Master of Education in Aboriginal and World Indigenous Educational Studies

NEW PART-TIME GRADUATE PROGRAM

 

Program Overview

The Master of Education in Aboriginal and World Indigenous Educational Studies (AWIES) is is a part-time blended (on-line and on-campus) program in the field of Aboriginal and World Indigenous Educational Studies intended for students with experience in Aboriginal communities. It is designed to develop leadership abilities and theoretical, practical, and experiential knowledge.

Program Description

The program consists of a minimum credit value of ten half courses, and students are able to choose from one of two program patterns.  Courses will either be on-line for the in-class equivalent of 36 hours or seminars on campus.The courses available in this program are as follows:

 

EDUC-870* Theories and Meanings in Aboriginal and Indigenous Education

An introduction to world Indigenous and Aboriginal perspectives on philosophy, research, and leadership in education through the examination of the fundamental differences between Western and world Indigenous philosophies. The course will also focus on the philosophical, developmental and historical influences on curriculum and instruction, including Indigenous conceptions of curriculum.  Students will engage in theoretical and practical inquiry by exploring a range of research.

EDUC-871*   Pedagogies and Transformative Practices in Curriculum

An examination of Indigenous and Aboriginal issues relevant to curriculum development and transformation. One or more topics are covered in greater depth; topics vary from year to year and may include Aboriginal ways of knowing; teaching and learning in Aboriginal contexts; an exploration of curriculum models in Indigenous education; and applying curriculum development theory to the practice of creating curriculum for Aboriginal and Indigenous contexts.

 

EDUC-872*   Educational Research in Aboriginal and Indigenous Contexts

An introduction to educational inquiry that focuses on the principal Western approaches and on the design and implementation of research appropriate for Indigenous contexts. Topics may include oral traditions, narrative research, archival research, Indigenous epistemologies, decolonization of research methodology, and ethical concerns about intellectual property. The course provides initial preparation for thesis and project work and introduces students to the tools and conventions of educational inquiry: for example, library searches, use of primary and secondary sources, ethical review considerations, writing graduate assignments.

EDUC-874*   Special Topics in Aboriginal and Indigenous Education

Topics vary from term to term and may include: science education, place-based learning and teaching, revitalizing Indigenous language, current issues facing Indigenous educators worldwide, adult learning, culture and cognition and Aboriginal philosophy.

EDUC-875*  Qualitative Inquiry: Orality in Aboriginal and Indigenous Thought

Prepares students to undertake research using qualitative approaches appropriate to Aboriginal and Indigenous contexts, such as narrative studies based in oral traditions, and their impact on Aboriginal thought, participant observation, and ethnography. Prerequisite EDUC-872 or permission of instructor.

EDUC-876* Quantitative Inquiry: Governance and Leadership in Aboriginal and Indigenous Contexts

Prepares students to undertake quantitative research in education. Drawing on examples of research in the fields of governance and leadership in Aboriginal contexts, the course explores topics in research methodology including basic methodological problems, statistical design and reasoning. Prerequisite EDUC-872 or permission of instructor.

EDUC-877*  Teaching & Assessing Students with Special Needs in Aboriginal and Indigenous Contexts

An examination of current theories on the contextual and individual factors contributing to special needs and how these theories can inform teaching which appropriately addresses special needs in Aboriginal and Indigenous contexts.

EDUC-878*    Master’s Internship

A research-informed internship in a context that enables learning through experience, under the guidance of an approved mentor, about issues germane to Aboriginal and World Indigenous Educational Studies.  The Internship will be evaluated by a member of the Graduate Faculty approved by the Coordinator of Graduate Studies.

             

EDUC-897*    Individual Study

A study selected by the student, in the field of Aboriginal and Indigenous education, under the guidance of a member of the graduate faculty. Normally, this half course will take the form of a closely supervised reading course in the area of the student’s interest and the instructor’s expertise.

EDUC-898      Master’s Project

An investigation under the guidance of a Project Supervisor terminating in a written report or essay, under the current degree requirements having the equivalence of two half courses. The project is evaluated by the Project Supervisor and one other member of the graduate faculty approved by the Coordinator.

EDUC-899     Master’s Thesis

A research endeavour under the guidance of a Thesis Supervisor, under the current degree requirements having the equivalence of four half courses. The thesis is completed and examined in accordance with the regulations of the Graduate School.

 

Program Patterns

Pattern I

A minimum of six half courses of which two must be research courses, and a master's thesis (credit value four half-courses).

