This course examines historical perspectives, current effective practices, and future trends in education. Following an overview of frameworks that have been used to inform teaching and learning practices, students will consider issues related to, and the impact of, these perspectives, practices, and trends. Students will then engage in focused study of the historical perspectives, current effective practices, and future trends in education specifically related to their identified area of specialization.

This course is an introduction to the foundations of research. After initially discussing the nature and roles of research, the majority of the course will involve increasing student awareness of the foundations, elements, and practical application of findings from quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and action research.

This course surveys emerging media and technology for teaching and learning. It prepares students to effectively integrate media and technology for engaging their learners and improving instructional practice.

This course explores learning theories that guide student learning in today’s diverse educational environments. Research-based practices are presented and discussed. Differentiated Learning and Universal Design models are explored with an emphasis on developing teacher competency in designing instruction responsive to the learning needs of all students.

This course examines organizational models of the field, how these models are chosen, and how they inform our current practice. Attention is given to the philosophies that guide organizational models and how such philosophies inform, support, and challenge direction in the field. Emphasis is also placed on the research, policy, and outcomes of particular organizational models related to the student’s identified area of specialization.

This course provides a foundation for students to examine professional issues through the lens of biblical and other worldview perspectives. Knowledge (truth) claims held by particular worldviews will be explored. Students will employ critical thinking strategies to identify, explore, and contextualize professional issues within their area of specialization.