Comparative education systems (3 ECTS credits)
This course introduces students to the area of international and comparative education. We will analyze the relationship between education systems, international education and comparative education. To do that, it is important to look at the current economic, political, social and cultural environments and globalization influences.
Students will explore different education models and systems, its similarities and differences and will analyze the pros and cons. The course includes an analysis of why we need comparative education and what are the perspectives and tendencies in this area of study.
Education and Development (3 ECTS credits)
In this course we will look at how the differences in political, economic, cultural, and social conditions affect countries and how this contributes to the creation of developed and developing countries. We will examine the importance of education and how this correlates with the development of any nations. We will study different theories of education and development.
The inter-relationships between global, national and local actors, as well as the strategies, programs and policies in development will be studied.
International Curriculum Design (3 ECTS credits)
In this course, students will look at the theories of curriculum design, especially those that can help create international curriculums and innovative instruction. The course will also introduce students to different concepts and ideas related to effective curriculum design, and the importance of the IB in international education.
Leadership and Management in International Global Education (3 ECTS credits)
This course is designed to provide foundational grounding in leadership. We will look at how the concept of leadership has changed over time, and how this is a concept that goes across disciplines and departments in Education. We will also look at management and its relationship with leadership.
Students will learn about different theories of leadership and management and how to apply them at real life situations.
Research Methods in Education (3 ECTS credits)
This course will help students understand the importance of research, truth and how through research we can get a better understanding of education, discover solutions to problems and contribute to the field of education.
This course will be the basis for students´ master thesis. Students will learn how to formulate hypotheses, evaluate results, use different methods of research, gather information, analyze the data and draw conclusions.
Evaluation of Programs (3 ECTS credits)
This course looks at the different indicators needed in order to evaluate international education programs in order to improve learning. To do that, students will learn the process that needs to take place by collecting all the required information and data, its analysis and conclusion.
The objectives and aims of the educational organization being evaluated, will be taking into consideration as well as the accomplishments of those goals. The curriculum implemented including the goals, competencies or skills and content will be analyzed.
The final objective of this course is to make better decisions based on accurate information, allocate necessary resources, and establish the right priorities aligned with the strategic planning of the organization.
Effective Cultural Environment for Student Learning (3 ECTS credits)
This course analyzes the importance of establishing the right learning environment for students and the influence of culture in the classroom. Many times culture (local, national, organizational) is not even considered in classroom management but we need to pay attention to this important aspect of teaching if we want to create effective learning environments. Teachers can improve very much by making conscious decisions about the classroom and the learning environment. Aside from creating the right learning environment (mostly related to organizational culture). Teachers need to consider also how to acknowledge and celebrate students and teachers from different cultural backgrounds and how integrate these differences in the classroom. To do that teachers can adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of students, their language needs, establishing links with parents, the community.
Teaching Methods and International Pedagogy (18 ECTS credits)
This course is divided into two sections; in the first one, we will see different teaching methods that can be used in the classroom. In the second part, we will look at international pedagogy and how it is possible to use teaching techniques that work in any environment. We will explore the teacher-centred, learner-centred, content-focused, and interactive/participative methods of teaching. The International Baccalaureate will be analyzing as a type of international pedagogy.
Life Experience Portfolio (18 ECTS credits)
A life experience portfolio is created in order to show evidence of professional work and skills, as well as knowledge from real experience. In this course students will learn how to create a portfolio. In order to do that, students will learn about organization, attention to detail and creativity. Students will learn the following competences:
- Create your short and long professional goals.
- Improve your writing and presentation skills.
- Learn how to integrate experience and studies in a comprehensible document.
Master Thesis (18 ECTS credits)
Students will do a final master's thesis, which can be a research project or the elaboration of a school plan in which all the knowledge acquired during the course is gathered and which theoretically can be used to start up a school. Students will develop the following competences:
- Learn the basics of research; how to develop a hypothesis, do research, methods of research.
- Improve your writing skills in English.
- Learn the process of creation from the moment of deciding on a topic to the final research paper.