MEd for Experienced Educators, Problem-Based Learning Using Critical Skills
Reinvigorate your classroom.
You know that students learn best by doing, be it academic content or social-emotional skills. Enhance your classroom practice with complex, interesting, real-world learning opportunities that authentically boost student motivation and achievement while meeting academic standards. Integrate technology and develop quality assessment tools to document student success. The Critical Skills Classroom has everything you need to energize and inspire your students!
This degree is offered by Antioch University’s New England Campus.
Program Overview
Our Problem-Based Learning concentration uses the highly regarded Critical Skills Classroom. Since 1986, the Critical Skills program has offered educators a powerful set of learning experiences in support of classroom and school change initiatives through the MEd program as well as via institutes and workshops through the Antioch Center for School Renewal. The Critical Skills Classroom is a 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 is a mindset in which the teacher and the student are co-learners, engaged in the same learning process but focused on different learning goals. Students in the Critical Skills Concentration will not only learn about the CSC but, through it, learn with program faculty who are current k-12 teachers and leaders with significant experience and success implementing Critical Skills in their classrooms. https://youtu.be/kWLhv8QnB4Y
Related Centers and Institutes
Additional Information
This program can be completed in 5-7 semesters with fully online and low residency options available. Students can begin in any semester and typically take 3-6 credits per term. Optional summer classes are available face-to-face in Keene, NH. To learn the MEd in Foundations of Education: Climate Change and Sustainability Education, students must successfully complete a total of 33 credits.
If you choose to come to a summer residency instead of doing your program fully online, you can expect one or two weeks of a retreat-like experience in beautiful Keene, NH. Small classes offer lots of hands-on activities, community-based learning opportunities, and a socially engaging week of meeting with your online classmates and AUNE faculty. In most concentrations, you can choose whether to attend face-to-face classes for either one or two weeks in the summer, and you don’t have to decide in advance. You can consult with your adviser and see what fits your schedule and learning style best.
Summer Residency Courses are held the first two full weeks of July following the week of the Fourth of July holiday- typically the first and second or second and third weeks of the month. Depending on your program, you can attend for the first or second week or come for both weeks.
Graduates of our Critical Skills/ Problem-Based Learning (PBL) concentration 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, the development of the Critical Skills and Fundamental Disposition with content learning. These skills include:
The Critical Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Decision Making
- Creative Thinking
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Organization
- Leadership
The Fundamental Dispositions
- Ownership
- Self Direction
- Quality
- Character
- Collaboration
- Community
- Curiosity and Wonder
- Engineer and implement comprehensive competency-based, authentic assessment practices, both formative and summative, to inform learning and teaching.
This program provides an opportunity for public school teachers to advance on the salary schedule in accordance with district and school policies. Additionally, acquiring new skills and knowledge will improve classroom practice creating opportunities for new job roles within the school and district environment.
- Lead Teacher
- Department Chair
- Classroom teacher
- Experienced Educator
- Consultant
Not ready to commit to a full Master’s Degree program?
Consider beginning with a certificate in any of our concentration areas.
Connect with Us
Faculty Spotlights
Paul Bocko, Ph.D.
Director
Laura Thomas, MEd
Core Faculty
Ellen Doris
Core Faculty
Susan Dreyer Leon
Core 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 Degree | Tuition Cost per Credit | Total Program Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MEd for Experienced Educators | $816 | 33 |
| View the Cost of Attendance Components | ||
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