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.

My learning in this course gave me a solid understanding of strategies for teaching social studies. I am deeply aware of the responsibility that I have as a teacher to support my student's understanding of their roles as Canadian citizens. I also created a mid-range plan, and having an understanding of this structure will help me to support their learning. 

EDUC 4351 - Indigenous Perspectives in Education

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.

This course helped to build my understanding of what it means to truly include Indigenous perspectives into my teaching practice in a meaningful way. Learning about the different responsibilities that I have towards advancing reconciliation as both a lifelong learner and teacher, have given me a unique perspective on how to support my students in a good way. 

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.

My experiences in EDUC 4030 has been deeply influential to who I am as an educator. Taking on 100% of the responsibilities in the classroom prepared me with the skills that I need to be a confident and capable educator. It also instilled an appreciation for lifelong learning, and I am excited to take this with me in my career.

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.

In this course I learned a variety of different approaches to teaching the Physical Education and Wellness curriculum that will no doubt help my in my career. I was also introduced to the important values, understandings, and attitudes that come with being an effective PEW teacher, and look forward to implementing these into my own practice. Ensuring that our students are active, and love being active, is an important part of our job as educators, and I feel prepared to take this up!

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. 

EDUC 3104 offered me with a wide range of art-related experiences that will help me in my upcoming practicum, and my teaching practice in general. One key takeaway from this course was the importance of art integration, and how this can enhance the learning experiences of all of my current and future students. The learning that I did in EDUC 3104 about EDIA, decolonization, and Indigenization will help me have a more informed understanding of my students. This course was a healing journey for me in terms of my own relationship with art, and I am excited to create positive art experiences for my students! 

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.

In this class I explored a variety of different ways that science education can be taken up in schools. I was introduced to a variety of practical ways to integrate science into my own teaching practice. It was really great to be introduced to a variety of resources that I can use to make science come alive in my classroom! EDUC 3106 also allowed me to develop my lesson, specifically Mid-Range, planning skills. Mid-Range planning is a great tool to use, and allowed me to meaningfully integrate multiple different STEAM pedagogies. 

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.

Throughout this course I learned about a variety of effective pedagogical approaches for teaching mathematics. EDUC 3108 played an instrumental role in building my confidence around teach mathematics, as it is something that makes me quite anxious. In EDUC 3104 I learned about ways to intentionally plan for my students, and meet all of their needs. Creating a classroom profile, and support plan, allowed me to ensure that all of my students are able to learn in ways that are accessible and meaningful to them. Through this course I was able to plan for, practice, and reflect on my own teaching practice in regards to mathematics in a supportive environment. 

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.

In our current society it is essential that students are knowledgeable about the different ways that technology can apply to their lives. As a teacher, it is my job to ensure that students are given the tools they need to succeed, and being competent with technology is one of these tools. Technology is constantly evolving, and this course provided me with the knowledge that I need to adapt to these constant changes. One key takeaway from EDUC 3326 is the importance of integrating technology into my teaching practice, and how technology can help students better understand and investigate the concepts that I am teaching them.

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.

During my practicum, I worked closely with my mentor teacher to take of 50% of the roles in their classroom. Having the opportunity to be directly involved in a classroom environment allowed me to take on a stronger role in the class. I learned a lot about planning for and facilitating learning, and pushed myself to continue to work on my classroom management skills. Building relationships with students showed me the importance of connection in the creation of a positive classroom environment. 

EDUC 2371 - 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.

EDUC 2371 was an instrumental course in developing my understanding of language development and literacy. My learning in this course allowed me to understand the essential components of literacy and to see the importance of building a strong base of understanding for my students. I can take what I learned in this course and apply it to my future lessons, activities, and professional development. 

EDUC 2201 - Teacher Wellness 

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.

This course provided me with a wide range of wellness strategies that I can use in my future classroom, and in my time as a teacher candidate. Through Teacher Wellness I completed online courses around comprehensive school health and trauma informed practice which were both valuable additions to my professional understanding and resume. I was also able to connect with, and learn about, multiple community partners who I use to support my future students. 

