Course Reflections

Calendar Description

This practicum focuses on professional responsibilities, planning for learning, facilitating learning, assessment, and the classroom environment. Students are required to participate in a weekly seminar. Students are expected to be directly involved in all aspects of teaching progressing from 50% and achieving 100% for at least five weeks of the practicum. 

Personal Reflection

Throughout my fourth year practicum I had the opportunity to develop and gain a variety of skills that will help me to succeed as an inclusive and effective educator. Throughout the span of 15 weeks, I taught 50-100%. During this time I was creating lesson plans focused on differentiation, built relationships with students, staff and parents/guardians, set expectations and utilized various management strategies, collaborated with a large variety of personnel both in and out of the school, and more. 

EDUC 4030 - Practicum II

Year Four Winter Semester 2026

EDUC 4201 - Integrating Ideas, Values and Praxis

Year Four Winter Semester 2026

Calendar Description

In this capstone course, participants will critically reflect upon significant issues and experiences gleaned from their education, general education, schooling and elective courses, field experiences and practica. The major focus will be upon the development of a professional learning plan and a school-based inquiry.

Personal Reflection

Throughout this course, I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge regarding adversity within an educational setting and how to overcome it. I specifically focused on increasing student agency within the classroom and how it affected students behaviour, learning, and overall feelings towards school and learning. As I explored this, I gained a deep understanding of not only strategies to increase student agency but how it positively affected my relationship with students and their success both academically and personally. 

Calendar Description

This course examines the characteristics of students exhibiting a range of mild, moderate, and severe disabilities and students exhibiting exceptional gifts and talents. Diverse educational, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds will be discussed. The course also examines methods that can be used in adapting classroom instruction and management of the diverse needs of students.   

Personal Reflection

This course provided me with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of diverse needs that are encountered everyday in schools. As I progressed through this course, I gained a deep knowledge of different diverse needs in schools including coding, the process of being assessed for codes, how to support different needs and how different needs affect students. As I gained new knowledge, I applied it in my practicum experience which greatly enhanced my role as an educator in regards to providing every student with equal opportunities to succeed both academically and personally.

EDUC 4361 - Teaching and Learning in Inclusive Classrooms

Year Four Winter Semester 2026

EDUC 4107 - Program of Studies and Curriculum Instruction in Teaching Social Studies

Year Four Fall Semester 2025

Inquiry Design

Social Studies Visually Speaking, Starting with "the why"

Calendar Description

This course explores the knowledge and skills required to implement programs of studies in teaching Social Studies in Elementary (1–6) Education. The course will address a range of approaches to develop instruction, plan units of study, integrate curriculum, develop resources and assessment strategies to meet students’ needs. Prerequisites: Education 3010

Personal Reflection

This course provided me with the opportunity to explore the Alberta social studies curriculum in great detail. Through exploring the curriculum, I developed ways of teaching different lessons, inquiring deeper beyond what is directly stated, and how to ensure that social studies is taught inclusively and truthfully. Social studies is a complex subject with much to cover beyond what is directly in the curriculum. The large variety of concepts to cover helps to foster unique ways of teaching thus providing students with an engaging, inclusive, and vital education.

Calendar Description

This course is designed to prepare prospective teachers to engage with Indigenous perspectives, values, and methods as they relate to the learning context. This course will include an in-depth examination of decolonization, traditional Indigenous education and associated values. (3 credits – TG) 3 hours lecture

Personal Reflection

Throughout this course I have had the opportunity to learn about and immerse myself within Indigenous ways of knowing. Throughout the semester, I had the opportunity to explore Indigenous ways of knowing in a variety of ways. Some of the ways included through textbook readings, field experiences with elders, discussion with classmates, and immersive experiences on campus. It is through this course that I was able to correct misconceptions that I previously had and to develop my respect for and responsibility to the land that I live and learn on

EDUC 4351 - Indigenous Perspectives

Year Four Fall Semester 2025

Land Acknowledgement

Including Indigenous Perspectives Across the Curriculum

EDUC 3105 - Program of Studies and Curriculum Instruction in Teaching Physical Education

Year Three Winter Semester 2025

AI Lesson Plan

Calendar Description

This course examines the fundamental knowledge, understanding, values, attitudes, skills and processes required to implement an effective program of studies for teaching Physical Education in elementary schools. The course will address relevant instructional methodologies, unit planning, curriculum integration and resource development. Students will investigate a range of assessment strategies.

