W6A

EDU696

Week 6 Instructor Guidance

Congratulations on achieving all you have in the class thus far! We are now entering the final week of the course. Give yourself a round of applause! Over the past five weeks you dove deep into all the program learning outcomes for the MACI, MAECEL, MAED, MATLT or MASE program.

Week 6 Intellectual Elaboration

The Week 6 intellectual elaboration provides a recap of the EDU696 course, explores teacher leaders, and offers some final words for the course.

EDU696 Recap

As the course comes to a close, reflect back on what has been mastered these past six weeks.

In Week 1 a review took place with the Framework for 21st Century Learning by redesigning an activity that represented 21st Century Learning through incorporation of Student Outcomes and Support Systems. Additionally, there was a discussion on diversity in regards to 21st Century Teaching and Learning.

Week 2 offered discussion on Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and a summarization on the understanding of the CCSS in Math and English Language Arts.

In Week 3, a reflection on critical thinking and problem solving in the classroom and a review of the Flipped Classroom concept. The redesign activity focused on 21st Century Learning & Innovation Skills and student assessment; making a connection between high quality assessment and Learning and Innovation Skills.

Week 4 included the all- important step of sharing your previously experienced peer reviewed action research process. The presentation included a brief discussion on the purpose of your study, a listing of research questions, a description of the outcomes and results of the study and identification of the modifications/adjustments that could be made if another completed action research cycle was done. You assumed the role of presenter at a professional conference and included the creation of a poster that outlined the action research for participants at the conference to view. Moreover, continued development of your Folio transpired.

In Week 5, the opportunity to sharpen your collaboration skills took place in mock Professional Learning Communities (PLC). An informative proposal was written to persuade an Analyst’s Office of the importance of incorporating technology when collaborating with other teachers in the state.

This final week, Week 6, you reflect upon your learning during this course, successes, and areas for improvement with regard to action research. Finally, there will be a culmination of all knowledge and skills into a Final Project and formal Folio.

Teacher Leaders

Teachers have a powerful role in the classroom and larger school community. School teachers, administrators, and educators/ trainers make countless decisions each day that affect many people. As such, it is important for educators to ground their decisions in research. When we can ground our decisions in research based best practices, a shift in designing curriculum and managing resources that incorporate 21st century professional development skills can transpire. By shifting our thoughts to 21st century professional development skills, teacher leaders and administrators can widely impact school goals ranging from improved teaching practices, to shaping professional development needs around classroom and community relations. Administrators and teacher leaders can directly link professional development to the developmental priorities for the school community.

A Final Word

As a final word—for those of you who want the challenge (and if you are just finishing a Master’s program, it may be the last thing on your mind just now), taking the final step and going after a Doctorate can be incredibly rewarding. It can open professional doors, and can give you the feeling that you can accomplish anything. It is a lot of work, however, and requires time, effort, and money, so it is not a decision to make lightly. If you decide to pursue a Doctorate degree, good luck! And if you do decide to take on any formal research project, the things you have learned in the MACI, MAECEL, MAED, MATLT or MASE program at the University of Arizona Global Campus will help you to be successful.

Week 6 Assessments Overview

Review the full instructions for each assessment below on the Week 6 homepage in addition to using this guidance.

Discussion 1- Reflecting on your Coursework

In this discussion, you share your takeaways from this course and how action research can influence educational change within the classroom, district and nationwide. As well, you will post your final Folio to acquire feedback from your peers and the instructor. Remember to submit early in the week so there is ample time for feedback and change as necessary.

Assignment – Final Paper and Folio

In this assignment, you will create a web-based Folio that includes redesigned activities from prior MACI, MAECEL, MAED, MATLT or MASE coursework that demonstrates your competency with the nine Program Learning Outcomes. Additionally, you will write a narrative reflection of your experience with the program and Folio construction.

Don’t forget to take the end of course Survey!