EDUC 5281 - Capstone Seminar

Course Description

This capstone course will provide students with the opportunity to write a major synthesis paper on their learning in the M.Ed. While the precise topic of the paper will be determined by the student in consultation with their supervisor, the student will benefit from interaction with peers in this course. Topics covered will include models and examples of synthesis papers, peer review, and presentations. This course will be delivered online.

Learning outcomes

• Reflect upon the development of your interest in your topic of choice through the M.Ed. program.
• Develop an effective argument for a scholarly paper.
• Situate your argument within the scholarly conversation on your topic.
• Critically analyze and evaluate evidence relevant to your argument from the literature and from your learning in the M.Ed. program.
• Synthesize this evidence into a cohesive, comprehensive scholarly investigation that demonstrates argument supported by evidence.
• Apply this argument to create an application in a practical setting.
• Prepare your scholarly paper according to requirements for academic publication/dissemination.
• Provide positive and effective criticism and respond effectively to peer review.
• Present your scholarly work in the form of a conference poster.

Course topics

• Week 1: Introduction to Capstone
• Week 2: Research Topic
• Week 3: Research Question
• Week 4: Making Sense of the Literature
• Week 5: Literature Review
• Week 6: Peer Review
• Week 7: Philosophy of Education
• Week 8: Framing Your Research
• Week 9: Recommendations and Conclusion
• Week 10: Knowledge Mobilization
• Week 11: Pulling It All Together
• Weeks 12–13: Three Minute Thesis (3MT) 

Required text and materials

Online MEd students are responsible for sourcing and/or ordering their own books. Please see the list of required textbooks here: https://www.tru.ca/distance/courses/MEd_Textbook_List.pdf.

If students have any questions about obtaining the correct textbook, please contact OLMaterials@tru.ca.

Assessments

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 70% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory project.

Prerequisites

Entry into the TRU M.Ed. program and completion of required TRU M.Ed. courses. As this is the culminating course in the capstone course exit option for the TRU M.Ed., all other courses in the M.Ed. must be completed.