EDUC 4030- Practicum II 

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

Reflection: 

This practicum was a meaningful culmination of my teacher preparation journey. Throughout the placement, I was directly involved in all aspects of teaching, gradually taking on more responsibility until I was confidently managing the classroom full-time. I saw the most growth in my ability to plan responsive lessons, assess student learning in meaningful ways, and create a supportive, inclusive classroom environment. Balancing professional responsibilities while adapting to student needs helped me develop both confidence and flexibility in my teaching. This experience has strengthened my understanding of what it means to be an intentional, reflective, and student-centered educator.

EDUC 4201- Integrating Ideas, Values, and Praxis 

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 teaching e-portfolio and an action research project.

Reflection: 

This capstone course gave me the chance to reflect on my growth as a teacher and bring together what I have learned through coursework and practicum. Creating my professional portfolio helped me see how my experiences have shaped my teaching practice. My capstone project focused on teaching young students how to code, which allowed me to explore the role of technology in early learning. This experience strengthened my confidence and helped me see new possibilities for supporting student engagement and creativity.

EDUC 4361- Inclusive Classrooms

In this course, students will explore a variety of instructional strategies and approaches that promote and sustain a healthy and caring inclusive learning environment. Students will apply principles of effective assessment, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Response to Intervention (RTI), and differentiated instruction into their EDUC 4030 practicum placement. This course also examines the characteristics of students with diverse learning needs in the context of inclusive classrooms in Alberta. 

Reflection:  

This course was incredibly relevant to my practicum experience, especially in a classroom with many ELL learners and those with special needs. Learning about Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Response to Intervention (RTI) gave me concrete strategies to support diverse learners in meaningful ways. The emphasis on differentiation helped me understand how to tailor instruction while maintaining high expectations for all students. 

EDUC 4351- Indeginous Perspectives 

This course is designed to prepare prospective teachers to engage with Indigenous perspectives, as well as ways of knowing and being. The course relates to the teaching and learning contexts. The course will include an in-depth examination of decolonization, indigenization, and reconciliation.

Reflection: 

This course was deeply impactful, pushing me to critically reflect on my role as an educator in advancing reconciliation. Engaging with Indigenous ways of knowing and being challenged many conventional ways of approaching education, emphasizing land-based learning and holistic perspectives. Our discussions highlighted the importance of embedding Indigenous voices and perspectives authentically through Indigenous literature and guest speakers. This course reinforced my commitment to creating inclusive and respectful learning environments that honour Indigenous histories, cultures, and knowledge systems.

EDUC 4107- Teaching Social Studies 

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.

Reflection: 

This course challenged me to think critically about how to make social studies engaging and meaningful for students. It emphasized the role of inquiry-based learning and discussion in fostering historical thinking and meaningful engagement. I gained a deeper appreciation for how to navigate complex topics such as diversity, justice, and historical narratives in age appropriate ways. This course also highlighted the importance of adapting instruction to different learning needs, something that has been particularly relevant throughout my practicum experience. 

EDUC 3010- Practicum I 

This practicum focuses on professional responsibilities, planning for learning, facilitating learning, assessment, and the classroom environment. Students will be directly involved in all aspects of teaching for 50% of the required time during their last three weeks of the practicum.

Reflection:

I completed my first practicum at Mahogany School where I taught fifty percent of the day. I was placed in a grade one classroom with 22 wonderful students. My mentor teacher, Nicole Hoye, contributed to my learning tremendously in every aspect. I was able to explore a variety of teaching and assessment strategies in the classroom while building incredible relationships with my students. This was such an amazing opportunity that completely transformed my perspective on teaching. 

EDUC 3105- Teaching Physical Education 

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.

Reflection:

This course provided valuable insights on how to create an engaging and effective physical education environment for young learners. Learning about different methods of teaching and assessment strategies was particularly helpful in ensuring that all students, regardless of skill level, could participate meaningfully. The focus on curriculum integration also highlighted the importance of connecting movement with other areas of learning, reinforcing the idea that physical education plays a crucial role in a child's overall development. 

