Course Descriptions
Introductory Course
EDUC 8040 Foundations: Teacher Leadership (6 sem. cr.)
The purpose of Foundations is to engage learners with the environment, expectations, and content of doctoral work in the Teacher Leadership program. Through participating in the course, learners will develop 1) facility with Walden University’s online learning environment and understanding of the university’s and the program’s support systems and expectations and outcomes; 2) knowledge about the field, synthesized with reflection on one’s own experience and goals; and 3) doctoral-level critical-thinking and writing skills.
General Courses
EDUC 8140 Leadership for Today’s Schools (6 sem. cr.)
Today’s schools are dynamic places and demand leaders in all arenas; from the boardroom to the classroom. Leaders must understand how learning communities operate and thrive and be prepared to deal with the demands of internal and external forces. The 21st-century leader who understands change theory will continually appraise the evolving needs of the learning community and apply a grounded knowledge base of theory and practical strategies supported by research. This course empowers leaders to explore current and future technology as they assess educational trends and issues. Learners will also analyze their own and others’ paradigms and leadership styles and determine best practices to promote positive social change.
EDUC 8141 Applied Research in Education (6 sem. cr.)
In Applied Research in Education, learners will develop a broad understanding of theoretical frameworks and of the appropriate use of both qualitative and quantitative methods. The course will also focus on methods designed specifically for studying human development and how individuals learn. Methods will be explored through studying the philosophy of research and particular research strategies, reviewing literature in the field, and searching for and critically analyzing literature relating to learners’ individual interests.
EDUC 8142 Teaching and Learning: Theory and Research (6 sem. cr.)
Research has considerably expanded our knowledge of teaching and learning in recent years. These gains have resulted in a new paradigm for the design and assessment of learning experiences. In this course, students will 1) advance their understanding of research methods as they examine literature about design and assessment and 2) apply research-based principles to design a project to develop learning experiences for a specific population of learners, whether on-site, online, or through a hybrid model.
EDUC 8143 Collegial Interactions and Professional Development (6 sem. cr.)
The course expands the role of teacher leadership from the classroom to the school community. The course focuses on the development of knowledge, abilities, and dispositions necessary for effective and productive leadership in effecting professional partnerships, participating in collegial study teams, facilitating professional development of other educators, and adeptly using collegial and collaborative processes such as coaching and mentoring.
EDUC 8144 Teacher Leadership: Trends, Issues, Global Perspectives (6 sem. cr.)
Since our current state of knowledge is guaranteed to change as research and technological innovations continue, it is necessary that we all function as lifelong learners. In this course, we examine some intriguing and potentially critical directions in teaching and learning; these include brain research, new technologies, and the impact of globalization. Learners will have opportunities to examine and reflect on effects of these trends on their own areas of interest.
EDUC 8145 Project Study: Research in Practice (6 sem. cr.)
This course provides an opportunity to design the project study in collaboration with program colleagues. In addition to reading about developing proposals in general, learners will analyze examples of Walden University Ed.D. doctoral proposals about a range of projects. Learners will also further explore the research methods or project types that they may incorporate in their own doctoral studies. Finally, learners will engage in the iterative process of writing their own proposals, including feedback from peers and their course instructors.
Doctoral Study Intensive
EDUC 8090 Doctoral Study Intensive (12 sem. cr.)
The doctoral study demonstrates students’ scholarly ability to examine, critique, and synthesize knowledge so that new ideas can be tested; best practices identified, established, and verified; or theoretical or policy constructs evaluated and advanced. In all cases, the doctoral study is to be a rigorous, original inquiry that results in new knowledge, demonstrating its efficacy in the world of practice. The goal of the doctoral study is for the educational leader to conduct an investigation that focuses on learning, teaching, and leading within a designated community of practice. Note: The final two semesters of the Ed.D. program are dedicated to the doctoral study. If the doctoral study is not approved by the end of the second semester, students stay enrolled in 8090 until formal approval is granted. Additional semesters needed for completion of the doctoral study do not earn credit.
Residency Requirement
Students must fulfill one residency requirement. Students are strongly encouraged to fulfill this requirement in either the first or second semesters of their program, and they are required to complete this requirement by the end of their third semester.
Academic residencies give doctoral students the opportunity to work face-to-face with faculty, staff, and other doctoral students. Through seminars, classes, and individual advising sessions, you network with the Walden community and enhance your research, writing, and critical-thinking skills. Academic residencies allow students to share experiences and insights and build a strong support group.
Residencies are held throughout the year at convenient locations across the country. A few residencies for advanced students are held in conjunction with conferences of some professional associations. Most residencies convene for three days. For more information on residencies, including residency locations, please call your enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.
