Courses|Master of Education
Below are the course requirements for this academic program.
Foundation Courses
This course, the opening to the M.Ed. program, will begin by exploring different perspectives concerning the nature and purpose of education, including a direct focus on Christian educational philosophies. This course will also explore the relationship between an individual鈥檚 foundational belief system and their beliefs about teaching and learning, examining identified views of learning and philosophies of education. Participants will have the opportunity to identify their own foundational belief system and to articulate their own Christian educational philosophy. Then the focus of the course will shift to exploring the relationship between a Christian educational philosophy and a variety of central elements of education (e.g. curriculum, instruction, assessment and evaluation, teacher-student relationships, classroom management, etc.), identifying possible implications and applications.
This course delves into the concept of self-knowledge, framed by Paul鈥檚 words in 1 Corinthians 13: 鈥淔or now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known,鈥 and by the mantra penned by Parker J. Palmer (1998): 鈥淲e teach who we are鈥. By exploring various methods and modes of inquiry used to understand the self, while drawing from psychology, literature and contemplative practices (i.e. prayer, etc.), students will examine the nature and significance of their own personal preferences in a complex, rapidly-changing classroom. The course investigates foundational questions such as "what does it mean to know oneself?" and "how does self-understanding impact our choices, relationships and sense of purpose?"聽
Palmer, P.J. (1998). The courage to teach: Exploring the inner landscape of a teacher鈥檚 life. Jossey-Bass.
This course will survey theoretical and empirical research in the study of learning sciences focusing on recent and ongoing studies of memory, attention, language and social/emotional development. Participants will examine research literature from multiple fields in the brain sciences, including cognitive science, experimental psychology and neuroscience through a lens of wonder, awe and reverence of God鈥檚 created humanity. This course will explore how such knowledge can be and is being applied to support the learning needs of all including the neurodivergent student, and those whose educational needs may not be met through conventional approaches.
This course explores how technology is shaping the future of education (e.g. virtual classrooms, educational apps, AI tools, etc.). Students will focus on balancing innovation with the need for human connection in learning, approaching technology through a strengths-based lens and viewing it as a gift to be stewarded for human flourishing.
Within the context of biblically-grounded understandings of knowledge and knowing, students will explore theories, methodologies and methods that are commonly employed in educational research. Students will learn how to read and discern research and how to apply it in the service of their learning communities. They will also consider how to design and conduct their own research projects.
Track-Specific Courses
This seminar course aims to expand students鈥 research knowledge and skills. Students will develop a proposal for a Major Research Project (MRP) in which they will clearly articulate their research questions, the academic and personal/professional context of the questions, and determine the research methods appropriate to the proposed investigation. If required, students will seek clearance from the Research Ethics Committee.
Students will demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the educational research process through the completion of a Major Research Project (MRP). Under the supervision of a faculty supervisor, students will engage in data collection, analysis interpretation and completion of their MRP. Upon completion of the MRP, an oral presentation is made to the supervisor and one additional assessor who may be external to Redeemer. All MRPs will be published in electronic form in the Peter Turkstra Library.
In this final program course, students complete an independent project that will integrate their learning in the program and apply it to a personal/professional education context. These projects will be presented in a variety of public formats/forums.