The world of higher education has evolved significantly in the past twenty years. Theories surrounding various pedagogical approaches have extended to constructs of educational transformation, critical thinking, creativity, interprofessional development, critical discourse, inclusiveness, embodied and experiential learning, constructivism, apprenticeship, learning motivation, and more. While conflicting at times, particularly when considering the use of multiple perspectives, these theories do provide a structure to design, critique, and assess outcomes for programs and degrees. Over the past five decades
within higher education, the predominate approach to designing programs and degrees has stemmed from a top-down model where educational theory has provided the crucial structure. Conversely, the development of educational programs to meet the needs of society and the communities in which students will ultimately engage suggest planning from more of an andragogical and community-based perspective. This bottom-up approach has had a significant and greater influence in higher education. While these two constructs, theory and practice, may be problematic to consider simultaneously at times, the need to make sense of both approaches is needed. This presentation will provide a model to consider when resources (space, time, finances) are limited and highly successful outcomes are desired. Components of relationship building, evolution, presence, U-theory, collaboration, and educational theory will be highlighted in this presentation. Real-life examples of designing and thriving programs within this model will be shared. The perspectives of students, faculty members, community members, and a School Dean will showcase the rewards and challenges of this model that integrates a circular analysis of program development, implementation, and assessment.

Speaker: Tamera Keiter Humbert

Published in: World Congress on Education (2024)

• Date of Conference: 26-28 August, 2024
• DOI: 10.20533/WCE.2024.0007
• Electronic ISBN: 978-1-913572-71-6
• Conference Location: Churchill College, Cambridge, UK