EDUC 2375 - 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.

Throughout this course I learned about a variety of effective assessment approaches that I can use in my teaching practice. What really stood out to me in this course was the importance of backward design, and how this can be beneficial for students. Assessment is an essential part of teaching and learning, and good teaching practice cannot exist without it. Being clear about what I want my students to learn is so important, and I will be sure to apply this to the learning activities I design in the future. 

EDUC 2103 - Program of Studies and Curriculum 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. The course will address relevant instructional methodologies, unit planning, curriculum integration and resource development. Students will investigate a range of assessment strategies.

Language Arts is crucial for children's development as it lays the foundation for effective communication, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. This course helped me to understand how to create engaging and effective learning environments that fosters students' literacy skills, and supports their love for reading and writing. My learning in this course provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences that can help students develop their literacy skills, critical thinking abilities, and overall academic achievement. 

EDUC 2321 - 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.

In this course I came to understand how theory and practice come together to benefit students. The study of human behaviour is an essential aspect of education, and this course allowed me to explore the different dimensions of human development, including physical, emotional, cognitive, moral, and social aspects. Understanding the various aspects of human development is crucial for teachers, as it enables them to create effective classroom environments that promote student engagement, learning, and success.

EDUC 1231 - 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, behaviour, language and conduct. The field experience will have an individual learner focus.

This course provided me with a broad understanding of the teaching profession as a whole, and what my role is as someone who will one day be a teacher. I will be able to use my knowledge learned in this class all throughout the rest of my degree, as well as my career. 

EDUC 1233 - 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.

My learning in this course built on the ideas and concepts that were covered in EDUC 1231 and multiple historical and contemporary impacts on education were discussed. Everything that I learned in this class will be applicable to my career as an educator and I am looking forward to building on my knowledge. 

INST 2270 - Virtual Exploration of the Treaty 7 Context

Taught from an Indigenous perspective, the course offers students a unique learning experience within a virtual exploratory, online format.  Students will engage the history and current contexts of the Treaty 7 region and consider a wide range of topics, with an emphasis on colonization and decolonization.

This course focused on the multiple different First Nations who make up Treaty 7, and unpacked the historical and contemporary contexts that impact everyone who lives on this land. The learning that I participated in this course was deeply impactful to my understanding of my role as an educator in the Treaty 7 region, and I feel very informed about my responsibilities as a treaty person, and excited to share this knowledge with my future students!

ENGL 2207 - Intermediate Writing

 A course in which students study rhetorical theory and apply it to the examination of their own writing and that of selected texts.

In ENGL 2207, I had the opportunity to study multiple personal narratives and to create my own. Intermediate writing enhanced my skills as a communicator, and allowed me to reflect on my own personal experiences and write about them creatively. I can use the learning that I did in this course to enhance my own projects that I have my students to take up, and it will help me when communicating with others in writing. 

ENGL 2271 - Literatures in Canada from 1914 to the Present

This course surveys responses to the idea of Canada from Indigenous, settler-colonial, and multicultural perspectives from 1914 to present. The course examines literary movements such as realism, modernism, and postmodernism and how they intersect with concerns around environment, inclusion, and aesthetics.

My learning in this class exposed me to multiple forms of contemporary Canadian literature, and opened my eyes to what it is that truly makes Canadian literature unique. I learned about multiple different ways of understanding and interpreting Canadian literature, and hope one day to share some of the books that I learned with my students. 

ENGL 2293 - Science Fiction

This course examines representative works of science fiction with attention to the tradition, its leading themes and modern developments.

In this course, I learned about the history of science fiction and different ways to understand its themes, patterns, and ideas. Although I am not a huge science fiction fan, it is clear that the learning I have done in this course might allow me to connect with some of my future students who are!