Pattern II     

A minimum of eight half courses of which one must be a research course, and a master's project (credit value two half-courses).

Each student will be assigned to a program advisor whose responsibilities will include developing with the student a program of study that coheres with the student’s professional goals and with the program’s aims.

Program Schedule

The first cohort of students will begin their program in July 2009.  Normally, all students will be required to take courses on-campus for a minimum of one summer. Applicants who are offered admission for July 2009 will be required to be on-campus to begin their program.  Courses in the fall and winter terms will be offered on-line.

An on-line workshop for applicants admitted to the program for July 2009 will be held in May 2009 to introduce and prepare them to access and use the technology required during the program.  Students will have a maximum of five years to complete their program; however, it is expected that most will complete in four.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Education AWIES program, applicants must provide evidence of the following:

i  Professional experience in Aboriginal and/or world indigenous education or a related field, a B.Ed. degree or its equivalent, and a minimum of a B- average in a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent ;                       

OR

ii  Two years of professional experience in Aboriginal and/or world indigenous education or a related field, and a minimum of a B- average in a Bachelor's Honours degree or its equivalent;

OR

iii  A B.Ed. degree and a background in Aboriginal and/or world indigenous issues, and a minimum of a mid-B average in a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent;

iv  Applicants whose native languages do not include English must obtain a score of 580 or more on the Test of English as a Foreign Language

Preference will be given to qualified applicants of Aboriginal (Status, non-Status, Métis, Inuit) ancestry.

Note:  Qualifying Student Admission may be considered for candidates who do not hold the minimum academic standing and/or degree outlined in options i, ii and iii) above, and show potential for graduate studies in AWIES evinced by other information submitted as part of their application.

Qualifying Student Admission

Qualifying admission may be applicable for candidates who:

i) do not hold the minimum academic standing and/or degree outlined in options a) and b) above;

and

ii) show potential for graduate studies in AWIES evinced by other information submitted as part of their application.

Individuals in this category must successfully complete two Faculty of Education M.Ed. half courses, preferably AWIES half courses, for admission into the AWIES program.  Courses must be completed to the satisfaction of the Department, as indicated in writing by the Coordinator of Graduate Studies, in order to be admitted to the M.Ed in AWIES program.  Course credits may be applied to fulfill AWIES program requirements.

Normally, Qualifying Student Status applicants must complete their first half course with a B average or better.  Those who do not obtain a B average or better on their first half course may be granted permission to take one additional half course in the program and must obtain an average of at least a B on the two half courses in order to be considered for admission as a student to the degree program.  Applicants with Qualifying Student Status who fail to obtain a B average or better on the first half course or an average of B or better on the two half courses will not be admitted to the AWIES program.

Employment Opportunities

We expect that graduates of the program will continue to work in their communities or find promotions in their areas of expertise. Most have or will have leadership positions in their communities. Others may choose to continue their studies in a Ph.D. program.

Tuition Fees

Students in this program will be required to pay tuition fees per half credit course.  Currently a half credit graduate course is $929.00 and is subject to change in the spring of each year.  Required textbooks and any other course materials are an additional cost, and are the student’s responsibility.

Funding

Since this program is a part-time blended (on-line and on-campus) program, students will not be eligible for internal university funding, but may be eligible for external funding dedicated for post-secondary education for Aboriginal students.

Application Process

We are accepting applications online for July 2009 admission.  You can access the online application through the School of Graduate Studies and Research website at:  https://eservices.queensu.ca/apps/sgsapp/. The following items will be required to support your application:

1. Statement of proposed focus of studies
2. Resumé/C.V.
3. Two academic letters of reference from referees familiar with your academic/research potential
4. Two letters of support from respected members of your Aboriginal or world indigenous community to which you either belong or are related (e.g.  Elders,Community Leaders, Work Supervisors, Social/School Counsellors, Educators, Director of local Friendship Centre) to support your application to the M.Ed. (AWIES) program.  The referees must be able to comment on Aboriginal community contributions which you have made, as well as your potential to serve in the field of Aboriginal education.
5. Official transcripts from all universities attended (except for Queen's)
6. TOEFL report if applicable
   
   

Contact Information

We encourage you to contact us by email or telephone if you have any questions. 

The Faculty of Education

Graduate Studies and Bureau of Research

Room A106, 511 Union Street
Duncan McArthur Hall, Queen's University
Kingston, Ontario K7M 5R7
Tel: (613) 533-6206
Fax: (613) 533-6057

Email:  educmed@queensu.ca

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