Personal Reflection

Throughout this course I was immersed in the world of physical education and wellness in an elementary context. During the course, I was able to explore the Alberta Elementary health and physical education curriculum in depth. Additionally, I had the opportunity to create lesson plans, participate in activities that could be used with students, and learnt how to teach topics that may be labelled as uncomfortable. I learnt how to ensure that every aspect of health and physical education is inclusive and engaging for everyone involved.

Calendar Description

This course provides an overview of technological influences in education. It is designed to assist prospective teachers in critically examining current and evolving applications of technology relevant to the teaching and learning process.

Technology must be the means to an improved end, not the end itself. Technology must be appropriately applied to create worthwhile learning transactions (Randy Garrison, 2016).

Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources (Association for Educational Communication and Technology, 2014).

Personal Reflection

Throughout this course I have had the opportunity to learn about and use different forms of technology within a classroom setting. Throughout the class, we had practiced using different technological resources that may be utilized within a classroom with students when teaching. I had also learnt the benefits and consequences of using technology. I learnt that although technology is frequently used, educators must ensure that it is being used responsibly and to enhance student learning. There are many online resources that may be used by teachers and students to make lessons more exciting and engaging!

EDUC 3326 - Understanding Current and Emerging Pedagogical Technologies

Year Three Fall Semester 2024

Blog Posts

Mini Technology Lesson Plan

ICP Part D: Implementation and Reflection

Calendar Description

This course explores knowledge and skills required to implement programs of studies in teaching Mathematics in Elementary schools. The course will address a range of approaches to develop instruction, plan units of study, integrate curriculum, develop resources and assessment strategies to meet students’ needs. 

Personal Reflection

This course provides an introduction to the teaching and learning of math in elementary schools. The focus of this course was to explore multiple ways of teaching math concepts in the Alberta grade K-6 curriculum. Mathematics is a subject that requires educators to be able to explain one concept in many ways. There are a variety of learners within a classroom and each one may require different explanations and support. I have learnt that providing explicit instruction, manipulatives, and constant support is extremely crucial when teaching mathematical concepts.

Calendar Description

This course examines human behaviour, focusing on physical, emotional, cognitive, moral and social development. Emphasis is placed on understanding classroom implications of motivation, memory, learning styles, student diversity, principles of reinforcement, and aspects of learning. Students are required to participate in relevant field experience.

Personal Reflection

Throughout this course I have had the opportunity to examine common classroom behaviors and the overall functions of the classroom. A substantial key learning from this course has been how to effectively design not only the physical layout of your classroom but how to set your class up for success as early as possible. This includes knowing your students (ie. IPP's, behaviour concerns, likes/dislikes, and more) and planning your management techniques around this. I discovered that a major factor to an effective classroom is early intervention. By this I mean establishing rules/expectations on day one, establish routines, and knowing ways of managing each student when needed whether it be academically related or behaviour related 

Calendar Description

This course explores the knowledge and skills required to implement programs of studies in teaching English Language Arts in elementary schools. Students are required to participate in relevant field experience. The field experience will be used to inform assignments and contexts such as instructional methodologies, unit planning, curriculum integration and resource development. Students will investigate a range of assessment strategies. 

Personal Reflection

This class focused on planning effective lessons while considering many factors. These factors include but are not limited to, differentiation, connecting lessons, and developing writing/reading skills continuously. As I progressed through this course I discovered the difficulties of developing a students reading/writing skills. I was unaware of how to do this throughout every subject rather than just in ELA. Progressing these skills is very complicated and takes substantial time and effort. Throughout all subject areas you may incorporate these into the lessons through things such as reading comprehension (ie. in social studies having the students read a passage and answer questions based on it), predicting (ie. in science having students read a passage and predict the outcome), and much more. By constantly having the students read and write, they gain more practice thus increasing their proficiency with their reading and writing skills.

