The Bachelor of Education - Elementary is a four-year baccalaureate degree program that prepares its graduates for certification from Alberta Education. The program is both course and experience-based, with courses deliberately arranged to generate synergy among them. The curriculum is designed to create a holistic experience for education students in their understanding of teaching, learning and assessment
My final practicum was the biggest turning point in my growth as a teacher. I got to fully experience school life and what it’s like to be part of a real team. I built strong relationships with staff and students, and I gained confidence in my teaching. This practicum helped me strengthen my teaching philosophy and improve how I support different learning needs. I learned more about inclusion, how to meet students where they’re at, and how to use technology to keep them engaged. It really helped me feel ready to step into my own classroom.
My entire teaching philosophy is rooted in inclusion. Student success is my top priority, and this course helped reinforce that the best way to support learners is by meeting them where they are, not where we assume they should be. I was able to connect what I learned in this course to my background in special education, which helped deepen my understanding and gave me practical tools to apply in the classroom. This course reminded me that every student deserves a chance to grow in a way that works for them.
Capstone gave me the chance to explore my inquiry question: “How can technology and gaming be used to encourage engagement and inclusion?” This course helped me see how I can bring my own interests into the classroom and use my passions to create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment. Since many of my students were drawn to gaming, I used that interest as a way to support building relationships, exploration, and extend learning. My strong tech skills helped make this transition smooth, and I gained a deeper understanding of how technology can support Universal Design for Learning and offer new ways to differentiate instruction.
This course deepened my understanding of Indigenous perspectives, ways of knowing, and their importance in education. It helped me explore decolonization, indigenization, and reconciliation, which will guide me in creating an inclusive and culturally responsive classroom.
This course helped me critically reflect on my beliefs about teaching and learning. It guided me in shaping my personal philosophy of education, allowing me to define what effective and meaningful learning looks like in my future classroom.
This course helped me build the skills needed to effectively teach Social Studies in elementary classrooms. I learned how to plan units, integrate curriculum, create engaging lessons, and develop assessment strategies to support diverse learners.
This course helped me develop hands-on science teaching skills by providing demonstrations and activities aligned with the Alberta elementary science curriculum. Designing and presenting my own demonstration strengthened my ability to create engaging, inquiry-based lessons for my future classroom.
My Practicum experience has been delightful. I've relished the opportunity to meet my students and establish a growing professional rapport with my mentor teacher. The preparation for the Practicum, particularly through the ICP assignments, has significantly expanded my knowledge base. It has not only broadened my understanding of various subjects and teaching strategies but also equipped me with the skills to effectively plan for my future students. As my official Practicum conclusion is set for December 5th, I look forward to providing further updates on my experience.
Update: In my third year, I made significant strides in my teaching abilities. I particularly excelled in implementing the UFLI program and demonstrated proficiency in MathUp. I showed adaptability by addressing challenges in pacing and time management, using a running visual timer to control lessons effectively. Engaging actively in parent-teacher conferences improved my communication and collaboration skills with parents. My flexibility in planning and executing engaging lessons, like an Indigenous integrated art session, displayed creativity and commitment to diverse learning experiences. This year was a turning point where challenges turned into opportunities for growth, shaping my path toward becoming a skilled and innovative educator.
EDUC 3104 was undoubtedly a standout course for me. The course delivery was exceptionally engaging, keeping me motivated and actively participating in every session. This art class expanded my horizons by exposing me to a wide variety of topics. My key takeaway from this course is the realization that art transcends the conventional notions of drawing and painting; it is a means of expression and creativity. What one perceives as art is a deeply personal and valid form of self-expression. Beyond helping me develop ideas and strategies for teaching art, this course instilled in me a profound respect for differing opinions, beliefs, and perspectives in the realm of art. I believe this knowledge will prove invaluable, not only in my future art teaching endeavors but also across my entire teaching discipline.
During EDUC 3326, I learned a variety of strategies that I can apply in my future teaching practice. I appreciated delving deeper into the significance of technology and its ever-changing elements. This course investigated the new curriculum requirement for teaching students to code. I appreciated the opportunity to investigate this topic and consider my personal feelings about the necessity for such a curriculum. Overall the assignments such as creating a blog, or twitter and connecting these to my teaching practice enriched my understanding.
This mathematics course taught me effective mathematics teaching and how to integrate math with other subjects. I appreciated the engaging delivery, which emphasized making math fun while ensuring student learning. My key takeaway is the ability to gauge student learning and assess it effectively in mathematics. The math lesson plan exponentially improved my understanding of how to create, and present, and reflect on a lesson for math but also in general.
