Master of Arts in Education Annotated Transcript
My transcript page contains a short description of each class I took in the MAED program at MSU and highlights the the concepts that made the most significant impact on my teaching and learning.
Summer 2010
CEP 841: Classroom and Behavior Management in the Inclusive Classroom
Instructors: Dr. Troy Mariage and Jodell Heroux I took CEP 841 Classroom and Behavior Management in the Inclusive Classroom my first semester back in school and loved it. Main points I gained include that the purpose of discipline is to teach and promote self-discipline and behavior problems need to be prevented. Students need choices to give them a sense of autonomy and they need to be involved in the school environment, such as a class developing their own rules. Through this course I acquired a multitude of skills which I utilized in my classroom including the ability to perform functional behavioral assessment. I developed a classroom management checklist and had my first exposure to positive behavioral interventions and supports, which were both incorporated into my classroom. TE 846: Accommodating Differences in Literacy Learners
Instructor: Nicole Martin This course focused on teaching reading and writing to diverse populations and struggling readers. I acquired adaptions I could use, as well as gained knowledge of assessment tools. I learned about the developmental process of reading and modifications I could make to help in the following areas: word level instruction, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and written expression. I found the module on writing instruction especially helpful as I didn't remember there being much focus on writing during my undergraduate work. One thing that really stood out was the importance of giving students authentic writing assignments. The case study I completed as I worked with a struggling reader gave me the opportunity to immediately apply the knowledge I had gained. |
TE 825: Diverse Learners and Learning Subject Matter
Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Jacobsen The most important concept I brought away from TE 825: Diverse Learners and Learning Subject Matter was the idea that I needed to embrace student diversity within the learning environment. A child’s previous experiences affects more than their ability and willingness to learn, it impacts their understanding of information given, as well as the way they connect it to their life. The classroom culture, including the way I interact with my students, the lessons students engage in, and the relationships between students contribute to student learning and identity formation. I have always been a huge believer in hands on experiences, this course reiterated the importance of this while incorporating authentic learning experiences motivated by student interests and real life problems. |
Summer 2011
CEP 840: Policies, Practices, and Perspectives in Special Education
Instructor: Dr. Troy Mariage, Laura Ann Oliver This course served as a great introduction into special education policies and disabilities. I learned about policies that effect schools and the legal rights students with disabilities have; this included looking at the individuals with disabilities education act (IDEA). Various types of disabilities were explored, and special education myths were dispelled. We discussed inclusion and explored strategies to increase effectiveness, including: evidence-based practices, universal design for learning, response to intervention, and assistive technology. |
ED 800: Concepts of Educational Inquiry
Instructor: Dr. Steven Weiland, Dr. Nate Clason In this course I learned about the history of education and the educational theories and philosophies that have been in place in the past. We explored how they have evolved and become what they are today and considered the implications for education in the future. I was exposed to the works of several well known theorists and saw how their views influenced education. I also explored several different practices of educational inquiry and related them to my own education and to observations from within my classroom. |
Summer 2012
CEP 883: Psychology of Classroom Discipline
Instructor: Dr. Vicky Mousouli, Dr. Evelyn Oka In this course we looked at theories behind student behavioral issues and learned about strategies to eliminate the behavior. We discussed the importance of classroom management. Using CHAMPS I created a consistent, proactive framework to use in my classroom. We also spent a large amount of time discussing relationships and how to build caring/trusting relationships. From the course readings, the two things that left the largest impact on me were the importance of intrinsic motivation and warm, trusting classroom relationships. I learned several strategies to build relationships within my classroom, thus creating a classroom family and decreasing conflict between students. I have worked hard to incorporate these principles into my classroom environment. |
TE 842: Elementary Reading Assessment and Instruction
Instructor: Annie Whitlock Through this course I learned about the best practices for assessment and instruction in many areas of literacy, including: comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, phonological awareness and phonics. I learned how to perform several different assessments and then use those results to modify my instruction. Student motivation was a topic of discussion, reiterating the importance of motivation and reminding me I need to help my students feel successful and motivated. I learned how to make better use of my word-wall by incorporating explicit instruction into teaching words and concepts found on the word-wall. I also left the course with many new ideas that I incorporated into my teaching to increase vocabulary and comprehension within my classroom. |
Summer 2013
CEP 850: Technology and Literacy for Students with Mild Disabilities
Instructors: Dr. Cindy Okolo, Rachel Kopke, Mei Shen The main focus of this course was ways students with disabilities could struggle with reading and the types of assistive technology (AT) they could benefit from. I learned how to use several applications to make videos and e-texts which could help students. I learned how to evaluate software and webpages to determine if they were accessible and appropriate for students with disabilities. Several case studies were performed to determine if AT was appropriate and how to structure the accommodations. I also created a webpage of technology resources to help students with reading disabilities. |
TE 849: Methods and Materials for Teaching Children's and Adolescent Literature
Instructor: Kristin McIlhagga Throughout this course we read several children's books from a wide variety of genres. The books, ranging from picture books to young adult novels, were analyzed through small group discussions. Our discussions revolved around the meaning of the books and their pictures, the author's intended audience and hidden meaning, and artistic design. From this course I learned the importance of incorporating accurate multicultural books into the classroom and that books should be chosen for classroom use based on the creativity and enjoyment they bring to their readers. |
Summer 2014
Ed 870: Capstone Seminar
Instructors: Dr. Matthew Koehler, Joshua Rosenberg, Spencer Greenhaigh, and Brittany Dillman This was my final course in the MAED program. I reflected on what I had learned throughout my masters courses as well as looked back at the goals I had set when I began the program. I created a virtual portfolio to highlight the skills and knowledge I had acquired. This gave me the opportunity to look back through all the work I had done and select work to showcase within my portfolio as I created a portfolio that could be shared with future employers, families of my students, and colleagues. I had the opportunity to collaborate with peers through discussions groups and create a piece of work that represented who I was as an educator. |