Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

This course will dive into the world of educational policy, explore its development and execution from global strategies to classroom realities, and understand the pivotal role of social, political, and economic forces in shaping education. It will uncover the influence of international NGOs, political ideologies, and research organisations on policy formation, equipping the participant with the knowledge to navigate and impact the educational landscape.

After completing the course, the students will be able to

• appraise the various dynamic processes in which educational policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated
• evaluate the impact of various stakeholders on the formation and development of educational policy
• critically compare and contrast the design and implementation of educational policy in different contexts
• formulate and justify their own positions with regard to educational policy and practice in their own context

Content (course unit)

A historical reflection on the purpose of education and schooling.
Social, Political, Technological, Environmental, Legal and Economic impact of education and educational policy
The impact of stakeholders and the emergence of new drivers for reform
The politics of reform and disruption
The challenges of implementing education research into practice.
The challenges and changes facing education in the 21st century and the need for reform.

Prerequisites (course unit)

None

Further information (course unit)

None

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The students identify key concepts, theories, and figures in educational policy, demonstrating foundational knowledge by classifying and defining pivotal terms and stakeholders. The students explain the basic principles behind the development and impact of educational policies, showing an understanding through summarizing and describing how these policies interact with social, political, and economic forces. The students take responsibility and commit to a group, give and receive feedback.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The students apply concepts and theories to analyse case studies or hypothetical scenarios in educational policy, showing practical understanding through organizing and constructing arguments or solutions. The students evaluate the effectiveness of different educational policies by breaking down their components, assessing their outcomes, and identifying strengths and weaknesses through comparison and contrast. The students take responsibility for their learning and contribute to the progress of others.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The students evaluate the impact of various educational policies on multiple levels using a comprehensive set of criteria, making informed judgments, and defending positions on their efficacy and alignment with educational goals. The students propose innovative and justified solutions or reforms to existing educational policies by creatively combining knowledge and insights, demonstrating a high level of critical thinking and originality. The students participate actively in collaborative learning by sharing expertise, searching for information, and collaboratively creating knowledge.

Location and time

fully online 8 January - 11 March 2024

Exam schedules

no exam, instead assessed assignments

Assessment methods and criteria

Self, peer, and teacher assessment
Assessment criteria for grades 1-5 are given in a rubric and available for students in Moodle

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Independent study, collaborative knowledge building in small groups, online synchronic and asynchronic discussions, writing an analysis report

Learning materials

Jones, T. 2013.Understanding Education Policy. The Four Education Orientations Framework

Handbook of Education Policy
Postiglione, Gerard A., editor.; Johnstone, Christopher J., editor.; Teter, Wesley R., editor.; Edward Elgar Publishing, publisher.
2023

In addition, recent research articles shared in Moodle and students' information search.

Student workload

26,7 x 5 cr = 133h
Time allocated for reading approx 40h
assignments approx 35h
group discussions, peer feedback and reflection approx 30h
following media discussion 10h
navigation, guidance etc 18h

Content scheduling

Key concepts: What is Education Policy
Philosophical and ideological orientations to the purpose of education
Following media discussion
Investigating a chosen topic
Impact of global influences and stakeholders
Education reforms
Giving and receiving peer feedback
Synchronous and asynchronous online presentations and discussions

International connections

international cohort