TEACHING AND LEARNING

Programs

M.Ed. in Adult Learning

The M.Ed. in Adult Learning is a 39-credit hour program of study that prepares individuals for a broad range of positions related to the education of adult learners. The M.Ed. in Adult Learning provides a three-course foundation in educational research, evaluation, and adult development. A strong core of seven courses related to the design, development, and delivery of adult learning programs and activities comprises the major portion of the curriculum. The emphasis is upon equipping an educator of adults with the requisite knowledge, skills, and dispositions to work with a broad array of adult learners in business and industry, government, education, non-profit, and community and human service agencies. The program also addresses the needs of educators who work with multicultural adult learners and those with special needs.

In the last two years of the program, students select one of three specialization tracks for a three-course concentration in either Adult Literacy, Human Resource Development, or Adults with Disabilities. The last course in the program, a Capstone Seminar in Action Learning, reunites students from all three specialty tracks for a comprehensive synthesis of learning as they work in action learning teams to solve a real problem of strategic importance to an organization in the community.

A unique feature of the program is the Portfolio Assessment, which, in combination with the Capstone Seminar, replaces a comprehensive examination requirement. For the portfolio, students are required to write a reflective essay at the end of each core and specialty track course taken, evaluating their learning experiences and how they intend to apply what has been learned. The reflective essay, along with a copy of the student’s “best work” from each course is placed in the portfolio, to be reviewed at the end of the program by the student and his or her advisor. The portfolio serves as a demonstration of the graduate’s abilities to a prospective employer.

 

Program Requirements

Specialty Track Component - 9 credits in one of three concentrations
Adult Literacy Track

- TEDU 552 Teaching English as a Second Language
- READ 602 Literacy for Adults
- TEDU 681 Investigations and Trends in Teaching: Issues in Adult Literacy

Human Resource Development Track

- ADLT 620 Human Resource Development Overview
- ADLT 623 Organizational Learning
- ADLT 625 Change Strategies for HRD Practitioners

Adults with Disabilities Track

- SEDP 616 Introduction to Disability Studies, Community Services and Business Networks
- SEDP 618 Strategies for Managing Disabilities in the Workplace
- TEDU 651 Topics in Special Education: Competitive Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

For more information, please contact Dr. Teresa Carter at tjcarter@vcu.edu