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University Communications

First Group Enters New Grad Program

By Lisa Stratton
UW-RF News Bureau

SEPT. 23, 2005--The traditional ideas of education are being challenged this fall with the addition of a new and innovative program for teachers seeking a master of science in education degree.

In partnership with the outreach and graduate studies office, the College of Education and Professional Studies has formed a Shared Inquiry Community model. This two-year curriculum, offered for the first time this fall, enables teachers to gain their degree in a convenient way.

Currently about 35 teachers are enrolled in the program and will complete their M.S.E. in 20 weekends, meeting one weekend per month for ten months a year. With a set curriculum, teachers stay with the same group of people throughout their studies and are given the opportunity to utilize some online courses through the UW System online web-based software Desire to Learn (D2L).  

Particularly emphasized in this program is the idea of shared learning; these teachers will conduct an open forum for thought expression and debate. In contrast to some conventional classrooms, those in this series of courses are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions with the rest of their group.

Programs are already up and running in River Falls, Menomonie, and Eau Claire, and groups in Osseo, Minn., and Wausau, Wis., are planned. Two university faculty members, Frederick Poss and Pamela Richards, facilitate the program.

For more information on admission requirements, tuition, or other questions, please contact Poss at frederick.poss@uwrf.edu or by phone at 715/834-9329.

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