Table of Contents

Conceptualizing the Master's Degree The Evolution of the Master's Degree A Century of Reform Federal Aid and Quality Control Professionalizing Graduate Education The European Model of Professionalization The Changing Demographics of Master's Students Curricular Models of Master's Education Degree Diversity and Disciplinary Taxonomies Alternative Delivery Systems Reframing Master's Education Major Professional Programs Business Accounting Education Professionalizing Science and Engineering The Biosciences Degree Diversity: The Professional Science Master's and the Master of Bioscience Degrees The Geosciences The Chemical Sciences Physics Engineering S&E Degrees in Context Mixed Trends in the Humanities and Social Sciences Humanistic Studies Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Fields Redesigning Master's Degrees for the Marketplace Globalization and the Marketplace Convergence of Academic and Professional Fields Accountability Mandates and Quality Control Transformative Technological Advances Conclusions Notes References Name Index Subject Index About the Author     

Practical Object‐Oriented Software Engineering Education

This article describes the effort undertaken at the University of Iowa to institute a software engineering curriculum at the graduate level. Specifically, the article presents the experiences over 2 years in developing a pilot 2‐semester course in object‐oriented software engineering. This pilot course had the goal of introducing practical and realistic object‐oriented software engineering to students, and developed several innovative techniques to achieve this goal on a very limited budget. Students were exposed to realistic software engineering phases, processes and methodologies in developing real‐world software. This pilot course has culminated in a Master of Science subtrack in Software Engineering offered cooperatively by the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Iowa, which made its debut in the Fall of the 1992/1993 academic year.     

The Graduate Record Examination and undergraduate grade point average: Predicting graduate grade point averages in a Criminal Justice graduate program

This study was conducted to investigate if there are any predictive relationships between scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and graduate grade point average (GGPA), and undergraduate grade point average (UGPA) and GGPA. The data were collected from all graduates from the Master's program in Criminal Justice at a medium-sized Southern university from 1989 to 1999 (N = 94). The results indicated that UGPA and GRE scores explain about 40% of the variance in GGPAs. It is concluded that all three GRE subscales should be considered in the graduate admissions process in criminal justice programs.     

Predicting Academic Success in Master’s Degree Programs in Education

Abstract

This study tested relationships between selected predictors and success in the Master's degree program in education at The Ohio State University for 171 students who received the degree during the 1962-63 academic year. The basic statistical tool used was multiple regression analysis in which the dependent variables were the graduate grade-point average (GPA) and adviser ratings.

The three best single predictors (all significant at the one per cent level) were found to be undergraduate GPA, the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test, and The Ohio State University Psychological Test. A multiple predictor involving these three variables yielded a correlation coefficient of .389 with the graduate GPA. The difference in predictor correlation between undergraduate GPA for all four years and that for only the last two years was very slight.     

Development of a Higher Educational Programme in China: The Hong Kong experience

The aim of this paper is to describe the authors' experiences in planning and developing construction-related postgraduate degree programmes for the China Mainland using guided distance learning as the mode of study. The Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management offered by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is presented as a case study. China has a large and expanding market for construction-related postgraduate degree programmes in the next decade because of the projected substantial economic development in the country. It is argued that factors such as cultural contexts, social settings and thresholds of affordability of local Chinese students must be carefully considered before educational programmes of any significance can be launched in the China Mainland. The paper draws upon the authors' experiences in planning and development of the postgraduate programme, to illustrate the major considerations which should be taken into account by the host academic institutions, particularly at the programme planning stage.     

The impact of the organizational transfer climate on the use of teacher leadership competences developed in a post-initial Master's program

The transfer of learning outcomes of Master's programs for teachers is not self-evident. In this study, 18 teachers who recently graduated and their supervisors were interviewed on the transfer of leadership competences developed during their Master's program and on how the organizational transfer climate of the school supported or hindered this transfer. In schools with high levels of transfer, strategic partnerships between Master's-level teachers and formal leaders were observed, which facilitated a two-way process in which the application of new competences led to changes in the workplace. Therefore, the Master's program contributed to both professional development and school improvement.     

The Information Challenges Approach to Teaching Information Management

This article describes one approach to teaching Information Management (IM) at honours degree level that the authors helped develop and deliver at Napier University Business School, namely 'Information Challenges' . Information Challenges provides a flexible framework upon which to teach the diverse and rapidly changing area of IM, as well as learning about current thinking and practice from leading academics and practitioners from industry and commerce. This article identifies the main areas of study within the field of IM and explores the main teaching and learning methods that were adopted and implemented within the Information Challenges approach. The main lessons learnt from developing and applying the Information Challenges approach will be highlighted, along with a number of issues that may emerge in the future.     