Calendar Description

This course focuses upon language development and the importance of literacy. Students will examine certain principles of learning in order to gain understanding as to how language development occurs as well as to determine best practice in teaching language and literacy. The field experience will be literacy focused, including small group instruction and assessment.

Personal Reflection

Although this course was focused on language development and the importance of literacy, I have learnt so much more than that. I have developed essential skills that will help me to ensure that when I am teaching, I am doing so with accuracy, honesty, respect, and for the benefit of all individuals involved. This will be done through considering many factors, not just ones that pertain to the lesson I am teaching. These factors include but are not limited to different cultures, differentiation, modifications for the benefit of every student, equal opportunities, learning outcomes, and more. I have discovered that teaching is not necessarily easy but when done right, is the most wonderful and rewarding thing. Everyone deserves the best education possible and it will be my job to ensure that I am providing this. This course has provided me with the necessary knowledge and tools to do so.

This course taught me about the foundation for curriculum pedagogy regarding the concepts of planning, facilitating, and assessing learning.  This was done through the learning and analyzing of topics such as gender ideologies, political concepts, funding, racial/cultural equality, teaching philosophies, and the history of education.  Each of these is a more broad idea, it was important that I as a student analyzed them critically and took away key concepts. The most notable concepts for me were the way in which we view our teaching and classroom effectiveness, cultural diversity and ensuring that all feel welcome and safe, and how I as a teacher can take each concept I learn about and apply it within the classroom effectively to benefit all who are involved.  I was able to solidify my understandings throughout the semester by numerous class discussions, my journals, our school tour to Calgary Academy, and the creation of my lesson plan as I had to consider everything I was taught about when creating it (i.e. equality, form of assessments).

Throughout this course I learnt the foundational knowledge required as a beginner teacher candidate. The main focus was how the components of society, including sociological, psychological, and philosophical components affect the classroom and those who are involved within it. A large focus of the class was learning who we want to be as teachers. We learnt about multiple teaching philosophies, different classroom environments, behaviours, cultures, gender ideologies, and much more. Throughout the course I took these large ideas and began to narrow them down into a way in which I was able to gain the most knowledge and develop myself as a teacher.  This is what helped me to gain my initial stance as a teacher candidate. I have developed my philosophy of progressivism and began focusing on the environment of the classroom and ensuring its efficieny. This was done through considering the notable components of diversity, gender ideologies, equality, and learning how to efficiently manage a wide variety of issues that may arise within a classroom.

Calendar Description

Building a healthy school community using the comprehensive school health approach can positively impact both students and staff. In this course, pre-service teachers will gain an understanding of how they can address their personal wellness as new teachers, and learn how to build a healthy school community that addresses the wellness needs of a diverse student body.  

Personal Reflection

This course was centered around wellness within the schools, specifically regarding teachers. Throughout the course, a large variety of topics were discussed such as burnout, anxiety, and more. Each concept was discussed in depth but more importantly, how to mitigate each concern was the priority of each class discussion. I had the opportunity to explore my own wellness and how to ensure I maintain it as I pursue my career. Additionally, I had the opportunity to connect with community resources that could be used within schools for teachers, students, and parents/guardians. This was extremely beneficial in helping to understand the resources that I will have available in the future.

Calendar Description

This course provides an examination of selected topics designed to explore critical or emerging approaches in Education. As a variable content course, the specific topic will be announced and advertised each semester it is offered. Students may not receive credit for this course more than once. 

