School Improvement and Educational Transformation in Global Perspective

School Improvement and Educational Transformation in Global Perspective

Faculty Leader: Dr. Thomas Hatch, Professor of Education and Director of the National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching (NCREST)

 

Course Description

This course gives students the chance to learn what it takes to support school improvement and educational innovation in different global contexts. Centering the course on visits with educators, schools and educational programs in Hong Kong and Shenzhen offers a special opportunity to explore similarities and differences in how Eastern and Western contexts approach education, improvement and innovation. The course also builds connections between current students and TC and Columbia alumni who share an interest in educational change.

The course has three parts: an introductory module with background readings on educational change, completed before departure; a study tour that pairs school visits and conversations with educators in Hong Kong and Shenzhen with individual and group reflection; and a concluding assignment in which students review, reflect on and share what they learned. It complements courses in learning, leadership, organizational development, policy and educational change, and is open to master's and doctoral students. The course is graded pass/fail to encourage open discussion and reflection.

 

Course Objectives

  • Enhance appreciation of the differences and similarities in approaches to schooling, education and educational improvement in different parts of the world.
  • Deepen understanding of the challenges and possibilities for improving schools and education systems.
  • Build the knowledge, skills and dispositions to contribute to initiatives that improve schools and transform education.
  • Foster stronger relationships and networks among people engaged in educational improvement and transformation across many contexts.

 

Course Topics (Key Questions)

  • What are the critical similarities and differences in perspectives on learning, schooling and educational change in different contexts?
  • What is the relationship between incremental change and system transformation?
  • What steps could create "balanced" education systems that better and more equitably support the academic, cognitive and socio-emotional development and wellbeing of all children and youth?

 

Anticipated Stakeholder Engagement

Hong Kong

  • Ying Wa Primary School
  • Catholic Mission Primary School
  • Salesians of Don Bosco Ng Siu Mui Secondary School
  • Presentation and discussion on the Hong Kong education system
  • Reception and conversations with TC and Columbia alumni
  • Ednovators' EdFest 2027 (TBC)
  • Yew Chung International School, with a discussion with members of the Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network

Shenzhen

  • Shenzhen Education Kindergarten
  • Luohu Education Bureau
  • Tencent / Mingwan School
  • Hongling Primary School

 

FLEX Program: This is a Flex Study Abroad course. TC delivers the academic program with its local partners, and you plan and book your own flights, lodging and meals at the level that suits you.

Back to skip to quick links