EDUC 695 - Seminar in Graduate Study: Master’s Project and Practicum 3 s.h.

This course consists of two integrated components: a) Research Project – The student will conduct the research study designed in EDUC 655, and b) Professional Development – The student will engage in an on-going process of reflection and self-evaluation to monitor teaching behaviors and to document professional growth. Class time will consist of four to five large group sessions, at least seven small group meetings, and a final conference. Individual meetings will also be held as needed. In addition to meeting with the course instructor(s), students will also be encouraged to solicit advice and feedback from their advisors and from other faculty members. Students should be prepared to revise the initial proposal, as recommended. The purpose of this course is to actively engage beginning and practicing teachers in the research process. Each teacher will plan, design, and carry out a research project based upon current research practices and the teacher’s own professional background and experience. Current national standards emphasize the role of the teacher as an agent of change in creating a meaningful learning environment. To adopt this role, the teacher must engage in an on-going process of analysis and self-evaluation. It is the intent of this graduate program to assist the student in connecting theory and practice to enable him/her to perform the dual roles of researcher and reflective practitioner. As with all teaching and learning, most of the responsibility falls upon the student. The course professor is but one of many resource people that the student should call upon for assistance; e.g., student advisor, other faculty.
Prerequisite(s): EDUC 655 , and permission of the department.