Personal Reflection

This course was centered around what complex topics that often arise within the school setting. The class discussed topics such as oppression, exclusion, racism, and more. With these topics, it was discussed how they may affect us as teachers and other people in general whether it is students or people in the class. It was extremely eye opening to hear my classmates perspectives and experiences with some of the topics and it had me constantly reflecting on who I am as a person and what I have experienced. I recognize my bias' and how important it is to reframe my perspective to ensure that I am always inclusive and supporting the perspectives of those around me.

Calendar Description

This course will provide science-teaching and curricular theory along withn practical examples of material and demonstrations that can be used in a grade-school classroom. This course is a survey of experimental content and methods from all disciplines and levels within the Alberta Education Elementary and Junior High School Programs of Study. Students will be expected to participate in activities, write up lab reports, and design, test, and present their own demonstration to the class.

Personal Reflection

Throughout this course, I was immersed in the world of elementary and junior high science. Each class consisted of a lecture portion to review the concepts that are taught within the curriculum as well as ideas of how they may be taught. The second portion of class consisted of participating in experiments. The experiments were framed around what students could be doing within a classroom setting. By participating in both the lecture and experiments, I was able to explore what could be done within the classroom in a safe manner so that the students are engaged, having fun, and learning.

Calendar Description

Every human being, every institution and every organization can make a difference in the quest for a sustainable and healthy future for humankind. This course will examine current practices that result in unhealthy societies and non-sustainable environmental impacts and the changes that must be made in order to establish a sustainable and healthy future planet. Our future depends on managing our planet in ways that create sustainable relationships with our ecosystems.

Personal Reflection

I had chosen to take this class as I wanted to learn more about how to live sustainably and preserve the planet for not only our generation but future generations as well. One key learning that I had not considered before was the difficulty of achieving sustainable living on a global scale. In order to preserve the planet, the entire world must cooperate and be willing to achieve common goals. This is a major barrier in regard to sustainability. There are many factors in achieving sustainability that consider the environment as well as public health. Each factors needs a plan of action, goals, and cooperation to be effective.

Calendar Description

This course provides an overview of radiation medicine and its applications. It introduces the mathematical, physical and clinical principles of medical imaging and radiation therapies. This course is intended for a general audience with no prior knowledge of physiology and physics, and for students with an interest in health sciences and health professions

Personal Reflection

This was a course I had chosen to take as I have a medical background with being a paramedic and it is a high interest of mine. Physics has never been a strength of mine but I wanted to take on the challenge. I did not expect the outcomes I have received throughout the semester in this course. This course breaks the concepts down to the very basics to ensure that every participant is able to understand the concepts to the highest degree. It is not solely focused on physics outcomes such as calculations, but pulls in a large amount of theory as well. This mixed combination of concepts allowed me to progress nicely as the course went on as when I didn't understand a calculation, the theory behind it was taught and it began to make more sense. Although I will not be teaching these concepts in my future career, learning them has taught me essential skills about how to learn and teach more difficult concepts that will be beneficial as I progress into my future career, especially when it comes to lesson planning.

Calendar Description

This course offers students an opportunity to gain an understanding of a variety of forensic techniques, ranging from blood pattern analysis and identification of human remains, to gas chromatography, and DNA 'fingerprinting'. Successful students will also gain insight into how the 'CSI Effect' has altered the relationship between science and the legal system. Note: This course cannot be used as a General Science Option

Personal Reflection

This course was one of the most interesting and fun courses I have ever participated in. This was not a course I would have seen myself taking but I am extremely glad that I did. Throughout the course I dove into the world of forensics theory supported by real world cases. This allowed me to apply what I have learnt into critical analysis and problem solving when applying it to real world cases. It was as if I had to take on an entirely blank and open minded perspective for each problem/real world case study. This has allowed me to develop extremely effective problem solving techniques that will benefit me greatly as a teacher. By having to take on new perspectives, I was able to take in all information and process it accordingly. This had to be done without bias and all factors/information had to be considered. 

