Proposing an Advising Structure to Encourage Creativity in Scholarship.

• In Event: Varieties of Master of Education in the Health Profession Capstone Experience: Standards and Creativity

Abstract

Objective/ Purpose: To share the development of a guide for faculty when advising students on capstone projects.
Perspective/Theoretical Frameworks: Individualizing the focus and scope of the capstone project is a core value held by our program. We admit students with a wide range of experience, areas of interest, and work-related opportunities. In addition, our program was launched in 2021 and our faculty desired support in advising students. To guide our students in shaping a meaningful education journey we use Boyer’s scholarship model for advising in capstone selection.
Methods/Techniques/Mode of Inquiry: Given the relative inexperience of faculty in advising on scholarship within a credit-bearing course, we designed a tool to use with students to assist them in choosing a project that meets program criteria.
Data sources/evidence/objects/materials: Successful culminating projects include learning needs analysis, analyzing the role of education leadership in managing large education-focused grants, and developing/evaluating curriculum.
Results/conclusions: Culminating projects produced local benefits across the spectrum of program outcomes. As our student body grows, faculty are challenged to advise students with individualized projects that meet the standards of scholarship and produce meaningful learning experiences and results.
Significance: Advising students across a broad range of potential capstone projects remains challenging. Providing guidelines for topic selection and scoping can be valuable to faculty and students as they capitalize on the opportunities and needs in their community of practice.

Author

• Rebecca Wilson, University of Utah