Graduate and Certificate Programs in Parenting Education and Support Also Offered

They make up about 20 percent of the United States labor force and are the fastest growing single group in the workforce of every developed country. Dubbed knowledge workers, this group creates, modifies and synthesizes knowledge, and DePaul University’s School for New Learning (SNL) will target this burgeoning field with a new master of arts in educating adults, starting in the fall of 2005. The program will build on students’ existing knowledge and strengthen their ability to instruct adults in a diverse array of settings.

“Learning is no longer just preparation for a job, it’s lifelong,” said Gabriele Strohschen, director of graduate programs for SNL. “Educators are not only teachers, such as college professors, corporate trainers or vocational instructors. Adult learning is facilitated by a diverse group of professionals in formal and informal settings.”

The collaborative, cohort-based program is aimed at seasoned professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge and focus their practice to the adult learning process. Studies include liberal learning seminars, reflective practice seminars and core courses that explore the elements of adult learning, program design and instruction.

“The program attracts students who have the content knowledge but need to deepen their knowledge about educating adults,” said Bernadine Thomas, assistant director for graduate programs. “A good example would be a nurse who teaches patient education, completes the adult education degree, and now is better prepared to utilize adult learning/teaching strategies.”

Thomas completed a master’s degree in adult education two years ago when she parlayed her experience in software training as an executive assistant into education administration.

“Some people have a hammer and when you have a hammer, all you see are nails,” said Strohschen. “When you provide adults with a toolbox, they can use many different tools to creatively build incredible things. Our program aims at providing that toolbox, but we also recognize the tools that the student already has, and together we help them build.”

SNL’s popular masters of arts in applied professional studies program also will offer a new focus area and a graduate study certificate in parenting education and support this fall. “Parenting education is an emerging field, and we’ve customized the program into this new focus area,” said Dana McDermott, faculty member and coordinator for the program. “There’s a whole body of work about what you need to be effective as a parenting educator. The certificate program sharpens skills and provides knowledge for those working full-time in the field.”

The program serves people who provide parenting education and support, such as public defenders, social workers and counselors. To earn a graduate degree, students must earn 52 credit hours, while the certificate option requires 20 credit hours.

Established in 1972, SNL is one of the first programs in the nation created to serve the specific needs of adult learners, and it has earned a national reputation in that arena. It offers on-site programs at several U.S. corporations, and programs in South Africa and Hong Kong also are patterned after SNL.

For information about the master’s in educating adults, contact Gabriele Strohschen at 312/362-5122 or gstrohsc@depaul.edu. For information about the graduate program and certificate in parenting education and support, contact Dana McDermott at 312/362-5111 or dmcderm2@depaul.edu.