University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada 4 April 1997

Combined degree programs to merge content and pedagogy

GFC approves- Board of Governors approval sought next

By Michael Robb

General Faculties Council approved the following three combined degree programs which will take effect 1998/99 if they receive Board of Governors approval:

• Bachelor of Arts (Native Studies)/Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education);
• Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education); and,
• Bachelor of Physical Education and Recreation/Bachelor of Education (Elementary Education).

This direction in education has been developing speed over the last few years, and the trend is expected to continue, Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Doug Owram told GFC members, at their regular meeting, March 24.

According to Dr. Fern Snart, associate dean of undergraduate student services in the Faculty of Education, each of the combined degree programs allows students to complete degrees in their two chosen faculties in five rather than six years, while still maintaining the core of each faculty's program. The combined programs enable students to become knowledgeable in a chosen content area and integrate that knowledge with teaching pedagogy, she explained.

The traditional four-year program followed by a two-year after degree program does not provide meaningful integration of content and pedagogy, she says.

Dean of Science Dr. Dick Peter said the combined BEd/BSc is a good model and is working well. The proposed three new programs are similar, he pointed out.

The BA (Native Studies)/BEd and the BA (Music)/BEd program are expected to have 25 students each, once they're in full swing. The BPE/BEd is expected to have 100 students once it's fully operational.

Director of the School of Native Studies James Dempsey responded to some GFC members' concerns about the admission requirements. The admission requirements state: "To correct an historic disadvantage, preference will be given to applicants of Native ancestry." Admissions will be governed by the School's limited resources and certainly the students' qualifications will be examined closely, he said.

"We don't want to set up any student for failure," he said. However, in Nova Scotia bands have taken over responsibilities for education, and if that happens in Alberta, there will be a demand for native teachers. The U of A could become the place where those students are educated, he speculated.

Folio front page

Office of Public Affairs

University of Alberta