Models to Inform Capstone Program Development

A capstone course is a transformative educational experience predicated on student-centered pedagogy.In a capstone experience learners are required to apply higher-order thinking, authentic learning, and multilayered decision-making while engaged in an experiential learning activity.Allowing students to make autonomous decisions regarding the direction of learning, capstones are offered near the conclusion of a program of study and are organized around a comprehensive, intensive and integrative project.The methodology employed in the completion of these projects is purposeful so as to satisfy multiple targets (e.g.educational objectives that a student is expected to have mastered).The outcome of which is an opportunity for students to showcase knowledge, skills, and abilities in a unique and individualized manner.The following paper reviews the literature on capstone-based instruction assessment in the United States, and introduces models designed to inform capstone program development.Finally, a State-wide capstone course developed for high school students in Maryland is discussed.