Course Descriptions
INTRODUCTORY COURSE
EDAD 7002 Foundations: Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning (6 sem. cr.)
The purpose of Foundations is to engage learners with the environment, expectations, and content of post-master’s work in the Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning 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
EDAD 7200 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 who not only understand how learning communities operate and thrive but also realize and are 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.
EDAD 7201 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 through searching for and critically analyzing literature relating to learners’ individual interests.
EDAD 7202 Leading to Promote Learning (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 blended hybrid model.
EDAD 7203 Leading Professional Learning Communities (6 sem. cr.)
Grounded in research and theory about learning differences, this course explores the repertoire of practices that facilitate learning from both the teaching and learning perspectives. These practices range from mentoring and coaching through collaborative engagement and reflective practices. Learners will deepen their understanding of research methods both through critiquing articles and by designing research studies to investigate specific learning practices.
EDAD 7900 School Leadership Capstone: Trends, Issues, and 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 adult 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. The capstone concludes the program by providing a practical application of students’ learning. Working in a consultative role as a K–12 professional, the student will engage in a real-world problem-solving project within their work environment.