This course is a geology introductory course mad for non-science majors. It supplies a broad overview of Earths geology. This includes earthquakes, tsunamis, natural disasters, mountains, landmarks, minerals, elements, and more.  The focus of this class was not only to learn about each of these things, but rather to develop an understanding as to why they are so important to us as individuals and as a whole society.  Each component of the course ties in with one another and takes each idea a step further. This assisted with helping me to develop a deeper understanding of them and why they are important. Geology is a complex idea that encompasses a large number of components with each one being equally as important. As I progressed through the course, I understood that geology influences our every day lives without us even knowing sometimes.  Geology is more than just rocks, mountains, and earthquakes, but it also includes minerals and elements in all forms, the things present in our everyday lives that without them, would be entirely different.

This course was composed of current and relevant environmental issues that not only impacts us as individuals but as entire societies. A heavy focus was learning about the various issues and developing solutions as to how they could possibly be resolved or improved. The issues were looked at from national and global perspectives. This helped to put the true extent of each environmental into a more impactful perspective. As a science minor, this course was extremely impactful, especially as an introductory course. This course helped me to realize the state that our environment is currently in and how I can help. Although a large portion of improvement must occur on a global level, I learnt that there is so much I can do as an individual. As an example, a large focus of the course was greenhouse gasses and how they affect the surrounding environment.  By simply monitoring my personal emission that are released from things such as driving, I can reduce them and make an improvement to the state of our environment.

Calendar Description

This course presents current research and strategies related to effective coping in a rapidly- changing world. Topics suchas stress, effective coping, relating and working well with others, and putting change in perspective are included. Lectures, discussions, and assignments are intended to emphasize the applicability of what students are learning to experiences they are likely to encounter during their lives, and particularly as students in the university setting

Personal Reflection

This class examines multiple forms of self care within the constantly changing world, specifically regarding life as a university students. During this course, I was able to critically reflect on my own wellbeing as well as how those around me might be affected. I was presented with new perspectives regarding difficult situations and how everyone may be affected differently. What I learnt through this course will help me to be able to better support my future students as well as myself and other teachers.

Calendar Description

Many aspects of human health are affected by the environment, and many diseases can be initiated, promoted, sustained or stimulated by environmental factors. For that reason the interactions of people with their environment are an important component of public health. This course introduces students to the complexity of environmental health issues facing society today.

Personal Reflection

This class explores the effects that humans as well as natural phenomena have on the environment. As I have taken multiple course on environmental health, this course was an excellent way to further build my understanding and reflect on my role to ensure the environment is sustained. I have grown a deep respect with the world around me and how I can reduce my footprint. It is vital to build a sustainable society that prioritizes the wellbeing of the world around us which will ultimately foster a better standard of living for humanity.

Calendar Description

The course will examine the establishment of French and British colonies in North America, relationships among Indigenous peoples and Europeans, and the social, cultural, economic, and political developments that led to the confederation of Canada.

Personal Reflection

This class examines the complex past of pre-confederation Canada. The class discusses a large variety of topics such as wars with the British, French, and contact with Indigenous groups, and more. The highest priority of this course was evidently delivering an honest and accurate representation of Canada's history. Through the course I was able to discover information I had never known but more importantly, I was able to correct previous misconceptions that I had about this country's history.

Calendar Description

This course provides an introduction to current theories of communication. An understanding of effective communication and its potential is promoted through participation in a variety of speaking situations. Opportunity is given for group discussion; audience analysis; development of good listening habits and how to research, organize and prepare various types of speeches.

Personal Reflection

This class examines multiple forms public speaking. Each form of public speaking has different principles and structures that affect the overall desired effect. Although I had experience with public speakign through my practicums, it felt as if speaking to older ages was entirely different. I often felt nervous and did not know what to say or how to say it. This course helped me to overcome that anxiety by helping me to understand how to be a confident and effective speaker

Calendar Description

This course introduces the principles and practices of literary analysis by examining the narrative features of selected works of prose, poetry, or drama. Students will apply close reading techniques to a range of narratives in order to develop foundational skills in writing and thinking about literature critically.

