• Lead the student to a deeper, comprehensive understanding of the adult learner through a plan of study which builds upon prior professional preparation and experience.
• Require interpretation of adult behavior through exploration theories and research findings related to the physical, social, emotional, intellectual and moral development of the adult learner.
• Require investigation of historical and philosophical factors which influence curriculum and pedagogy/andragogy for the adult learner.
• Require implementation of appropriate instructional strategies designed according to learner variables and academic discipline.
• Offer advanced study in human resource development, literacy education or technology-based learning.

Plan of Study by Semester

The plan of study provides a detailed look by semester at the recommended timing for completing each course in the program.

Program of Study

Course Descriptions

ADED 7100 HISTORY AND THEORY OF ADULT EDUCATION

Introduction to the fundamental nature, function and scope of adult education, including an overview of the historical, sociological and political forces affecting the field. Program providers, relations with parent organizations, societal influences and awareness of resources will be examined.

ADED 7110 PSYCHOLOGY OF THE ADULT LEARNER

Exploration of adults as learners. Emphasis on conditions that affect the adult learner: brain research, adult development, ability, potential, motivation, self-perception, role-identification status and learning styles.

ADED 7120 PROGRAM PLANNING AND EVALUATION

A technology enhanced, community-based initiative logic model course that includes a systematic process of situation analysis, with needs assessment, priority setting, program action and evaluation. Pparticipants in this course plan and implement a high quality adult education program.

ADED 7130 CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN ADULT EDUCATION

Knowledge of areas of diversity that affect the community.

ADED 7160 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PERSONAL LEADERSHIP

Participants will explore group dynamics, team building strategies and leadership techniques, strategies and skills and ways to recognize and develop these in group situations through a servant leadership framework.

ADED 7170 RESEARCH AND GRANT WRITING IN ADULT LEARNING

Field-based research in adult learning. Explores needs-based funding sources, including local, state and federal grants.

Adult Literacy

ADED 7200 THEORY OF ADULT LITERACY

Theoretical perspectives of adult literacy and under-education. Sociological, linguistic, historical, cultural and psychological perspectives. Implications for adult literacy education.

ADED 7210 COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN LOW LITERATE ADULTS

Causal factors contributing to adult literacy and under-education. Emphasis on instructional approaches appropriate for teaching adults to read.

ADED 7220 LITERATE COMMUNITIES

Critique of community action and learning processes in community settings, with emphasis on literacy levels.

Instructional Technology

ADED 7300 INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY THEORY AND PRACTICE

Explores role of instructional technology in teaching and training, with emphasis on related theory and practice. Hands-on exploration of emerging technologies and application to teaching and training. Topics include instructional design, history, instructional applications and current topics.

ADED 7310 ONLINE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Exploration of emergence of online learning environments (OLEs) as viable alternatives to traditional classroom instruction. Topics will include theoretical, conceptual, instructional and technical framework of implementing and using OLEs to support the learning paradigm. Basic technology and pedagogical implications of distance education explored: the Internet, asynchronous/synchronous communication tools, methods of instruction, online tools to support learning and instruction, design of OLE, facilitator and learner evaluation and assessment of distance education technologies.

ADED 7320 MULTIMEDIA DESIGN

Concepts that underlie the design and development of multimedia in education and training. Participants will become involved in instructional design and team production of a courseware product.

Human Resource Development

HRVD 7400 HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT THEORY/PRACTICE

Overview of human resource development in organizations. Focus on integration of individual development (training), career development and organizational development. Topics include strategic planning models, needs assessment, program development prototypes, application of workplace learning theories, career development theories and methods and application of organizational learning theories.

HRVD 7410 ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY AND PRACTICE

General and specific aspects of organizational culture, with emphasis on innovative strategies for making optimum use of all employees in both private and public organizations. Emphasis on training and learning within the organizational culture, with regard to coaching team building, formal and informal on-the-job learning tactics.

HRVD 7420 MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR

Emphasis given to understanding the theoretical foundation upon which management decisions are made; particular emphasis on the process by which leadership skills are learned and implemented. Attention to specific management styles and conceptual tools for understanding effects of chosen leadership behaviors.

ADED 7500 WORKPLACE APPLICATION

Application of adult education theory and practice in an adult education setting.