EDUC 3104 - Arts Integration in Elementary Education

In this course, students will learn how to integrate the fine and performing arts into the elementary classroom. Students will examine current theories and practices in arts education, and will develop creative skills associated with each of the fine and performing arts. Drawing upon this knowledge, and within the context of the STEAM semester, students will design and apply integrated learning experiences that enrich student learning. 

Reflection:This course has allowed me to expand my knowledge on art integration in the classroom. For many students, art is a form of self expression and a showcase of their knowledge. It is essential that we incorporate this form of learning in the classroom to increase confidence and allow students a variety of ways to demonstarte their understanding. This course has also allowed me to get back in touch with my creativity which has been a wonderful part of my learning experience. I look forward to integrating this new knowledge into my future practice. 

EDUC 3326 - Understanding Current and Emerging Pedagogical Technologies

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.

Reflection:This course has provided me with a lot of insight on the importance of integrating technology in any classroom setting. With the world continuing to evolve, it is crucial that we keep students informed about the latest developments and technological resources. Throughout this course, I was able to explore multiple platforms and sites that will contribute heavily to my future practice. I was also able to build more knowledge on creating lesson plans that integrate educational outcomes associated with technology. This has increased my ability to differentiate amongst different student and 

EDUC 3106 - Program of Studies and Curriculum Instruction in Teaching Science

This course provides an introduction to the teaching and learning of Science in elementary schools. The course will focus on instruction, planning and facilitating learning experiences, integrating curriculum, creating and utilizing resources and developing assessment strategies to meet students’ needs.

Reflection: This course has been an enlightening journey into the world of science education. Throughout this course, I was able to learn more about integrating science into my lesson planning. The course reading allowed me to expand my knowledge on facilitating engaging learning experiences, lesson planning, and new assessment strategies. I was able to learn about science from a whole new perspective with the help of my classmates and professor. The collaborative learning experience and hands-on activities contributed heavily to my learning experience. 

EDUC 3108 - Program of Studies and Curriculum Instruction in Teaching Mathematics

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.

Reflection: This course has allowed me to alter my perspective on mathematics. Growing up, I had always assumed that math could only be a stressful concept due to the assessment strategies embedded in the subject. Different strategies that my teachers used growing up, including mad minutes, contributed to stress induced thinking and performance. I now know that this no longer needs to be the case. I plan on using the knowledge that I have gained from this course to alter every student's perspective on mathematics. By incorporating a variety of assessments and teaching strategies, I will be able to build comfort and confidence amongst my students. 

Education 2103-001 Program of Studies and Teaching Instruction in Teaching English Language Arts: 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. 

Reflection: This course has been a crucial part of my learning experience as it has allowed me to explore different methods beyond the classroom. This year I was able to create three connected lessons that I taught throughout my field placement. After being observed and receiving feedback from both my professors and mentor teacher, I now know what I need to do in order to improve my work. Finally, I was able to tutor a student every week and implement different strategies that we focused on during our weekly lectures. This process taught me about students' growth and development process which was very interesting. 

Education 2321-001 Education and Individual Development: 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.

Reflection: This course has taught me a lot about what it really means to be a teacher. We explored many different topics such as students' motivation and classroom management. I was able to focus on two different students and develop an understanding about what motivates them and inspires their learning. This course focused on the importance of building healthy and productive relationships with your students in order to manage your classroom effectively. 

Education 2375-001 Effective Assessment: This course is designed to assist students in developing an understanding of concepts and issues related to the differentiated assessment of learning. Participants will be required to develop competence in the construction of various instruments and processes used to measure and evaluate individual learner performance. The field experience will include teaching and assessing learning experiences.

Reflection: Throughout this course I was able to expand my knowledge on formative and summative assessments and how we can use these assessments in our teaching. I also learned about the different forms of rubrics and how they correlate to each assessment activity. I was able to use this knowledge to create different assessment tools when conducting my three connected lessons. This was a great learning opportunity as I now know how to use backwards design to create a perfect lesson plan. 

