The Master of Professional Education in the field of Mathematics Education will prepare you for professional and leadership roles in mathematics education
Students will experience a program solidly embedded within the adult learning literature and employing signature pedagogies; an in-situ opportunity designed to facilitate the application of research and theoretical knowledge; a participatory culture; technologies to map knowledge and knowledge-producing systems through eLearning; and, a cohort model constructed on the principles underlying communities of learners. Although research is embedded within all courses, the program itself is course-based and offers a capstone project component in the final term.
A degree or specialization in mathematics is not a requirement for admission to this program.
Important Note
The successful completion of a Master of Professional degree does not lead to certification with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).
The MPEd is designated as a 2-year, full-time, online program. Full-time status requires that students complete four half-courses per year. MPEd students will complete one course per semester (fall, winter, intersession, summer) for two years. Full-time students have access to all student services at Western. See SGPS for details.
This program of study is a course-based cohort model. Approximately 20 students will be admitted to each cohort. This cohort structure will provide ongoing support within the course work, enabling students to develop a professional community of practice. To ensure the integrity of the cohort model, continuous enrollment is required, and will necessitate that students complete all the required courses within the timeframe stipulated.
The MPEd in the Field of Mathematics Education is an exclusively online program.
All courses are online and will primarily be delivered in an asynchronous format. Some may have synchronous components depending on the topic and Instructor. Please refer to the course outline for additional information about such details.
Year 1 Fall
ED 9411 Teaching and Learning Mathematics Today
The professional and theoretical perspectives associated with learning and pedagogy in mathematics. Participants will be expected to reflect critically on both theory and practice, based upon psychological, epistemological, mathematical, and current pedagogical and curricular approaches, in light of how mathematics is taught in schools.
Year 1 Winter
ED 9418 Computational Thinking in Mathematics and Science Education
A critical introduction to the role of computer coding and digital making as ways of teaching mathematics and science concepts and relationships. The history, current trends, future possibilities of computational thinking in mathematics and science education are situated within the broader context of mathematics, science, and technology education.
Year 1 Summer - Intersession
ED 9419 Mathematics for Teachers
A focus on making mathematics engaging and meaningful for learners. Participants explore ways to develop connected knowledge, consistent beliefs, and positive attitudes towards mathematics, and are introduced to research on the nature, role, and development of teachers' knowledge of mathematics.
Year 1 Summer - Summer Session
ED 9413 Mathematics Education through the Arts
What can we learn from the Arts about designing effective mathematics teaching, learning, and communication? This course explores parallels between what makes for a good math lesson or learning experience and what makes for a good book or a good movie. The course also explores how the Arts may be used to enhance student communication in mathematics.
Year 2 Fall
ED 9496 Understanding Research Methods for Educational Practice
An introduction to curriculum research as an innovative process with emphasis on designs involving students, educators, community members, and/or educational practitioners. Topics may include theoretical understanding and practical application of various research designs, relating to the topic of curriculum, including quantitative and qualitative methods to offer guidance in developing inquiry/questions of practice and reading/interpreting research.
Year 2 Winter
ED 9497 Understanding Curriculum Leadership for Educational Practice
Focus on leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of positive curricular change. Emphasis on ways of conceptualizing curriculum leadership and advocacy and professional learning and reflective practice to promote equitable and enabling environments for all. The course will give students opportunities to explore curriculum leadership in their MPED focus.
Year 2 Summer - Intersession & Year 2 Summer - Summer Session
ED 9498 Capstone Course
The Capstone Course provides students with an opportunity to expand breadth of experience and to gain working knowledge of applied theories in a real-world education setting. Students will develop a project to apply their learning to practice, investigate and reflect on their findings, write a project report, and gain practical experience under the guidance of a supervisor and/or instructor.
