Articles in this Issue
Competency-based Education and the Millennial Learner: A Perfect Pairing?
Michael Anthony Figueiredo
Competency-based education (CBE) has become common practice for postsecondary education institutions that facilitate medical training in Canada and the U. S (Campbell, 2020). In terms of theoretical framework, pedagogical delivery and effectiveness, the CBE approach has evolved over time, and so have students. During the rise of CBE approximately 7-10 years ago, it was common for higher education programs to largely consist of students of the millennial generation. It will be analyzed and determined whether CBE can in fact account for establishing a distinct relationship between its methodology and students. This literature-based study out of the University of Toronto defines and examines features of competency-based models while exploring characteristics and preferences in accordance with millennial learners in the medical setting. To do so, CBE teaching and learning theories will elucidate specific methods of student engagement. The findings will be assessed in consideration with classroom application, to determine whether the efficacy of CBE is the ideal strategy for millennial learners is supported or nuanced.
Keywords: competency-based education, millennial learners, post-secondary education
The Use of One-to-One Devices in an Urban School District
Barbara Lewis McCarthy and David B. Reid
This study analyzed data from a survey distributed to teachers in an urban school district in New Jersey. The survey asked teachers about their past and current perceptions of, and practices with, the use of classroom technology and in particular one-to-one devices. Findings reveal teachers generally perceive technology as positive in teaching and learning, but also noted some limitations. The biggest takeaway from this study is that teachers believe they can improve both their technology skills and their methods of technology integration into instruction, provided they are given the necessary time to learn, use, and practice with technology and one-to-one devices
Keywords: classroom technology, one-to-one devices, teacher beliefs
Thriving in the Superintendency: Female District Leaders Share Their Journeys
Ingrid L. Colvard and Mary Zaharis
Women in education are strongly represented in the classroom but are much less likely to become school district superintendents. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand how women who have been superintendents for at least 3 years experienced mentoring and role preparation as they worked to attain the position. A transcendental phenomenological research methodology amplified and highlighted the voices of interviewees. Prominent themes included the glass ceiling, family influence, career pathways, mentoring and sponsorship, representation, volition, and personality characteristics. The underrepresentation of women in the superintendency is not changing quickly enough and perpetuates gender inequality in educational systems
Keywords: superintendent, women superintendents, female superintendents, representation, superintendent gender discrepancy, superintendent career pathway, superintendent mentoring, superintendent glass ceiling