For the Fall 2023 intake of the PhD eTAP programs, the Educational Theory and Practice group is especially interested in applicants whose research interests are aligned broadly with the theme of Relational Pedagogy.  Relational Pedagogy has wide ramifications in terms of social justice pedagogy, teacher practice, environmental education, educational philosophy, new materialism, contemplative education, and curriculum theorizing.  While we especially encourage applicants whose interests intersect with Relational Pedagogy during this Fall 2023 intake, as always, applicants whose research interests align with our program in other ways are just as invited to apply.

The historical roots of educational thought are examined from a broad cultural perspective. Major works in disciplines such as philosophy, psychology and sociology which have had significant impact on educational theorizing will be studied. Special attention will be paid to the relationship between theory and educational practice. Corequisite: EDUC 901B.

A further consideration of concepts explored in the EDUC 901 "A" course, with a view to providing students with opportunities to apply these ideas within their own educational settings. Corequisite: EDUC 901A.

Contemporary educational theories and theories from supporting disciplines (e.g., psychology, sociology, philosophy) will be examined and analysed. The relationships among contemporary theories, current practice and educational change will be focal. Corequisite: EDUC 902B.

A further consideration of concepts explored in the EDUC 902 "A" course, with a view to providing students with opportunities to apply these ideas within their own educational settings. Corequisite: EDUC 902A.

Investigations and discussions about curriculum theory and practice.

Investigations and discussions about curriculum theory and practice.

The Qualifying Examination will follow completion of degree course work. An open oral qualifying examination given by the supervisory committee. The examination consists of a defence of the proposed thesis topic by the student and their responses to supervisory committee questions about related proposed research topics. The examination follows submission of a written PhD research proposal. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Students who fail will either successfully complete a second examination within six months or withdraw from the program.

A major part of this program is original research. A thesis describing this is submitted and defended. Normally, before the fourth course a thesis research plan is presented to the supervisory committee. Upon entry to the program, every term students enroll in EDUC 899-15 Doctoral Thesis.

*Effective January 1, 2018, the unit value of EDUC 899 increased to 15 units from 10 units.

The supervisory committee may require further course work in this or other faculties. Students are encouraged to complete additional courses from other programs in Education and/or related departments outside the Faculty of Education.