Course Descriptions
Outlines are normally available 1-2 weeks prior to the start of term in D2L.
Leading for Learning is a program option within the Master of Education (MEd), Specialist route. Visit the Master of Education, Specialist Route page for complete MEd details including fees
Building educational leadership competencies required in rapidly changing, technologically rich, and inclusive schooling contexts is the focus of the Leading for Learning Program. Initially designed in collaboration with the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS) in 2011, it has been updated through an extensive curriculum review process completed in 2015. The program will be of interest to current and aspiring leaders.
Program Goals
Outlines are normally available 1-2 weeks prior to the start of term in D2L.
All courses in this cohort will be offered fully online. These courses are held in both an asynchronous environment (D2L) and a synchronous (real-time) environment (Zoom) which allows instructors to virtually meet and talk with students and experience a live exchange of ideas, hear class presentations and do group work with access to a whiteboard. There are typically no more than 5 sessions over a 13-week term (Fall and Winter) and fewer over a 6-week term (Spring and Summer).
Through examination of foundational works in educational administration and leadership will focus on three themes. The evolution of key ideas, scholarship, and research in the field is a primary consideration. Thoughtfully considering a range of current leadership perspectives, constructs and theories constitute the course's second theme. The third theme bridges theory and practice while providing opportunities for exploration and understanding leadership identities and competencies within the complexities of current organizations, institutions and communities.
This course focuses on instructional strategies that engage students through challenging and authentic learning experiences. Exploring the importance and practices of ensuring alignment of curriculum outcomes, learning experiences, and assessment including pedagogies that enable First Nations, Métis and Inuit student success. Particular attention will be paid to the theoretical and practical aspects of providing instructional leadership and leading student learning, professional learning, and understanding Indigenous knowledge, learning, and theory.
Through engagement with educational research on teacher growth, supervision and evaluation, and critical reflection on teaching practices, students will deepen their understanding of what it means to lead teaching in a range of contexts. In addition to the literature on quality teaching and frameworks for effective teaching, students will consider the research on student engagement, formative assessment and the learning sciences along with advances in our understanding of technological, pedagogical and content knowledge.
Course content will address leadership competencies of effective relationships, visionary leadership, leading a learning community, and advancing First Nations, Métis and Inuit foundational knowledge in schools and districts, instructional leadership, developing leadership capacity, managing school operations and resources, and understanding and responding to the larger societal context.
Research informed leadership practices that promote professional learning to improve student outcomes form the foundation of this course. Topics include: professional learning and professional 21 development, adult learning theory, capacity building, mentorship, and creating collaborative cultures. This course focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of providing instructional leadership, leading a learning community, modelling a commitment to professional learning, developing leadership capacity and fostering effective relationships.
The primary focus of the course is program evaluation rather than the assessment of individuals (for example, the measurement of student achievement or personnel review). The course focuses on developing an understanding of the logic of evaluative thinking, the nature of evaluation as a profession and discipline, the knowledge and skills needed to be expert consumers of program evaluation and novice evaluators in contexts relevant to individual career contexts.
This course explores the systemic and social complexities in leading learning organizations. Drawing on current research and emerging paradigms in system level leadership, participants will critically analyze the enduring responsibilities and disruptive possibilities of the dual role of educational and executive leadership. Particular attention will be paid to the theoretical and practical aspects of visionary leadership, building effective relationships, leading learning, and school authority operations and resources.
This course addresses the macro and micro relations and structures surrounding school systems and their potential as dynamic platforms for leadership. Drawing on research and contemporary educational contexts and calls to action participants will examine transparent, equitable, inclusive, and collaborative leadership that results in optimum learning for students. Particular attention will be paid to theoretical and practical aspects of supporting effective governance, modeling commitment to professional learning and ensuring First Nations, Métis and Inuit education for all students.
The course focuses on some of the issues and dilemmas that frame the context for contemporary research, and guides participants in a preliminary consideration of research strategies, questions and methods. This course includes a discussion of action research in education as a pragmatic way to integrate various methods in one school based research project. Participants will also be encouraged to approach research articles and reports with a critical perspective and develop some skills and techniques for this kind of close reading
This course explores the leadership required to establish a collaborative, inclusive, and evidence-informed learning culture. Participants will reflect on their dual role as researcher and practitioner and will also consider the ethical ways data is shared and used in classroom, schools, and systems to ensure optimum teaching and learning. The ways in which leaders foster effective relationships, provide instructional leadership, lead a learning community, and respond to the larger societal context will be considered.
Collaboratory of Practice represent a fusion of two important development in contemporary research: communities of practice and collaboratories. A collaboratory is a new networked organizational form involving structured experiences of authentic, real-world practice which serve as sources of active inquiry and professional learning. This course provides opportunities for individuals or groups to investigate real world problems and to devise or recommend pragmatic solutions suitable to their contexts.
This course will focus on examining and developing the skills associated with crafting an academic paper. Topics will include genres and purposes of academic writing, and venues for presentation and publication. An acceptable paper- whether intended for an academic or a professional audience, and whether a research report or a theoretical-philosophical argument – takes a clearly defined topic or idea, situates it in the current literature, and supports it with a well-structured discussion.