6 ECTS credits
180 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 4023983ENR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.

Semester
2nd semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
Dutch
Faculty
Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
Department
Educatiewetenschappen
Educational team
Jeltsen Peeters (course titular)
Activities and contact hours
22 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
92 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study
Course Content

This course delves into the intricate relationship between educational policy and school improvement, utilizing a rich blend of theory and practical application. 
Throughout this course, students will embark on an intellectual journey from understanding the broad framework of the education system and its policies, through learning the mechanisms of sustainable change in schools, to mastering the practical skills required for implementing these changes in alignment with the principles proposed by school improvement research.
 
Topics covered: 
• School Policy: Systems, structures, policy instruments, strategies, and international influences on education reform. 
• School Improvement: Insights from school improvement studies, research-practice-policy gaps, knowledge management, and schools’ capacity to learn and change. 
• Practical Tools: Techniques for visualization, managing resistance, stakeholder engagement, knowledge management, and prioritization.

Students will work with topical policy issues (e.g., increasing requests to better support student and teacher self-regulation). They will learn to analyze and diagnose educational change processes based on evidence-based insights from school improvement research. They will experiment with different techniques, methods, and strategies to increase the success rate of educational policy initiatives.

Course material
Digital course material (Required) : A reader and online learning modules, Canvas
Additional info

PowerPoint slides, texts, articles, videos or podcast episodes are made available to students via the learning platform Canvas. 

More information on the table of content, the required study material, and the study time calculation will follow during the first lesson. 

Generative AI can be used in this course, further details will be provided during course activities and the Canvas Course Platform. Any use of generative AI should be properly referenced. 

 

Guest lectures may be included in the course. 

Students are encouraged to actively participate in group discussions during class. 

Online learning modules are offered via Canvas to support the lectures.  

Class lectures alternate with working sessions and practicals.

Learning Outcomes

Algemene competenties

This course contributes to the following programme-specific learning outcomes of the Master’s degree in Educational Sciences, in particular: 1-2-4-5-8-11-12-13. 

(see overview document: Learning Outcomes Master Educational Sciences)  

 

Students will also achieve course-specific learning outcomes. 

By the end of this course, they will be able to: 

  • identify policy dynamics and use appropriate policy instruments (e.g. bureaucratic system, evidence-informed policymaking, funding mechanisms,…)  
  • discern different policy levels and institutions, and understand their unique position in the education sector  
  • analyze and use school improvement studies and improve educational practices according to school improvement principles (incl. knowledge management and brokering,…)  
  • navigate the dynamics around the research – practice – policy gaps and to design strategies to close the gap   
  • effectively analyze and critique research studies on school improvement and school policy and formulate a nuanced and responsible opinion, using evidence and critical thinking to support their viewpoints.   
  • assess (sometimes conflicting) evidence, translate educational research findings, and make informed policy decisions, communicating these effectively and diplomatically to relevant stakeholders.  
  • critically evaluate the effectiveness of educational change and policy programs, using a variety of perspectives to assess their success and impact.  
  • apply knowledge of school improvement theories to effectively implement educational policies, considering the conditions that enhance the success of educational change initiatives.  
  • apply participative methods to foster stakeholder engagement, shared regulation, and ownership in educational settings, demonstrating practical skills in enhancing participation and collaboration.  
  • understand and apply the principles of knowledge management, communication, and language in educational contexts to strengthen the capacity for change in educational institutions. 

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 30% of the final mark.
PRAC Practical Assignment determines 70% of the final mark.

Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Oral exam with a relative weight of 30 which comprises 30% of the final mark.

    Note: Oral Exam on learning content and discussion about the individual assignment.

Within the PRAC Practical Assignment category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Practical assignment with a relative weight of 70 which comprises 70% of the final mark.

    Note: Formative assessment during the course on the Assignment and submission of an Individual Product (exam preparation).

Additional info regarding evaluation

Practical Assignment which comprises 70% of the final mark. Formative assessment during the course on the Assignment and submission of an Individual Product (exam preparation).
Oral exam which comprises 30% of the final mark. Oral Exam on learning content and discussion about the individual assignment.  


Students have to get 10/20 on every one of the course parts to succeed for the course. If you get a failing grade for one of the [two] parts, you will receive the lowest partial grade as the final grade. The partial grade for which you succeeded in the first session can be transferred to the second session and you will not have to take up this course part again.


The second session consists of an individual assignment according to the same requirements of the first session.


The student's overall grade for the practical assignment is not necessarily the same for all group members. The individual grade depends on a correction by peer and teacher evaluation where individual contribution is evaluated. 
 

If you are absent for at least one part, you will be awarded an "Absent" as an overall grade for the Programme Part.

 

If you do not submit one of the assignments, you will be "Absent" for the assignments section.

The partial results of the separate course parts are not transferable to the next academic year. 

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Educational Sciences: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)