EDS 8800 Program Orientation and Scholarship

This course is designed to orient candidates to the Ed.S. program, the Program Outcome Reflection Log, the complexities of the Teacher Keys Effectiveness System (TKES), and the expectations for APA and scholarly research and writing during the program. The definition of scholarly writing is writing that occurs in an academic context for a specialized audience. This style of writing is often written by experts in a subject area and is supported by some level of empirical research. Scholarly writing/reading, effective communication, and critical thinking are major themes of this course.

The purpose of the course is to strengthen communication and consistency across candidates’ program by preparing them to conceptualize the entire program of study early on and continue to build on themes across the graduate experience.

Class sessions will focus on issues and concerns about paradigms in educational research, writing guidelines, the practice of critical thinking, requirements for graduation (including the Program Outcome Reflection Log), professional development, programmatic themes, resources and services of the University, and library facilities.

Credits

3

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the candidate will be able to:

1. Candidates will become familiar with and understand the general design of the Specialist Program.

2. Candidates will informally assess themselves using the Georgia Teacher Keys Effectiveness System (TKES).

3. Candidates will understand the use of the Program Outcome Reflection Log for all courses in the specialist program.

4. Candidates will participate in orientation and training concerning library resources at Piedmont University.

5. Candidates will enhance their knowledge and skills regarding APA writing and publication guidelines.

6. Candidates will understand scholarly writing as differentiated from other styles of writing.

7. Candidates will explore scholarly writing from three perspectives and will become familiar with topics associated with each perspective: reading, writing and thinking.

8. Candidates will participate in class activities which enhance their understanding of: scholarly writing; reading scholarly literature; defining and applying critical thinking; professional goal setting; professional accountability.