| M.A.
in Teaching and Learning: Research in Curriculum
Design
The M.A. in Teaching and Learning:
Research in Curriculum Design at UCSD offers professional
educators
in elementary and secondary schools an extensive
overview of principles of educational research
and
curriculum design.
A key feature of this M.A. program is the integration
of research and practice. M.A. students can remain
full-time
K-12 teachers for the duration of the program.
They design, implement, and evaluate curricular
innovations
in their own classrooms. The culmination of the
M.A. work is a thesis describing the rationale,
development, and effectiveness of these innovations.
The M.A. Course of Study
The M.A. program requirements consist
of forty quarter units of coursework, including the
master's thesis. Courses are usually offered for 4.0
quarter units of credit, and are typically offered one
night per week, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Core coursework
comprises twenty-eight units, with the remaining
twelve units consisting of elective coursework.
Core M.A. Coursework
- First Summer (mid June -
late August)
- EDS 229: Introductory
course about research on teaching practice.
- EDS 231 or 232 (offered
alternating summers): Each summer includes an
intensive course in innovative instructional
theory and practices. Specific topic changes
each year. Examples include: portfolio and
authentic assessment; telecommunications in the
classroom; collaborative learning; and research
on child development and learning.
- Fall, Winter, and Spring
- EDS 230A-B-C: Three-quarter
seminar providing an extensive overview of
curriculum design principles, and application of
educational research to classroom practice
- EDS 233A: Graduate seminar
in which UCSD faculty present their research on
educational topics.
- EDS 290 (spring only):
Intensive work with faculty adviser.
- Second Summer (mid June -
late August
- EDS 231 or 232: (see
above.)
- EDS 295: Completion of M.A.
thesis writing.
What do teachers say about their
experience in the M.A. Program?
"There is much to think
about, much to learn, and much room for improvement in
education. This program is an opportunity to start
your quest to help the field of education as more than
just a teacher." (1992 graduate)
"Think of this program as something you do
for yourself. This is an opportunity to return to
the 'life of the mind.' This year gave me a chance
to recharge my intellectual batteries!" (1991
graduate)
"This program skillfully leads you through a
process of discovering your own philosophy about
teaching and learning, questioning your assumptions, and
engaging with educational research." (1993
graduate)
"The best learning experience of my life."
(1998 graduate)
Examples
of M.A. Research Projects
The topics of the M.A. theses in past
years are varied, and have included: multimedia approaches
to secondary biology and chemistry instruction; writing
revision among emergent writers; building partnerships
between families and schools; activities which link home
and school experiences in the content areas of reading
and writing, mathematics, science, and social studies;
improved integration of curriculum and assessment; motivation
and art; using technology for mathematics and geography
teaching; and embedding ESL in native language instruction.
Since the program's inception in 1988, more than 200
students have earned M.A. degrees in Teaching and Learning
with an emphasis in Research in Curriculum
Design. Of these, 53% came from the ranks
of elementary teachers, 43% worked as secondary
teachers, and the rest taught
at the post-secondary level.
Who
do I contact for further information?
All interested applicants
to the Ed.D. Teaching and Learning Program
and the M.A. in Teaching and Learning: Research
in Curriculum Design are strongly encouraged
to attend an
informational meeting during
December or January lasting about one hour.
There will
be a brief presentation, as well as group and
one-on-one advising.
For questions about the admissions process, please contact Jeff James at
(858) 822-2350 or jhjames@ucsd.edu.
For more information about the MA in Teaching and Learning: Research
in Curriculum Design please contact
Dr. Jim Levin at jalevin@ucsd.edu.
MA
in Teaching and Learning: Research in Curriculum
Design Theses
1989-2007
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