Development of an Interdisciplinary, Intercultural Master’s Program on Sustainability: Learning from the Richness of Diversity

The purpose of this article is to describe a joint effort between three European and six Latin American universities to create an international Master’s degree program on Sustainable Development and Management. Faculty members from these institutions are working together on this unusual and innovative project, which recognizes the importance of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tools in international projects and programs. The article provides information about the ongoing interdisciplinary and intercultural dialogue and the learning process that is occurring throughout the development of the program.

Schools as Clinics: Learning About Practice in Practice

The Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut is committed to the intentionality of interweaving course work and practice in its 5-year teacher preparation program, the Integrated Bachelor's and Master's program. It offers a wide range of field experiences to teacher candidates. Teacher candidates enter the program at the beginning of their junior year and complete the program after they finish their 5th-year postgraduate master's degree studies. This article describes the program requirements and experiences. In essence, it intends to provide an illustration of the interwoven teacher education curriculum as promoted by Darling-Hammond and other scholars.     

Beyond Lip-service: An Operational Definition of “Learning-centered College”

Faculty, staff, and student perceptions of high-quality learning experiences were explored using focus groups attempting to define a “learning-centered” college. Common themes emerged suggesting that a successful learning community requires faculty-student collaboration, effective communication, critical thinking skills, reciprocal respect, faculty passion for learning, high expectations of both students and faculty, a variety of teaching and assessment strategies, and student engagement in and responsibility for learning. All groups stressed the need for learning opportunities outside the classroom in both intellectual and social situations. These themes provide a conceptual framework for future campus initiatives, which has broad relevance for other institutions. William C. Bosch is Retired Director of the Center for Learning and Teaching. He received his M.S. in Computer Science from Syracuse University, and his interests include teaching and learning in higher education and educational technology. Jessica L. Hester is an Assistant Professor in Theatre and received her Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests are American theatre history and dramaturgy. Virginia M. MacEntee is Assistant Professor in Curriculum & Instruction. She received her Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education from Nova Southeastern Florida University; and her interests include special education, authentic learning, and classroom technology. James A. MacKenzie is Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences. He received his Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine from Wake Forest University School of Medicine; and his interests include molecular and cellular biology, physiology, and human health and disease. T. Mark Morey is Professor of Psychology and received his Ph.D. at Depaul University. Research interests include stress, trauma, and coping. James T. Nichols is Instruction/Reference Librarian and Distance Learning Librarian. He received his M.A. in Library and Information Management from the University of Denver; his interests include information literacy. Patricia A. Pacitti is Coordinator of Math and Science Services for the Office of Learning Services. She received M.A.s in Mathematics and Statistics from Pennsylvania State University; and her interests include developmental education, curriculum design, and classroom technology. Barbara A. Shaffer is Coordinator of Reference Services and an Instruction Librarian at Penfield Library. She received her M.L.S. from Syracuse University, and her interests include information literacy and online learning. Paul B. Tomascak is an Assistant Professor of Geology and Geochemistry. He received his Ph.D. in geology from the University of Maryland; his research interests include applications of elemental and isotopic systematics to understanding solid Earth and Earth surface processes. Suzanne P. Weber is Associate Dean of the School of Education and Professor of Science Education. She received her Ph.D. in Population Ecology from Syracuse University; her current interests include assessment of student performance and program effectiveness in higher education. Rosalie R. Young is Associate Professor in Public Justice. She received her Ph.D.in political science from Syracuse University, and her interests include family mediation and the ability of the poor to access the legal system. All authors are currently members of the Committee on Learning and Teaching at State University of New York at Oswego.     

The Network Form of Implementing Educational Programs

The article describes peculiarities of implementation and major differences in network educational programs, currently introduced in Russia. It presents a general typology of models and forms for implementing interaction between educational institutions of Russia, including teacher institutes and federal universities, as well as a typology of educational programs implemented in network form. Besides, it examines a case of a network master's program in Information and Computer Science at one of Russia's regional universities.     

SPECIAL-EDUCATION DELIVERY MODELS IN A GENERAL-EDUCATION TEACHINGPROGRAM: A COMMUNITY COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY INITIATIVE

ABSTRACT

This article describes the process of integrating special-education content into 2 delivery models used in 2 different general-education teacher-preparation programs for elementary-education majors at the University of Wyoming and Casper (Community) College. One program was the traditional 4- year undergraduate elementary-teacher preparation program; the other was a creative and resourceful way of offering the same program at one of the state's community colleges. The models were based on theoretical and practical applications of current teaching practices. These included the integration of special-education students into the general-education classroom. Students' reactions to what they were learning and implications for practice are included.     

