Résumés
Abstract
There is a global trend toward improving programs and student experiences in higher education through curriculum review and mapping of degree programs. This paper describes an action research approach to program improvement for a course-based MEd degree. The driver for continual program improvement came from actions and recommendations that arose from an institutionally mandated, year-long, faculty led curriculum review of professional graduate programs in education. Study findings reveal instructors’ perceptions about how they enacted the recommendations for program improvement, including (1) developing a visual conceptualization of the program; (2) improved connections between the courses; (3) articulation of coherence in goals and expectations for students and instructors; (4) an increased focus on action research; (5) increased ethics support and scaffolding for students; and (6) the fostering of communities of practice. Study findings highlight strengths of the current program and course designs, action items, and research needed for continual program improvement.
Résumé
Il existe une tendance mondiale à améliorer les programmes d’études supérieures ainsi que l’expérience des étudiants par la révision et l’articulation des programmes. Nous décrivons une approche recherche-action pour améliorer un programme de cours de maîtrise en éducation. Une révision des programmes d’éducation au niveau supérieur imposée par l’institution et menée par des membres de la faculté a engendré des actions et recommandations vers l’amélioration des programmes. Les résultats montrent les perceptions des chargés de cours en ce qui concerne la manière dont ils ont réalisé ces recommandations. Parmi celles-ci, (1) développer une conceptualisation visuelle du programme; (2) améliorer les connexions entre les cours; (3) clarifier les buts et les attentes des étudiants et professeurs; (4) élargir le focus sur la recherche-action; (5) offrir aux étudiants l’échafaudage et plus de soutien pour l’éthique; et (6) encourager des communautés de pratique. Les résultats de l’étude soulignent les forces du programme actuel et des configurations de cours, et des suggestions pour action et recherche qui seraient nécessaires pour continuer à améliorer le programme.
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