ENGL 3308 - The Novel from 1900 to Now

Using critical theory to interrogate contemporary practice, this course examines the development of prose fiction from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day. In particular, it considers how the novel, as both a literary and cultural form, mediates the aesthetic, intellectual, social, and political concerns of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

ENGL 3308 provided an overview and intense examination of the form of novels. The specific focus of this class was on African literature, and various novels written by African authors. One key aspect of my learning in this course focused on not relying on a 'single story'. In my future classrooms, I want to make sure that I do not just offer my students a single story of the world around them, and my learning in this class will help me to do this.

INST 3740 - Indigenous Research Ethics: 

This course invites students to critically explore issues surrounding research on and with Indigenous peoples through a comparative analysis approach and overview of relevant literature that allow students to apply their understandings. 

My learning in INST 3740 gave me a good understanding of Indigenous research ethics, but more importantly, showed me how I can apply what I learned to my future classroom. This course also allowed me to critically reflect on my role as a non-Indigenous person in society, and I believe this self-awareness is valuable to me as an educator. I now know that I have the ability to decolonize my classroom and the spaces I operate in. 

ENGL 2273 - Animals in Popular Fiction and Film:

This course examines the historical development of popular literature and non-print media through the lens of the animal story, one of the oldest and most persistent of popular forms. Emphasis will fall on representations of human and non-human animals in genre fiction and film produced for a trans-Atlantic mass audience from 1900 to now.

ENGL 2273 exposed me to multiple forms of popular media that include representations of human and non-human animals. I believe that what I learned in this course will help me to give my students a rich understanding of how animals are viewed and represented in the media we consume. This course also gave me multiple ideas of literature that I might want to read in my future classroom. 

INST 3710 - Place and Land-based Learning

This course explores decolonizing and Indigenous perspectives as this pertains to ‘learning from place’ and ‘learning on the land’ in local and international contexts. Particular attention will be paid to the connections between Indigenous conceptions of place and land, and matters concerning resistance/agency, language/identity, truth/reconciliation, and knowledge/social relations.

This course allowed me to engage in the process of decolonization that is necessary for Teacher Candidate's to go through. By exploring the concepts of 'learning from place' and 'learning on the Land,' the course emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and the role that the land plays in shaping Indigenous knowledge and practices. Land-based learning practices are valuable ways to engage all students in the learning process. 

ENGL 3353 - North American Indigenous Literatures

This course will critically engage the literary works of First Nations / Aboriginals through various genres and will be framed by social, cultural, historical and political contexts. The focus will vary and may include: Indigenous knowledge, Nation/Identity formation, the numbered Treaties, the role of women, humour, orality and language, stereotyping and racism.

In this course I had the opportunity to reflect on the importance of Indigenous literature, and how I can use this knowledge to help my future students. The content in this course allowed me to expand my knowledge of Indigenous cultures, histories, and literatures. By engaging with the course content, I developed a greater appreciation for the rich and diverse perspectives and traditions of Indigenous peoples, while also recognizing the ongoing struggles for justice and self-determination. 

INST 1101 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies:

 This course provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Indigenous Studies. Specifically, the course surveys the diverse histories and traditional and contemporary cultures of the various groups in what is now Canada. Taught from an Aboriginal perspective, the course explores a wide range of topics, with an emphasis on colonization and decolonization.

Throughout this course I learned a lot about the historical and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous people in Canada. I believe that incorporating Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing into who I am as a teacher will assist me in creating a decolonized teaching practice. 

INST 1111 - International Perspectives:

Taught from an Aboriginal perspective, this course explores a range of topics, with an emphasis on colonization and decolonization in a comparative international context. The Indigenous peoples focused on will vary from semester to semester and may include groups from areas such as Australia, New Zealand, South America and the United States.

This course provides an introduction to the area of Indigenous studies but on an international scale. In this class we also discussed representations of Indigenous people in the media as well as the idea of genomic Indigeneity. My learning from this course informed me on the impacts of settler colonialism around the world. 

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, Metis/Mestizo history and culture, and Indigenous women’s studies.

