Educational Action Network

Objectives

1. To explain the concept of network, from the point of view iof the social sciences
2. To distinguish types of educational networks, in terms of their composition and structure
3. To characterize educational networks on the basis of their main defining features
4.To explain the potential inherent in educational networks
5. To spell out the main risks inherent in the establishment and operation of educational networks
6. To properly select network data collection strategies and methods
7. To explain the rationale behind the main methods and basic techniques of network data analysis and to discuss their usefulness

Program

1. The network concept in the social sciences
2. Types of educational networks
3. Defining traits of education networks
4. The potential of educational networks
5. Problems and tensions in the operation of educational networks
6. The collection of data on educational networks
7. The analysis of educational network data

Teaching Methodologies

The teaching-learning process relies on an active, reflective, inquiry-oriented student role. Classes are organized through the articulation of: teacher-centered lecturing; student individual work; small-group cooperative learning activities; small- and large-group presentations and discussions. Student assessment has a continuous character and focuses on two main kinds of elements: 1) participation in in-class activities, namely, attendance, punctuality, sense of responsibility in fulfilling assignments, contribution to teamwork, quality of the materials produced in practical activities and quality of individual interventions during classes and oral presentations (50%); and 2) oral presentation of a written essay, prepared as a small-group assignment (50%).

Bibliography

Borgatti, S. B., Everett, M. G., & Johnson, J. C. (2013). Analyzing social networks. Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
Katz, S., Earl, L. M., & Jaafar, S. B. (2009). Building and connecting learning communities: The power of networks for school improvement. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Lieberman, A., & Grolnick, M. (1996). Networks and reform in American education. Teachers College Record, 98(1), 7-44.
Lima, J. Á. (2006). A governação em rede na educação: potencialidades e riscos. Administração Educacional, 6, 6- 35.
Lima, J. Á. (2007). Redes na educação: questões políticas e conceptuais. Revista Portuguesa de Educação, 20(2),
151-181.
Lima, J. Á. (2010). Thinking more deeply about networks in education. Journal of Educational Change, 11(1), 1-21.
Meyers, E., Paul, P. A., Kirkland, D. E., & Dana, N. F. (2009). The power of teacher networks. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Scott, J., & Carrington, P. J. (Eds.) (2011). The Sage handbook of social network analysis. Los Angeles & London: Sage