Analytic and comparative study of contemporary education in selected countries, with emphasis on the historical development and total cultural context of educational programs in non-Western countries. Informal as well as formal agencies and programs will be studied with particular attention to recent reforms and innovations.
Introductory survey of the bibliographic parameters and research approaches to educational policy studies and evaluation. Graduate faculty resources and typical research problems are introduced. Emphasis upon significance and importance of thesis writing and dissertation in graduate studies. Required, first semester of study, for all degree students in the department.
Survey research is one of the most common and useful methods for gathering data in educational research. Obtaining valid and reliable research results requires the administration of instruments that provide valid and reliable measures of the variables selected for observation. This course will focus on principles of measurement and procedures for developing a variety of survey instruments and for determining their validity and reliability. It is designed to teach students both how to improve the questions and design instruments.
An examination of a subset of evaluation methods, topics, and problems. An introductory course in the area with minimal emphasis on quantitative methods. The course is designed to: provide a perspective from which evaluation studies may be viewed; and, to provide experiences for those who will learn from or conduct evaluations.
In this course, we will consider some of the most pressing policy issues facing American higher education. Topics include access, equity, and diversity; college costs and affordability; accountability and assessments; new forms of higher education (e.g., online education or for-profit colleges); commercialization of higher education. Along with visiting these substantive topics, students will become familiar with theoretical perspectives of policy-making processes and analytic tools for policy analysis.
This is a measurement-oriented course that focuses on introducing measurement theory and techniques used in education and evaluation. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, measurement models, bivariate measures of association, norms, standardized score scales, scaling, reliability, validity, item analysis, factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, test construction for affective and cognitive instruments, Item Response Theory, and Rasch.
Survey and analysis of the political forces and processes which influence the development and implementation of higher education policies, financing and programs at the federal, state and institutional levels.
This course is an introduction to the horse and its basic anatomy, biology, and terminology. This course will also cover breeds, disciplines, and an overview of the equine industry.
Examination of family economics and management issues and analysis of their impact on the well-being of families across the major transitions of the family life-cycle. Particular emphasis will be given to family decision-making.
Explores the elderly person's changing experience of environment. Physiological, psychological and social changes are related to adjustment within urban and rural community environments, special housing for the elderly, and long-term care environments.