Bringing web‐enhanced courses to communities of learners in early childhood teacher education

Abstract

In our graduate programs in early childhood education, we model constructivist practice in the belief that teachers are better able to understand and implement constructivist principles having experienced them in their work. In this practice we attempt to be explicit about constructivist practice in our program and in elementary classrooms. As we examine and modify our constructivist pedagogy, one key question for teachers and ourselves emerges: What does a classroom based on constructivist pedagogy look like in early childhood (K‐2)? The goal of this research is a clearer understanding of constructivist pedagogy in the context of primary classrooms. The study was designed using qualitative methods in order to understand the experiences in classrooms guided by constructivist theory. The classroom participants are six teachers who graduated from a Master's degree program based on constructivist principles. Analysis of the six classrooms indicated 24 key elements of constructivist classrooms. A focused analysis of three constructivist teachers and their classroom supports these elements and indicates three broader characteristics: the important role of children, authentic and purposeful interactions among classroom participants, and engagement in academic activity. A vignette of a constructivist classroom is provided to present the essence of our findings while maintaining participants' views and voices.     

Advancing Research in the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education Program

ABSTRACT

Advanced Technological Education is distinct from typical National Science Foundation programs in that it is essentially a training—not research—program, and most grantees are located at technical and two-year colleges. This article presents empirical data on the status of research in the program, discusses the program’s role in supporting NSF’s values of intellectual merit and broader impacts, and offers strategies for enhancing research within the program.     

A Transformation in Further Education: Technology,the electronic library and the Cinderella sector

This article reviews the literature on the changes in further education during the last decade. It considers the impact of these changes on students, academic staff and Library and Information Services staff. It highlights the growth in importance of electronic information services in teaching and learning and outlines the research to be undertaken by the JUBILEE in FE Project based in the School of Information Studies, University of Northumbria.     

Digital divide in the utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in counsellor education in Nigerian Universities

Abstract

This study investigated digital divide in the utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in counsellor education in Nigerian universities. It had two research questions and two hypotheses tested at .05 level of significance. It adopted a survey design and used ICT Utilization Questionnaire (IUQ) in gathering data from the entire population of 142 counsellor-educators and trainee-counsellors in the five universities in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria who offered Guidance and Counselling as a course of study at the Master's degree level in the 2007/2008 session. This instrument was validated by five experts, and its reliability was established to be 0.9. A direct delivery technique was adopted for data collection. Data was analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t-test. Findings show that there is no digital divide based on gender but there is digital divide based on status of the population as counsellor educator or trainee-counsellors. Recommendations were made to different stakeholders on bridging this gap.     

Public Policy and the Management of Higher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of Kenya

ABSTRACT

This paper evaluates the market orientation of the Executive MBA program offered at Saint Joseph's University (Philadelphia) using input from a study of current and past students. The EMBA program was evaluated in terms of twelve skills and knowledge areas measuring effective managerial performance and the student-executives' perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of the program in delivering these skills. Both the positive and the negative feedback received from student-executives' evaluation since have been used by the program to identify consumer needs, make curriculum adjustments, and enhance market efforts on an on-going basis. It is believed that the results, which benefited Saint Joseph's, could also be beneficial to other universities with an existing EMBA program or who are considering starting an EMBA program.     

Teaching academic writing at Spanish universities: analysis of relevant experiences and practices / La enseñanza de la escritura académica en la universidad española. Análisis de experiencias y prácticas relevantes

Abstract

This paper reports on the various training initiatives available in some Spanish universities which aim to promote academic writing. It focuses mainly on three existing writing initiatives developed at the Ramon Llull University, the Faculty of Education of the Complutense University of Madrid and the University of Deusto. These initiatives aim to meet the needs of students who would like to improve the quality of their academic writing and are addressed to students in any degree programme, including undergraduate degrees, Master’s and doctorates. Feedback on students’ written work is essential in all three programmes. In addition, student support throughout the writing process is available, as are sessions where students can enlist the guidance of a tutor.     

Delivering a non-resident Master's degree: Qualitative and quantitative measures of effectiveness

An evaluation of the non-resident Master of Arts program in Elementary Education offered by the University of Northern Colorado supports the thesis that quality programs can be offered in a non-traditional setting and without significantly affecting on-campus enrollments. Students in the external program were mid-career educators who were older and had more experience than the campus population. Based on qualitative assessments, the vast majority of the non-resident students supported positive personal and professional growth. They also performed equally well on comprehensive exams. Responsible institutions can demonstrate that external degree programs are fundamentally the same quality as resident degree programs.