Conceptual Framework | Education Department

Conceptual Framework

The mission of the Department of Education at Wagner College is to sustain a strong commitment to pedagogical practice that is Inclusive, Constructivist, and Democratic. We aim to prepare teacher candidates to work effectively with diverse populations and to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions that will help all students continue to grow as learners. Candidates are encouraged to model a constructivist view of knowledge and see learning as a self-regulating process. Our ultimate goal is to prepare caring, curious, competent, committed, and community-active professionals (the 5 C's). Our program, that prepares students to practice in inclusive settings, has two basic objectives:

(1) To help students understand and apply constructivist learning theory
(2) To help students, as they gradually progress through the program, to develop an identity as a teacher.

To accomplish our ultimate goal and these objectives we have developed systematic assessments at four portals or key transition points in the program (Portal 1 Exploration; Portal 2 Reflection; Portal 3 Consolidation; and Portal 4 Empowerment). Students at these various portals are assessed to the degree to which they are meeting the student Learning Outcomes that we have divided into specific knowledge, skills, and dispositions.

Summary of key ideas in conceptual framework:
I. Inclusion, Constructivism, and Democratic Practice
II. The 5C's
III. Developmental approach to becoming a teacher
IV. Assessment at 4 portals
V. Student Learning Outcomes divided into knowledge, skills, and dispositions