About

Course Description

This course aims to support students in exploring their own perspectives on learning as well as taking a look at contemporary theories of learning developed by academics in the education field. At the same time the course is designed to support students in becoming more effective advanced academic learners in the field of Education.

We recognize that students enter the M.Ed. program from diverse backgrounds and that they intend to use their M.Ed. degrees for different purposes. Therefore, each student’s learning in EDUC 5000, Learning about Learning, is viewed as a unique journey. Through structured experiences, non-judgmental reflection, and small-group sharing and support, students have opportunities to develop an understanding of their strengths and challenges as advanced academic learners and to work on the skills they need to succeed in the M.Ed. program.

The course is based on the theoretical perspective that there are many ways of learning and knowing, each developing within its own particular social context. Advanced academic learning in the field of Education is one such way of learning and knowing, with its own kind of thinking, language, community and culture. We recognize and respect other ways of learning and knowing and wish to support students bridging the border to the world of advanced academic learning, whether the visit they plan there be long or short. Throughout EDUC 5000 Learning about learning, we look forward to learning together through the rich exchange of perspectives made possible by the diversity of students.

Educational Objectives/Learning Outcomes

Successful completion of this course will enable students to:

  • Critically reflect on their own perspectives on learning
  • Outline and discuss the basic features of contemporary theories of education
  • Critically read text relevant to learning from a variety of media
  • Apply the ‘photo-voice’ technique to investigate and evaluate their own learning
  • Analyze and interpret their perspectives on learning in light of contemporary theories of learning
  • Present perspectives, investigations and interpretations of their own learning
  • Critically listen to and provide feedback on the presentations of others
  • Critically reflect and interpret their learning about learning in the course
  • Examine a personal learning story in light of contemporary learning theories