Discussion: Perspectives of Problems

How you view a problem and what you propose to effect positive change relative to the problem is closely related to your experiences and to your professional role. Individuals in different roles-for example, instructors and administrators-might explain and address the problem of poor learner engagement differently.

To prepare for this Discussion, consider which degree path (PhD, EdD, or EdS) you have selected or are strongly considering. Review the Degree Path Road Map as you consider your degree path selection.

In addition, think about the specialization you plan to pursue. What professional roles are associated with the degree path and specialization you have selected?

For this Discussion, select one of the professional roles associated with your degree and specialization. How might you address the problem in the case study based on this professional role?

Post a description of the professional role you selected and an explanation of how you would address the problem in the case study from the perspective of this role and why.

Assignment: Networking and Next Steps

Note: This assignment has two parts

Part 1: Building Your Network

When you registered for this course, you may or may not have had a clear understanding of the advanced graduate degree path you planned to pursue. As you reflect on what you have explored in your coursework and from your colleagues this semester, you may have gained additional insight on this important decision. The choice of a degree path is very personal and is based on your passion and the goals you want to reach. Do not worry if you are still not sure which path is the best one for you. Your student advisor can assist you by answering any questions you might have.

As you have engaged in interactions with your Instructor and colleagues, you may have begun to sense how important it is to build a network of individuals to support you in the degree pathway and specialization you select.

Many of you will attend a residency, and this is an excellent way of meeting people and forming relationships. Having a network of colleagues who are traveling an advanced graduate degree path at the same time you are is an excellent support system and may contribute to the success you have in the program. Networking, however, does not have to occur in a face-to-face setting. You might find that using Skype, smart phones, social media, and other methods are useful ways to stay connected and to support one another.

For Part 1, write a brief description of the degree path and specialization you believe you are planning to pursue. Then, explain at least two strategies you are likely to use to build a network with colleagues and explain why these particular strategies would support professional collaboration.

Part 2: Next Steps

In this module's Discussion, you assumed a professional role associated with your degree path and specialization. In your post, you explained how you might approach the case study problem from the perspective of this role. In Part 1 of the Assignment, you wrote a brief description of the degree path and specialization you intend to pursue. For this part of the Assignment, you will explain how you might approach a topic about which you are passionate based on the degree path and specialization you are pursuing.

When you began this course, you identified topics about which you are passionate. You also began considering how obtaining your advanced graduate degree might help you make a difference in one of these areas. Select one of these topics to address for this Assignment.

Be sure to review the Degree Path Road Map to consider how professionals with different degrees address education-related problems. Reflect on how you might approach a problem related to your selected topic from the perspective of the degree path and specialization you are pursuing.

For Part 2, based on this reflection, identify two goals - one personal and one professional -that will support you as you continue on your chosen degree pathway.

Submit a 3- to 4-page paper in which you accomplish the following:

· Write a brief description of the degree path and specialization you plan to pursue.

· Then, explain at least two strategies you are likely to use to build a network with colleagues and explain why these particular strategies would support professional collaboration.

· Explain how you might apply the perspective of your degree pathway and specialization to a problem related to a topic about which you are passionate.

· Identify two goals-one personal and one professional-that will support you as you continue on your chosen degree pathway. Explain how these personal and professional goals inform how you might address a problem related to your topic.

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Walden University. (2013). Which program Is right for you? Ed.S, Ed.D., or Ph.D.? Retrieved from http://www.waldenu.edu/colleges-schools/riley-college-of-education/academic-programs/which-program

Required Media

Laureate Education (Producer). (2014). Which road are you on? [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 4 minutes.

Student interviewees address how they focused on social change.

Accessible player --Downloads--Download Video w/CCDownload AudioDownload Transcript

Laureate Education (Producer). (2014). The mentor/mentee relationship [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 12 minutes.

A Walden faculty member and student discuss their mentor/mentee relationship.

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Laureate Education (Producer). (2014). Degree paths and professional careers [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 7 minutes.

Walden faculty members talk about their professional work and their degree tracks (PhD, EdD, and EdS).

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Laureate Education (Producer.) (2014). Degree path road map [Multimedia file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Focus on the degree paths displayed in the map and relate this to your reflection about the degree path you have selected.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2014). Transformational story [Multimedia file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Review this media and consider how it relates to the transformation you hope to achieve moving forward.

Optional Resources

American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.

Capraro, R. M., & Thompson, B. (2008). The educational researcher defined: What will future researchers be trained to do? The Journal of Educational Research, 101(4), 247-253, 256.

Dowd, M. (2013). Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. Degree in higher education. Retrieved from http://education.seattlepi.com/edd-vs-phd-degree-higher-education-1220.html

Gardner, S. K., Hayes, M. T., & Neider, X. N. (2007). The dispositions and skills of a Ph.D. in education: Perspectives of faculty and graduate students in one college of education. Innovative Higher Education, 31(5), 287-299.