Undergraduate Honors Programs
Connavino Honors Program
The purpose of the Connavino Honors Program is to provide a learning community for talented students who intend to pursue a major in teacher education. Students in the Connavino Honors Program complete rigorous inquiry-based courses, which both supplement and augment their regular requirements. A core goal of this coursework is to design an action research project that addresses a significant pedagogical issue as determined by the student. They collect and analyze data in their school field placement and later showcase their findings at research forums, both within the Patton College and at a university-wide research and creativity expo. Continued involvement in the Honors Program will enable students to develop products (i.e., conference presentations, research posters, and manuscripts) through collaboration with faculty and other honors students.
In addition, honors students will engage in multicultural field experiences such as those made available through The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education's Rural-Urban Collaborative. The Honors Program will also provide students with opportunities for leadership, professional development, intensive classroom experience in Professional Development Schools, and a close rapport with a core group of faculty.
Those students who successfully complete the honors course of study receive special designations on their diplomas. Funds for travel to present at conferences and to engage in other experiential opportunities are available for Connavino Honors Program students.
Applicants should submit the Honors Program application along with the required essay.
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MacKenzie King Honors Program
The MacKenzie King Honors Program provides opportunities for involvement in scholarly independent work, one-on-one interaction with faculty, and an in-
depth study related to students' major in the Patton College of Education. Students take four required courses, plus a research methods course. Throughout the MacKenzie King Honors program, students work under the guidance of Honors Faculty Advisors to plan and complete scholarly projects. Students complete a course sequence (Seminar, Practicum, Readings, and Thesis) during which a research project is designed, executed, reported in writing, and presented to faculty, advisors, and others through research forums both within the Patton College and at a university-wide research and creativity expo. Projects may include action research, development of educational materials, in-depth senior term papers, or original designs. Completion of this program provides excellent preparation for graduate school and enhances career opportunities in industry and community agencies.
Those students who successfully complete the honors course of study receive special designations on their diplomas. Funds for travel to present at conferences and other experiential opportunities are available for Mackenzie King Honors Program students..
Applicants should submit the Honors Program application along with the required essay.
What Students Are Saying
"I will remember my cohort and the fun dynamic we had in class, the way our professor guided us and pushed us to reach our fullest potential, and the temp checks we used to help us connect as a cohort and enter our class period with clean slates, celebrating the highs and releasing the lows. I will also remember the perseverance and hard work I put into my research project and how impressive it was to complete it in just two semesters as a junior! This class will impact my practice in the way I approach classroom research and building strategies that will improve student outcomes." - Zoe Reid, Connavino Honors Student
"In 5 years, I will remember the confidence and discipline I built in this class more than any single assignment. The experience of managing a higher level of challenge, thinking more deeply, and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone will continue to shape my practice. I will carry forward the understanding that I can meet rigorous expectations, stay organized under pressure, and engage with complex ideas in a meaningful way." - Jasmine Arenas, Connavino Honors Student
"I have learned a lot about the simple process of reflecting on things as an educator. Reflecting on what worked and what didn’t, how the students responded, and how the students are doing is important for educators to create classrooms where students are successful. I think that in five years, when I am a middle school teacher, while I may not remember all the formalities that came with completing a full research project, I will remember this process of reflection and use it to become a more effective educator. - Lauren Huntley, Connavino Honors Student
For more information, contact:
Christine Weiss
Director of Honors Programs
309CC Patton Hall