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Master of Education
MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Place- and Nature-Based Experiential Learning
| Method of delivery: Online with in-person components |
Applications open: November 1, 2023 |
Applications close: April 15, 2024 |
Next start date: September 2024 |
Explore ways to integrate place- and nature-based learning into your teaching practice. Discover the philosophical underpinnings of place- and nature-based learning while also improving your outdoor technical skills and comfort through the “on-trail” summer offerings.
Designed for
Practicing educators seeking to weave place and nature-based experiential learning opportunities into their practice. The focus will be on deepening ecological knowledge, weaving together holistic and Indigenous pedagogies and fostering social-emotional well-being.
Given the locations of the "on-trail" components, this program is particularly suited to educators in SD 46 (Sunshine Coast) and SD 67 (Okanagan Skaha).
Program Structure
- 2 year, 35-unit program (7 5-unit courses)
- Hybrid delivery with online synchronous classes and in-person "on-trail" components (in the Summer terms)
- Fall terms - online synchronous meetings*
- Spring terms - online synchronous meetings*
- Summer terms - online synchronous meetings* AND "on trail" - field experiences in Sunshine Coast and Penticton/ Okanagan Valley (One summer will be on the Sunshine Coast, one Summer will be in Penticton; students required to travel to the on-trail location each summer term)
*Synchronous classes run in real time, with students and instructors attending together from different locations.
Intake Schedule
Next Start Terms
Fall 2024
Program Design
Designed with working professionals in mind, this two-year degree program offers the opportunity to obtain a high-quality master's degree. Our online cohort-based model allows students to work through the program and coursework together (18-24 students).
This program allows students to:
- Examine teacher values, beliefs and experiences relating to place and nature-based learning and how these may influence educational decisions and interactions
- Explore theories and principles of place- and nature-based experiential learning and its place within educational change
- Learn from Indigenous worldviews and perspectives (including First Peoples Principles of Learning) and how these can inform relationships with place and practice
- Critically examine current directions in B.C. education through the perspective of place- and nature-based experiential learning and explore implications for practice
- Integrate place- and nature-based experiential learning across subject areas in the context of individual and collective practice guided by the B.C. Curriculum
- Explore diverse land, community, and place-based teaching and learning environments – including gardens, urban parks, school yards, and brown zones – while also considering questions of wellness and flourishing across locations and populations
- Engage in teacher inquiry and reflective practice stemming from encounters, those of teachers and learners, with place and relationships with the natural world
Courses
Students complete:
EDUC 823-5 CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION IN AN INDIVIDUAL TEACHING SPECIALTY
An intensive examination of developments in a curriculum area selected by the student. In addition the course will deal with major philosophical and historical factors that influence the present state and future directions of curriculum and instruction.
EDUC 820-5 CURRENT ISSUES IN CURRICULUM AND PEDAGOGY
Focuses on educational issues, trends and practices which impact teaching and learning in schools and other educational settings.
EDUC 816-5 DEVELOPING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND PRACTICES FOR DIVERSE EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS
Investigates theories and issues associated with developing educational programs and practices in various educational contexts. Addresses the development of new programs and their implementation in schools and other educational settings.
EDUC 904-5 FIELDWORK III (INQUIRY)
The Faculty Sponsor will provide further information regarding the Fieldwork course.
EDUC 857-5 ISSUES AND TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Examines the origins of environmental education, the range of program offerings, and the educational concepts which appear to underlie them. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
EDUC 830-5 IMPLEMENTATION OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Problems and practices associated with innovation and implementation including the nature of change in the educational context, the roles of teachers, administrators, change agents, and evaluators.
EDUC 883-5 MED COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
The examination is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Program courses and order of delivery subject to change.
Online
Courses in this program are offered online synchronously via Zoom. Ensure you have the following minimum technical requirements:
- PC (Windows XP or Vista) or Mac (OS X 10.4 or greater)
- High-speed internet connection
- USB headset with a microphone (or a headset)
- Webcam
- Acccess to a printer
"ON-TRAIL"
This program contains "on-trail" components during the Summer terms in two locations: Sunshine Coast or the Okanagan Valley.
Where can this program take you? The world is changing rapidly and so is the full range of career and academic opportunities that await.
Occupations
- K-12 environmental educators in nature-based schools and programs
- Faculty members at universities and colleges
Further Studies
- Graduates of this program may be interested in pursuing an Educational Leadership EdD (offerings and locations vary) or alternate PhD or EdD opportunities
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
Curious to know more about the program?
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Trina Zindler Program Assistant - MEd Programs
Community Graduate Programs 778-782-8120 cpmed@sfu.ca SRYC 5203