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 SkillsFundamental Dispositions
Problem SolvingOwnership
Critical ThinkingSelf Direction
Decision MakingQuality
Creative ThinkingCharacter
CommunicationCollaboration
CollaborationCommunity
OrganizationCuriosity
LeadershipWonder
Laura Thomas

Laura Thomas, MEd

Program Coordinator, Problem-Based Learning through the Critical Skills Classroom

Speak to the Program Director

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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

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

  1. Complete the online admissions application, including:
    1. Essay questions, admissions, and program-specific
    2. Resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
    3. Non-refundable $50 application fee
  2. Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities where you earned a degree or certificate.
    1. Email transcripts to [email protected] or
    2. Mail to Office of Admissions Antioch University New England 40 Avon Street Keene NH 03431-3516
  3. 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.
  4. There are additional requirements for International applicants and applicants without a Bachelor’s degree.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
TermDate
SummerMay 1
FallAugust 15
SpringDecember 1

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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) CertificatesTuition Cost per CreditTotal Program Credits
Problem Based Learning / Critical Skills Certificate $81615
Educating for Sustainability Certificate $81612
Place-based Education Certificate $81612
Nature-Based Early Childhood Education Certificate $81612
Mindfulness for Educators Graduate Certificate$8169
Integrated STEAM Education Certificate $81615
Certificate in Teaching and Learning$81615
Certificate in Dyslexia Studies $81618
Certificate in Reggio Emilia Approach $81618
Certificate in Transformative Education$8169
Certificate in Trauma Informed Education$81618
View the Cost of Attendance Components

Tuition & Fees Financial Aid

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Take your next step – talk to our admissions team to find the right program for you.