assessment tools to document student success. The Critical Skills Classroom has everything you need to energize and inspire your students! This degree is offered by AU New England.


Program Overview

Our Problem-Based Learning concentration uses the highly regarded Critical Skills Classroom. Since 1986, the Critical Skills program has offered educators a powerful set of learning experiences in support of classroom and school change initiatives through the MEd program as well as via institutes and workshops through the Antioch Center for School Renewal. The Critical Skills Classroom is a comprehensive approach that creatively and effectively integrates four powerful teaching methodologies:

  • collaborative learning
  • experiential learning
  • problem-based learning
  • standards-aligned/ competency-based learning

The Critical Skills Classroom is a mindset in which the teacher and the student are co-learners, engaged in the same learning process but focused on different learning goals. Students in the Critical Skills Concentration will not only learn about the CSC but, through it, learn with program faculty who are current k-12 teachers and leaders with significant experience and success implementing Critical Skills in their classrooms. https://youtu.be/kWLhv8QnB4Y

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of our Critical Skills/ Problem-Based Learning (PBL) concentration are able to:

  • Design powerful, real-world, problem-based learning experiences (aka Challenges) that target student acquisition of essential knowledge, critical skills and fundamental dispositions.
  • Create strong, safe, collaborative classroom communities built on the principles of sustainability, inclusion and equity.
  • Integrate, visibly and intentionally, the development of the Critical Skills and Fundamental Disposition with content learning. These skills include: 

The Critical Skills

  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Decision Making
  • Creative Thinking
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Organization
  • Leadership

The Fundamental Dispositions

  • Ownership
  • Self Direction
  • Quality
  • Character
  • Collaboration
  • Community
  • Curiosity and Wonder
  • Engineer and implement comprehensive competency-based, authentic assessment practices, both formative and summative, to inform learning and teaching.

Curriculum

Our small, fully online courses combine the flexibility of online learning with the community and collegiality you crave. You’ll learn with educators from all over the world, creating new expertise via experiential learning, application of new ideas, and creation of new tools and strategies. Classes focus on theoretical and practical exploration, impacting your teaching in the short and long term. Most importantly, we realize that our students are working professionals with busy lives, so we work with you to make the best use of your time and meet your individual learning goals. Program Length:

  • 5-7 semesters
  • 33 credits – fully online  and low residency options available
  • One-two course(s) per term

Coursework: To earn the MEd in Foundations of Education with Problem-Based Learning Using Critical Skills Concentration, students must successfully complete a total of 33 credits, including 15 hours of core courses and 18 hours of concentration courses.

Take a look at the catalog for a full list of requirements and courses.

Not ready to commit to a full Master’s Degree program? Consider beginning with a certificate in Problem-Based Learning with Critical Skills.

Optional Summer Residencies 

If you choose to come to a summer residency instead of doing your program fully online, you can expect one or two weeks of a retreat-like experience in beautiful Keene, NH.  Small classes offer lots of hands-on activities, community-based learning opportunities, and a socially engaging week of meeting with your online classmates and AUNE  faculty.   In most concentrations, you have a choice of whether to attend face-to-face classes for either one or two weeks in the summer, and you don’t have to decide in advance.  You can consult with your adviser and see what fits your schedule and learning style best.  Dates for residencies  The Experienced Educators Summer Residency Courses are held the first two full weeks of July following the week of the Fourth of July holiday- typically the first and second or second and third weeks of the month.  You can choose to attend for the first or second week, or come for both weeks depending on your program. 

Career Outlook

This program provides an opportunity for public school teachers to advance on the salary schedule in accordance with district and school policies. Additionally, acquiring new skills and knowledge will improve classroom practice creating opportunities for new job roles within the school and district environment.

  • Lead Teacher
  • Department Chair
  • Classroom teacher
  • Experienced Educator 
  • Consultant

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