EDUC 3106, Teaching Science, was a highly anticipated course for me, considering my current minor in Science within my degree. I found this course to be immensely valuable in equipping me with effective strategies for teaching science. It significantly enhanced my understanding of both the subject and the art of science teaching. I'm grateful for the diverse perspectives it offered on assessment, lesson planning, and teaching methods in the context of science. This course illuminated the breadth of science's various branches and emphasized the importance of flexibility and in-depth knowledge when presenting each topic
My experience with EDUC 2103 was stimulating and rewarding as it delved into the knowledge and skills required for teaching English Language Arts in elementary schools. I particularly appreciated the broad range of information delivered, which allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The field trip opportunities provided valuable hands-on experience, making us feel like practicing teachers. However, I found that the course could have benefitted from a stronger focus on kindergarten-related resources, as much of the content seemed geared towards student teachers with field placements in higher grades. This lack of kindergarten material was a setback for me, given that I had a kindergarten placement. Despite this, EDUC 2103 was a highly informative and engaging second-year course that contributed significantly to my development as an educator.
EDUC 2375 provided an excellent foundation for understanding concepts and issues related to differentiated assessment in learning. The course was well-delivered and presented easily comprehensible information, allowing for smooth learning. I particularly appreciated the opportunities for peer feedback, which fostered collaboration and growth. However, the mandatory nature of these feedback sessions resulted in additional deadline responsibilities. Despite this, the course was engaging and offered valuable resources and activities that enriched my understanding of various assessment instruments and processes. Overall, EDUC 2375 was an enlightening and enjoyable experience that enhanced my ability to effectively assess my future students' performance.
EDUC 2321 offered a thorough examination of human behaviour and development, with a focus on various aspects of learning and their practical applications in classroom settings. Although the course primarily relied on discussions, incorporating more interactive and hands-on activities could have further enriched the learning experience. Nevertheless, the course provided valuable insights into understanding the diverse needs of students and fostered a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the educational process. Overall, EDUC 2321 proved to be a highly informative and beneficial course to better understand individual development in educational contexts.
EDUC 2371 is a course that delves into language development and the crucial role of literacy. It examines learning principles to comprehend how language development takes place and to identify best practices in teaching language and literacy. Students participate in relevant field experiences, with a focus on literacy, including small group instruction and assessment. Throughout this course, I discovered the essential aspects of being an effective teacher and the journey toward fostering student success. Teachers' beliefs, practices, and attitudes are vital in understanding and enhancing educational processes. These factors are closely connected to teachers' coping strategies for daily professional challenges and their overall well-being, shaping students' learning environments and influencing their motivation and achievement. The comprehensive approach to teacher training has significantly contributed to my knowledge and academic success, making learning more accessible and encouraging me to explore new horizons.
Establishing a healthy school community using a comprehensive approach can positively impact both students and staff. In EDUC 2201, pre-service teachers learn to address their personal wellness and create a healthy school community that caters to the diverse needs of students. Wellness is a crucial aspect of our lives as human beings, but it is often neglected. In this course, I learned to improve my personal health and project a positive image for my students. Additionally, I gained insights into the various dimensions of wellness that students need, including emotional, intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual well-being, enabling them to thrive in the school community.
The second semester of my core education course, EDUC 1233, was both enlightening and enjoyable. This course laid a solid foundation for curriculum and pedagogy, focusing on planning, facilitating, and assessing learning. It also explored issues of power, justice, and the ways in which various social institutions interact to construct educational systems. The field experience emphasized small groups, with teacher candidates expected to teach a lesson. Through engaging in group discussions, I gained valuable insights into diverse perspectives on class topics and felt more connected to my peers.
EDUC 1231, taught by Professor C. Webber, examines teaching and learning processes, considering psychological, sociological, and philosophical influences in contemporary society. The course addresses personal worldviews and their impact on classroom environments, introducing students to professional responsibilities and encouraging the development of ethical and professional attitudes, behaviour, language, and conduct. Reflecting on this course, I am pleased with the outcome despite the challenges of online learning and the lack of field experience due to current circumstances. Although missing out on the first year of field experience and on-campus university life is disappointing, I am optimistic about making up for the lost time in the future. The workshops offered in this course were exceptional, each contributing to my learning in unique ways. Moreover, the numerous class breakout group discussions fostered a sense of engagement and connection with my classmates.
In ANTH 1106, I gained invaluable insights into the anthropological study of language, culture, and communication. The course covered a wide range of topics, including language origins, evolution, socio-historical development, structure, and the impact of language on culture. Reflecting on my experience, I developed a deeper appreciation for the complexities of language and its role in human culture. The course broadened my understanding of language evolution and diversity while highlighting the ways language shapes our thoughts, perceptions, and interactions. Additionally, I was introduced to practical aspects of linguistic anthropology, such as field methods and analytical techniques, which have enriched my knowledge of this fascinating field.
