Welcome to My Masters Degree Showcase
I am thrilled to present a curated selection of my work from my Master’s degree coursework. This collection reflects not only the culmination of my academic journey but also my personal growth as a scholar and creator. Each piece represents countless hours of research, experimentation, and dedication, showcasing my evolving understanding of education.
Throughout my studies, I’ve engaged with complex theories, embraced challenges, and collaborated with inspiring peers and mentors. This showcase is a celebration of that journey—a testament to the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired, as well as the passion that drives me. The categories in which I have perfected skills are in educational psychology, coaching psychology, educational literacy, and educational infographics. I have broke down the skills which are reflected in artifacts.
I invite you to explore these works, which encompass the skills I have developed. Thank you for joining me in this reflection of my academic endeavors; I hope you find inspiration and insight in the pieces presented here.
The following experiences have collectively shaped my understanding and application of these educational theories, equipping me with the skills to effectively facilitate diverse learning experiences.
Behaviorism - Through my MAED studies, I explored behaviorism as a foundational learning theory, focusing on how observable behaviors are shaped by reinforcement and punishment. I gained practical skills in designing behavior-based interventions, utilizing data to track student progress, and applying techniques like positive reinforcement in classroom settings. This knowledge allowed me to create effective learning environments that enhance student engagement and motivation. In this artifact I demonstrate my ability to understand behaviorism, utilize it affectively in educational practices, and make connections with pop culture to educational topics.
Out Of School Learning - My coursework emphasized the significance of out-of-school learning experiences. I developed skills in creating community-based learning opportunities, such as service projects and internships, that connect academic content to real-world applications. By collaborating with local organizations, I learned to design curricula that foster experiential learning, helping students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills beyond the classroom. In this artifact I demonstrate my ability to understand out of school learning, make connections to world events such as the pandemic, and provide educational resources from reliable sources.
Learning Theory - Delving into various learning theories provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how individuals learn. I mastered the ability to integrate diverse instructional strategies tailored to different learning styles. This included creating lesson plans that incorporate elements from constructivism and connectivism, enabling me to address the unique needs of learners and enhance their overall educational experience. In this artifact I demonstrate my ability to understand learning theory, describe relevance of educational psychology, and provide unique resources in multiple formats.
Cognitivism - In my MAED program, I studied cognitivism and its focus on internal mental processes. I gained skills in applying cognitive strategies, such as concept mapping and scaffolding, to support deeper learning. This training helped me understand how to design assessments that encourage critical thinking and reflection, allowing students to connect new information to prior knowledge and improve retention. In this artifact I demonstrate my ability to understand cognitivism, explain how it can be incorporated in every day teaching, and provide unique resources in multiple formats.
Adult Learning - Understanding adult learning principles was pivotal in my development as an educator. My coursework equipped me with the skills to create engaging, relevant, and self-directed learning experiences for adult learners. I learned to facilitate workshops that leverage participants' experiences and foster collaborative learning, ensuring that adult education is practical and meaningful. In this artifact I demonstrate my ability to understand adult learning, showcase my ability to execute it if needed for a job opportunity, and provide unique resources for adults to further their own education.
Social Learning - The study of social learning theory highlighted the importance of observation and modeling in the learning process. Through my MAED program, I developed skills in creating collaborative learning environments where students learn from one another. By integrating group activities and peer feedback into my teaching practices, I foster a sense of community that enhances motivation and reinforces learning. In this artifact I demonstrate my ability to understand social learning and showcase collaboration with mental health professionals.
The following work shows my ability to analyze and evaluate the psychology of athletes. It includes a motivational interview of an athlete over a season as a case study, a notebook of collected terms that shows growth of my ability to understand the psychology of athletes and my ability to coach, and a table the emphasizes my skills on being able to interview and motivate athletes. In this artifact I demonstrate my ability to work closely with athletes, empathize with them, and create meaningful dialogue.
The following will showcase my ability to analyze and interpret data and take a stance on different educational theories. We were required to read five books that highlighted aspects of underprivileged, privileged, cultural, rural, and urban students. The papers demonstrate the ability to analyze different style of education and how I would be proficient in executing them such as: long term study, portraiture, historical education, culturally sustaining pedagogy, and inquiry based learning. In this artifact I demonstrate my ability to understand multiple educational practices, synthesize information in a condensed format, and analyze educational resources.
The following course work further showcases my ability to use multimedia formats to display information. I am able to condense, summarize, and present information from educational and athletic viewpoints in a concise and neat manner. In this artifact I demonstrate my ability to display information, use technology, and provide unique resources in multiple formats.
Creating a digital poster on football training allowed me to develop a range of design and communication skills. I learned to effectively use graphic design software to create visually appealing layouts that convey essential information clearly. This project sharpened my ability to distill complex training concepts into easily digestible content for athletes and coaches. Additionally, I honed my skills in researching best practices in football training, ensuring that the information was not only engaging but also accurate and relevant.
Developing an advertisement for middle school track helped me enhance my marketing and persuasive communication skills. I focused on identifying the key benefits of the program to attract potential participants, learning how to tailor my message to appeal to both students and parents. This project also taught me the importance of visual elements, such as color schemes and imagery, in capturing attention and conveying enthusiasm for the sport. Overall, this experience improved my ability to create compelling promotional materials that effectively communicate program highlights.
Creating a digital poster on cell phone policies allowed me to develop my skills in policy communication and educational outreach. I learned to articulate the rationale behind cell phone guidelines in a way that resonates with students and parents alike, emphasizing the importance of focus and respect in the learning environment. This project required me to synthesize complex policy information into clear, concise language and visual elements. Additionally, I gained insights into the balance between enforcing rules and fostering a positive school culture, which will inform my future approach to similar topics.
The following is a connection to all of the coursework I completed throughout my time at Michigan State University. It showcases a multitude of skillls in education and athletics through papers, presentations, and other dynamic formats.