Personal Reflection

This class examines multiple forms of texts and being able to comprehend them. The styles of texts that were looked at were novels, poems, essays, plays, and short stories. The skills utilized in this class (substantially comprehension) are skills that I will continuously use as a teacher as well as in my own life. A key learning for me was to look further into the text and interpret the information in multiple perspectives rather than solely relying on the text to deliver direct answers. Interpretation allows for the development of new ideas and causes the reader to think more critically. I was able to not only gather direct answers from the text but question as to how I got that answer or other possible answers based on the perspective I was taking.

Calendar Description

This course examines human aesthetic responses and our capacities to interpret diverse forms of cultural expression Students will study some of the following: literary and/or religious texts, paintings, sculpture, architecture, music, film, dance, opera, the decorative arts, as well as other forms of aesthetic expression.

Personal Reflection

Although this is only a general education course, it has provided me with many methods of being more aware of not only what surrounds me, but of myself as well. This specific class was focused on means of meditation through listening. Before this course, I rarely took time for myself and it was difficult to clear my mind and relax. Throughout the semester I was introduced to a variety of methods to b able to achieve this. At first it was difficult as I am a student who also works five to six days a week so there is limited time to relax. Now that I have experienced this down time, I have made it a part of my everyday life. I have dedicated time daily to clear my mind and allow the opportunity to become more in touch with my consciousness which in turn helps to relax my mind from its usual busyness.

This course considered how politics is portrayed through the use of mass media and how it affects those who are delivering the information as well as those who are receiving it. Forms of traditional media (i.e. news stations) were compared to modern media (i.e. social media platforms). Components of politics were taught and later applied in regards to the media. Critical analysis of how different parts of mass media affects each component of politics was done.  Throughout this course I was able to learn about how I have been affected by this as well. This was done through constant class discussions about past and present political issues, how we learnt about them, and how we can ensure the information we received about it is accurate or not.  This course helped me to realize how much media truly impacts the information we receive on a day to day basis. As anyone can share on social media, it makes it difficult to avoid biased opinions, false information, and more.

This course explored the inequalities and power imbalances in regards to the information domain. Students were given the opportunity to analyze our current world through multiple perspectives in consideration of social context.  As I progressed through the course I was introduced to a wide variety of topics. These included things such as gender inequalities online, social movements, social conflict, censorship, misinformation, and the digital divides surrounding factors such as age, gender, location, etc. Each lesson was extremely impactful as the extent of the comparison between privileged and non-privileged was heavily emphasized on.  This divide was also viewed through a digital concept. How people receive information, access to technology, equality online, and so much more all influence the digital divide and inequality within our modern world as a whole.

This course was an introductory writing course that was surrounded around critical analysis.  Throughout the course you were taught the multiple components of different styles of papers (i.e. research paper, rhetorical analysis). As you obtained this knowledge, it was then applied into writing one of the styles of essays. There was one research paper and two rhetorical analysis' of advertisements found in print (magazine, newspaper, etc.).  This specific course did not provide an outline or rubric for any of the assignments. Ultimately this helped me to further my skills as a writer. Without trying to follow guidelines, I branched out more than I ever usually would have and tried new thngs with my writing. I learnt that there is no necessarily right or wrong answer when it comes to writing as it is a way to express yourself, even if it is a research paper.

This course was an introductory to different aspects of mathematics and science. The overall idea was to gain a basic understanding of each component that was introduced and be able to apply them to real life situations. The mathematics units introduced me to statistics, number systems, logic, finance, and a few others. The science unit includes infectious diseases, evaluating information, earthquakes, and more. Each unit helped me to gain a solid foundation of knowledge for skills that I could apply to my every day life. As a science minor this course was extremely beneficial, including the math portion. As the topics throughout the course were very diverse, I was introduced to a wide variety of topics. The science portion was extremely beneficial and carried into my second semester classes. Notably the earthquakes/natural disasters unit. I took part of a geology course in my 2023 winter semester. In this course a large focus was also natural disasters. Due to the fact that I had already been introduced to these topics, I had a deeper understanding of it and was able to progress quicker than most.