My professor for this course chose the topic of Indigenous art and the ideas of activism, reconciliation, and redress. My learning in this course informed me on different Indigenous artists in Canada and the ways in which individuals use art as a means of change. I am excited to incorporate Indigenous art and ways of knowing into my future classroom and this course has taught me how to approach this respectfully. 

GNED 1303 - Conflict and the Social Context 

Conflict, whether personal, domestic or international, is one of the defining forces of society. Through an interdisciplinary framework, students will engage multiple interpretations and be introduced to various ways of thinking about the world that they live in through an examination of a conflict in its social context. Each section of the course focuses on a different conflict, using distinct textbooks, assessments, and pedagogical methods to achieve the same course objectives.

My learning in this course allowed me to see the world in a broader way, and gave me the tools to think about different types of conflict in our world. I specifically enjoyed learning about the different types of 'spaces' that we occupy as human beings, and I hope that my learning about this can inform the kind of classroom environment (both mental and physical) that I create. 

CNST 1131 - Introduction to Canadian Studies: 

This course introduces students to the diversity and complexity of Canadian society. Popular culture, art, music, politics, the economy, regionalism, and ethnic relations are some of the topics that may be examined. This course also addresses issues such as identity, difference, nationhood and patriotism.

My learning in this course provided me with a wide range of knowledge about Canadian society from pre-confederation all the way to modern day. This course outlined the different influences on Canadian society that are relevant to how people function today. Because of CNST 1131 I will be able to provide my students with relevant information about Canada. 

GNED 1103 - Innovation: 

Students will investigate one particular scientific or technological innovation from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Students will explore this innovation to understand the mathematics and science that underlie it, or have been influenced by it, and will discuss the role of numeracy and technology in shaping our future. Topics will vary by section.

Math and science were not my best classes while I was in high school, but this course has provided me with the knowledge that science is approachable. The basic knowledge of the scientific method that this course has provided me will allow me to be a more scientifically literate teacher.                                                                                               

GNED 1201 - Aesthetic Experiences and Ideas:

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.

This course focused on different aesthetic experiences and how individuals react to these, with my section having a specific focus on confrontations with evil. A part of the course that I think will be beneficial to me as a future teacher was the focus on different religions around the world, and how they view aesthetics. Having this basic knowledge of prominent religions will allow me to understand the students in my classroom with those backgrounds.  

GNED 1404 - Writing About Images: 

This foundational composition course focuses on writing about images. Students will refine their understanding and practice of the structures of writing by responding to and analyzing images.

The focus of my section of this course was images of illness, which provided me with a deeper understanding of how images and metaphors are interconnected. This course also allowed me to refine my writing skills, and learn proper grammar skills. My knowledge of both illness as a metaphor, as well as the foundations of solid grammar, will help me in my career as a teacher. 

PSYC 1105 - Introduction to Psychology: 

This course introduces the history, methods, and current state of knowledge in modern psychological research. A wide range of content areas will be surveyed, including biological psychology, learning, memory, perception, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, social psychology, psychological development in children, and the ethics of research. Additional topics may be included at the discretion of the instructor.

Because the topic of psychology is extremely broad, this course helped me to understand multiple different aspects in a manner that widened my view of the world. This knowledge will help me as a future teacher because I will have a deeper understanding of my student's psychological development and how I can best help them learn.

ENGL 1151 - The Art of Story: 

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.

This course was an excellent introduction to reading and writing about literature. I believe that this course provided me with a strong base of knowledge about grammar, and an appreciation for different types of stories. My learning in this course will aid me in my teaching career because being a strong writer is essential to teaching. 

GEOL 1109 - Introduction to Geology:

Topics covered in this course include basic concepts regarding the major features of the earth: its rock and mineral composition; processes controlling erosion, deposition and surface structures; formation of the landscape; the history of the earth; plate tectonics and geologic hazards and how it all relates to you.

Geology has always been something that I have found interesting and this course offered a broad introduction to tectonic plates, rock formations, minerals, and natural disasters. I can weave the knowledge I have about the geological processes of our world in to my future classroom and lesson plans.