Education 2371-003 Language Development and Literacy:  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. Students are required to participate in relevant field experience. The field experience will be literacy focused, including small group instruction and assessment.

Reflection: This course has been extremely benificial to my understanding of the development of literacy skills. By exploring the idea behind phonics and phonemic awareness, we were able to use what we have learned in the classroom to help students become better readers. We were also taught how to create the perfect lesson plan that focuses on meeting all of the outcomes required for each section. 

Education 1233-001 Professional Dimensions II: This course provides a foundation for curriculum and pedagogy in the areas of planning, facilitating and assessing learning. Further, it examines issues of power and justice and the ways that the economy, matters of race, culture, class, and gender ideologies, political discourses and other social institutions interact to construct the social systems that make up educational institutions. The field experience will focus on small groups and teacher candidates are expected to teach a lesson. 

Reflection:  This course has allowed me to continue expanding my knowledge on different factors that contribute to becoming an effective teacher. I am so thankful for the different opportunities that we have in this course. My field placement has allowed me to experience teaching in a whole different way. With the help of different workshops and lectures, I was able to plan and teach my very fist lesson which was very exciting and educational. Our weekly slides and class conversations have made our learning process so informative and enjoyable. 

Education 1231-002 Professional Dimensions I: This course examines teaching and learning processes with reference to psychological, sociological and philosophical influences in contemporary society, addressing the concept of personal worldview and its impact on classroom environments. The course introduces students to professional responsibilities and prompts students to develop ethical and professional attitudes, behavior, language and conduct. The field experience will have an individual learner focus. In-school seminars may comprise part of the lecture hours. 

Reflection: I believe that this was an amazing introductory class that focused heavily on professionalism, diversity, and inclusion. Throughout this course, we discussed the teaching quality standard which is something that all teachers should follow in order to create the most effective teaching methods. We were also able to participate in a weekly filed experience which allowed me to gain more knowledge outside of the lectures. This course has given me the opportunity to establish the basic knowledge needed in order to continue my learning with the use of weekly slides, as well as very informative workshops. It has also allowed me to gain an idea of what it is truly like to be an educator. 

ENGL 1152 - Identity and Invention: An Introduction to Literature

This course introduces the principles and practices of literary analysis by examining features of self-invention and first-person identity in selected works of prose, poetry, and drama. Students will apply close reading techniques to the imaginatively constructed “I” in order to develop foundational skills in writing and thinking about literature critically.

Reflection: This course deepened my appreciation for literary analysis, especially how identity is shaped through storytelling. Close reading skills helped me develop stronger critical thinking and writing skills.

RELS 2212 - Chinese Religions

This course will introduce the major religious traditions of China, including Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and popular Chinese religion. Examining the history, teachings, and practices of these traditions will provide insight into Chinese religion and culture.

Reflection: Exploring Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and popular Chinese religion provided a richer understanding of Chinese history and culture. The course highlighted how religious traditions influence daily life and societal values.

INST 2730 - Topics in Indigenous Studies

This course offers the opportunity to examine specific topics in Indigenous Studies in both Canadian and International contexts. The specific content of the course will vary by term and instructor. Possible topics include education, contact narratives, land rights, politics, Métis/Mestizo history and culture, and Indigenous women’s studies.

Reflection: This course expanded my perspective on Indigenous issues, particularly in relation to land rights and politics. It reinforced the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices in education and everyday discussions. 

RELS 1105-001 Why Religion Matters

An introduction to the study of religion that relates religious traditions to contemporary thought and culture.

Reflection: I really enjoyed this class because I was able to learn about the basic concepts embedded in each religion. Being able to compare the similarities and differences in each religion was also very interesting. The lectures were very informative, and I will definitely be taking another religion course soon!

PHIL-1130-001 Philosophy: Sex & Love

This course provides an introduction to philosophy through an exploration of philosophical questions about sex and love.

Reflection: Throughout this course, we explored different controversial issues that are associated with sex and love. I found this course to be very interesting, and I enjoyed listening to my classmates debate certain issues. It was very intriguing to see how different everyone portrayed different issues, and it allowed me to understand certain perspectives.