Certificate in Problem-Based Learning with Critical Skills
Problem-Based Learning plus so much more.
Problem-based learning works. You know that. But you know that effective pedagogy is deeper than just one approach; it’s as unique as your fingerprint, changing, evolving, and growing along with your students. Use our Critical Skills Classroom to create complex learning opportunities uniquely designed by you to meet the needs of your students, combining PBL, experiential learning, and standards-driven learning with the intentional creation and maintenance of the powerful, safe learning community you and your students crave. Boost student motivation while teaching and assessing both academic content and the Critical Skills and Fundamental Dispositions.
Teachers use the Critical Skill Classroom at all levels, contexts, and disciplines.
This degree is offered by Antioch University’s New England Campus.
Program Overview
MEd and Certificate options are available. The Critical Skills Classroom is an educator-created comprehensive approach that creatively and effectively integrates four powerful teaching methodologies:
- collaborative learning
- experiential learning
- problem-based learning
- standards-aligned/ competency-based learning
The Critical Skills Classroom isn’t a model; it’s a mindset in which the teacher and the student are co-learners, engaged in the same learning process, and focused on aligned but different learning goals. Students in the Critical Skills Concentration will learn about the CSC by living it with program faculty who are current K-12 teachers and leaders and who have significant experience and success implementing Critical Skills in their own classrooms.
| Critical Skills | Fundamental Dispositions |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | Ownership |
| Critical Thinking | Self Direction |
| Decision Making | Quality |
| Creative Thinking | Character |
| Communication | Collaboration |
| Collaboration | Community |
| Organization | Curiosity |
| Leadership | Wonder |
Laura Thomas, MEd
Program Coordinator, Problem-Based Learning through the Critical Skills Classroom
Related Centers and Institutes
Additional Information
Certificate Program Length:
- 5-7 semesters
- 15 credits – fully online and low residency options available
- 1-2 courses per term
Certificate Courses: To earn the Certificate in Problem-Based Learning / Critical Skills, students must successfully complete a total of 15 credits.
Take a look at the catalog for a full list of requirements and courses.
Looking for more than a certificate? Consider an MEd in Problem-Based Learning Using Critical Skills.
Graduates of our Critical Skills/ Problem-Based Learning (PBL) MEd and Certificate program are able to:
- Design powerful, real-world, problem-based learning experiences (aka Challenges) that target student acquisition of essential knowledge, critical skills, and fundamental dispositions.
- Create strong, safe, collaborative classroom communities built on the principles of sustainability, inclusion, and equity.
- Integrate, visibly and intentionally, critical skill development with content learning. These skills include problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, creative thinking, organization, communication, collaboration, leadership, self-direction, curiosity, and ownership of learning.
- Engineer and implement comprehensive competency-based, authentic assessment practices, both formative and summative, to inform learning and teaching.
Faculty Spotlights
Ellen Doris
Core Faculty
Erin Tanzer
Teaching Faculty
Beth Poronsky
Adjunct Faculty
Helen-Ann Ireland
Adjunct Faculty
Admission
Education Programs at Antioch University New England value colleagueship and strong learning communities. We offer a 10% discount for 3 or more students from the same school or school district who attend any of our AUNE Education MEd or Certificate programs at the same time. Specific limitations and conditions apply. You can find more information here.
How to Apply
- Complete the online admissions application, including:
- Essay questions, admissions, and program-specific
- Resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
- Non-refundable $50 application fee
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities where you earned a degree or certificate.
- Email transcripts to [email protected] or
- Mail to Office of Admissions Antioch University New England 40 Avon Street Keene NH 03431-3516
- Two letters of recommendation are required from people who are in a position to evaluate your professional or academic work. The person making the recommendation may not be related to you.
- There are additional requirements for International applicants and applicants without a Bachelor’s degree.
- Interview with a faculty member of the department to which you seek entry if selected. This can be in person, by phone, or via Skype.
- Master’s and Certificate Programs do not require the GRE or any other standardized test for admissions. We consider all of your application materials and evaluate your academic potential in a variety of ways.
Official transcripts should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the Office of Admissions Antioch University New England 40 Avon Street Keene, New Hampshire 03431-3516. All application materials submitted become part of an applicant’s file and cannot be returned.
Application Deadlines
| Term | Date |
|---|---|
| Summer | May 1 |
| Fall | August 15 |
| Spring | December 1 |
Tuition & Financial Aid
A college education is an investment in your future. Let us help you understand the costs and explore the resources available to help make your college education even more affordable. The majority of AUNE students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public, and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants – are right for you. Our staff is here to help you so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program at AUNE.
Cost
| Foundations of Education (Experienced Educators) Certificates | Tuition Cost per Credit | Total Program Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Problem Based Learning / Critical Skills Certificate | $816 | 15 |
| Educating for Sustainability Certificate | $816 | 12 |
| Place-based Education Certificate | $816 | 12 |
| Nature-Based Early Childhood Education Certificate | $816 | 12 |
| Mindfulness for Educators Graduate Certificate | $816 | 9 |
| Integrated STEAM Education Certificate | $816 | 15 |
| Certificate in Teaching and Learning | $816 | 15 |
| Certificate in Dyslexia Studies | $425 | 18 |
| Certificate in Reggio Emilia Approach | $816 | 18 |
| Certificate in Transformative Education | $816 | 9 |
| Certificate in Trauma Informed Education | $816 | 18 |
| View the Cost of Attendance Components | ||
Start your Antioch Journey
Take your next step – talk to our admissions team to find the right program for you.