This annotated transcript outlines the courses I’ve completed and will complete as part of my Master’s degree in Education. These courses have provided me with essential skills and knowledge to improve my teaching practice and continue growing as an educator.
1. TE 802 – Reflection and Inquiry in Teaching Practice I
Instructor: Carol Opie
Semester/Year: Fall 2023
Course Focus: Literacy Instruction
Course Description:
TE 802 was a key part of my student teaching experience, focusing on literacy instruction in elementary classrooms. The course required creating detailed lesson plans for a writing unit, specifically the first three days of the lesson sequence. One key aspect was reflecting on the lessons and adjusting them based on student responses, with changes marked in a different color to track progress. This helped me improve my ability to adapt teaching strategies and monitor student understanding in real-time. The course also emphasized the importance of being flexible in lesson delivery and making continuous improvements based on student needs.
2. TE 803 – Reflection and Inquiry in Teaching Practice II
Instructor: Christina Ciaverilla
Semester/Year: Spring 2024
Course Focus: Social Studies Instruction
Course Description:
TE 803 built on the reflective practices from TE 802 but focused on teaching social studies. The course explored methods to engage students in historical inquiry, critical thinking, and the exploration of social issues through interactive lessons. It encouraged the use of project-based learning and strategies that promote student-led investigations. Throughout the course, I developed the ability to design lessons that link historical events with contemporary issues, making the content more relevant for students. The course also emphasized creating a learning environment where students can make connections between their own lives and the material they study.
3. TE 804 – Reflection and Inquiry in Teaching Practice III
Instructor: Martha Beitner-Miller
Semester/Year: Spring 2024
Course Focus: Science Instruction
Course Description:
TE 804 focused on teaching science through inquiry-based methods, emphasizing the alignment of lessons with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The course encouraged fostering curiosity and critical thinking by creating science lessons that challenge students to explore and ask questions. A significant part of the course was designing a science lesson sequence and conducting a learner analysis to assess how students were engaging with the material. This course taught me how to assess student performance and modify lessons to better support their understanding. It helped me develop skills to create science lessons that promote exploration and active participation.
4. CEP 820 – Teaching and Learning Online
Instructor: Anne Heintz
Semester/Year: Summer 2024
Course Focus: Online Education
Course Description:
CEP 820 provided a deep dive into online teaching and learning. The course explored how to design online courses that are engaging and interactive, with a focus on building community in virtual spaces. It introduced strategies for adapting content to the online format and for encouraging student collaboration in digital environments. I also learned about the challenges of online teaching, such as maintaining student motivation and participation, and how to address them. The course was instrumental in preparing me to teach in a variety of online settings and to use technology in meaningful ways to support student learning.
5. CEP 813 – Electronic Assessment
Instructor: Allison Keller
Semester/Year: Summer 2024
Course Focus: Digital Assessment Tools
Course Description:
CEP 813 focused on the use of electronic tools to assess student learning and progress. The course covered various types of digital assessments, including quizzes, surveys, and performance-based tasks. We also explored how to analyze assessment data and use it to improve instructional practices. The course emphasized the importance of using technology to make assessments more efficient, accessible, and aligned with student learning goals. This experience allowed me to learn how to design digital assessments that are both effective and meaningful in understanding student outcomes.
6. TE 846 – Accommodating Differences in Literacy Learners
Instructor: Raven Jones
Semester/Year: Fall 2024
Course Focus: Differentiating Literacy Instruction
Course Description:
TE 846 provided valuable strategies for working with diverse literacy learners, including students with learning disabilities and English language learners. The course focused on adapting reading and writing instruction to meet the needs of all students, with an emphasis on differentiated instruction. We explored how to use a variety of teaching methods and materials to support students at different reading levels. Throughout the course, I learned how to create inclusive lessons that promote literacy development for all students. The course also highlighted how to assess student progress in literacy and adjust instruction accordingly to ensure success.
7. CEP 822 – Approaches to Educational Research
Instructor: Cary Roseth
Semester/Year: Fall 2024
Course Focus: Research Methods in Education
Course Description:
CEP 822 focused on the fundamentals of educational research, including both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The course covered how to design research studies, collect and analyze data, and apply findings to improve teaching practices. We examined various research methodologies, such as case studies, surveys, and experimental designs, and discussed how to critically evaluate research in education. It also provided insights into how educational research can influence policy and practice. This course helped me understand the role of research in education and gave me the tools to conduct my own studies.
8. CEP 800 – Psychology of Learning in School and Other Settings
Instructor: Blair Stamper
Semester/Year: Fall 2024
Course Focus: Learning Theories
Course Description:
CEP 800 focused on the psychology behind how students learn in different environments. The course explored various learning theories, including cognitive development, behaviorism, and constructivism. We discussed how motivation, memory, and emotion influence the learning process and how to apply these principles in the classroom. This course helped me understand the mental processes involved in learning and how to design lessons that align with how students think and process information. It also gave me insight into how to create a supportive learning environment that enhances student engagement and success.
9. CEP 817 – Learning Technology Through Design
Instructor: Anne Heintz
Semester/Year: Spring 2025
Course Focus: Designing Learning Technologies
Course Description:
CEP 817 focused on the design and use of technology to enhance learning experiences. The course explored how to create digital learning tools and environments that foster collaboration, creativity, and student engagement. It emphasized principles of user-centered design and how to integrate technology in ways that support educational goals. Through hands-on projects, I learned how to develop technology that can be used in various learning contexts, from K-12 classrooms to higher education. The course equipped me with skills to design and implement innovative learning technologies that meet the needs of diverse learners.
10. Capstone Seminar
Instructor: Matthew Koehler
Semester/Year: Spring 2025
Course Focus: Final Project and Professional Preparation
Course Description:
The Capstone Seminar is all about bringing everything I’ve learned together. In this course, I’ve created a professional website—what you’re currently viewing—to showcase my work and growth throughout the MAET program. I’ve learned how to design a website that highlights my journey as an educator, the projects I’ve worked on, and the skills I’ve developed. The final part of this course will be the Capstone Exhibition, where I’ll present this website and reflect on how my experiences have shaped me as an educator. It’s a chance to pull it all together and demonstrate the knowledge and skills I’ve gained.