Chem 2111 introduced me to a new realm of scientific learning. Although I loved science in high school, I never took a chemistry course since it wasn't required. I now regret not having taken it earlier, as I found this course on organic chemistry quite enjoyable. Specifically designed for non-science students, the concepts were more accessible and easy to grasp.
As someone who has always struggled with writing, I was not particularly eager to take an English course for my major. However, this course offered a fresh perspective on literature that I found quite engaging. While I have always enjoyed reading, writing never appealed to me. Yet, in this course, I was able to analyze and relate the topics we covered to my own experiences. The content introduced me to new viewpoints on social issues like prejudice and stereotyping.
Religion 2253, a course on Christianity, delved into topics from McGrath's textbook on Jesus of Nazareth and the origins of Christianity. As someone raised in a Christian household, I found the course fairly easy, with many familiar topics and scriptures. However, it provided a deeper understanding of the Christian faith that I hadn't explored before. This course has piqued my interest in taking other religion courses at MRU.
This geography course marked my first deep dive into the study of Earth. It focused on the planet's core structure, atmospheric information, and other related topics. The time and effort required for this course were quite demanding, especially considering the accompanying lab component. While I enjoyed the subject matter, I felt the workload was excessive for a first-year online course. Other students, primarily seniors, expressed similar concerns in a group chat.
Professor B. Scott's course, The Universe at Large, was the only class I withdrew from this semester. In my opinion, the course was incredibly challenging and ill-suited for online learning. I believe it would have been more manageable and comprehensible in person. Unfortunately, I did not consult reviews or research the course thoroughly beforehand, which would have revealed the difficulties other students faced with both the course and the professor. As someone who has always been fascinated by astronomy and eager to learn about space, this outcome was deeply disappointing.
I took this course online through Athabasca University during the summer so I could free up my schedule for my final fall semester. It really helped deepen my understanding of Canadian history, especially around life before contact and the impacts of European arrival on First Nations and Indigenous peoples. The content was especially relevant to my practicum, where I taught Grade 4 social studies focused on early inhabitants and European contact. Having this background gave me more confidence and context when planning and teaching those lessons.
ENGL 2273 helped me develop critical reading and analysis skills by examining how animals are portrayed in literature and film. This course deepened my understanding of storytelling, themes, and audience engagement, which are valuable for teaching literacy and encouraging student discussions in the classroom.
Throughout ANTH 1101, I found the course content to be highly intriguing, which helped me persevere despite the heavy workload for an online class. Balancing this course along with three other education courses and two electives proved to be quite challenging during the semester. However, my interest in the subject matter allowed me to navigate through the course successfully. As a whole, ANTH 1101 provided valuable insights into human evolution, biosocial phenomena, and the origins of culture, leaving a lasting impact on my educational journey.
Although this film course was part of my program requirements, I chose it as an elective to explore a new area. I did not anticipate a keen interest in film, but I enjoyed the class. Balancing the fully online course with my other content-heavy classes proved challenging, but I appreciated the opportunity to watch films I would not have seen otherwise. Learning about the history and evolution of film techniques was an exciting aspect of the course.
I took Introduction to Psychology out of personal interest, even though it was not a program requirement. While the course focused more on the theoretical foundations of psychology, I would have preferred a more practical, hands-on approach. Nonetheless, I found the subject matter intriguing.
Communities and Societies was the only general education course I needed to complete this semester. It was one of the easiest courses for me, and I appreciated the course structure and flexibility. Although the topics were not my favourite, as I am not particularly interested in social studies or history, the course workload was manageable and well-suited for the online environment.
Innovation, a general education course instructed by Professor L. Marik, has become my favourite. Although I initially doubted my interest due to its math focus, I found the course thoroughly enjoyable. Exploring the innovation behind math and its influence on technology was enlightening. Additionally, learning about different coding systems, such as Morse Code and Binary Code, was fascinating. I would highly recommend this course to others and would even consider taking an alternate version of it
During my first semester, I took the Aesthetic Experience and Ideas course, led by Professor T. Derynck. The course turned out to be quite different from what I initially expected, delving into supernatural themes and the sublime. I initially considered withdrawing due to my lack of interest in the content. However, as I continued, I appreciated the engaging discussions and connections drawn between various topics.
I enrolled in Writing for Academic Success this year as it was a recommended course in the Science Minor guide and highly endorsed by our Academic Adviser, Bri Harvie. Taught by Professor E. Mullen, the course was well-structured and easy to comprehend. Although I am not naturally gifted in writing and require extra effort to excel in essays, I was able to successfully complete the course. I have noticed a significant improvement in my writing skills, and Professor Mullen's tips have proven quite valuable.