Educational Inquiry
Professors: Kristy Stein
The ED 800 course equipped me with essential skills to analyze student work effectively and identify their needs. It emphasized the importance of interpreting data derived from students' assignments and assessments. By utilizing various strategies, I learned to assess overall trends and patterns in student performance. This analytical approach allows for targeted interventions to support individual learning needs. Additionally, the course provided frameworks for translating data insights into actionable teaching strategies.
Capstone
Professors: Megan Harris and Matthew Koehler
This course provided an opportunity to reflect on my previous classes and the new knowledge gained during my Master of Education program. I was guided in developing a digital portfolio that showcases my accomplishments throughout the program. This portfolio was refined through feedback received from peers and instructors, ensuring clarity and completeness. The current site serves as the online platform for my portfolio, which was created and designed during this course. This reflective process has been instrumental in my professional growth.
Accommodating Differences in Literacy Learners
Professor: Jennifer VanDerHeide
This course provided me with the opportunity to conduct a thorough analysis of student data. By examining this data, I gained insights into the diverse needs of students across different levels. Furthermore, I learned how to utilize this information to design effective instructional strategies. The incorporation of data-driven decision-making was a key component of the course. I was able to implement tailored lessons that address the unique requirements of each student. Overall, this experience significantly enhanced my ability to support student learning through informed educational practices.
Elementary Reading Assessment and Instruction
Professor: Darreth Rice
This course provided me with the opportunity to analyze assessment data from a group of students. By examining this data, I was able to identify trends and patterns that informed my instructional decisions. Utilizing the insights gained from the analysis, I developed targeted strategies to enhance student learning. Additionally, I crafted lesson plans that align with the reading curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive approach to teaching. The implementation of these strategies has contributed to improved student outcomes. Overall, this experience has strengthened my ability to utilize data effectively in the classroom setting.
Language Diversity and Literacy Instruction Assessment
Professor: Patricia A. Edwards
TE 845 provided valuable insights into supporting new English-speaking students. Through this course, I explored various strategies tailored to meet the needs of these learners. Understanding that many students entering classrooms today have diverse multilingual backgrounds is crucial. This knowledge equips me to create a more inclusive learning environment. By implementing effective support mechanisms, I can help these students thrive academically.Ultimately, TE 845 has enhanced my ability to address the unique challenges faced by multilingual learners.
Training and Professional Development
Professor: Sara Mirza
The course provided me with the opportunity to analyze a range of issues within my school environment. I was able to reflect on challenges I have encountered and those familiar to my colleagues. Through this process, I developed professional development programs tailored to the needs of other educators. These programs aim to enhance teaching practices and address specific areas of concern. Collaborating with fellow teachers, I was able to gather valuable insights that informed my initiatives. Overall, this experience has significantly contributed to my professional growth and the improvement of our school community.
Children's Literature in Film
Professor: Laura Apol
This course provided an opportunity to explore a range of children's literature and its adaptations into various media, including movies, plays, and films. We examined both novel-length works and picture books, which enriched my understanding of the genre. By analyzing these adaptations, I gained insights into the artistic choices made in translating literature to visual formats. This experience has equipped me with a unique perspective as an educator, allowing me to appreciate the nuances of storytelling across different mediums. Additionally, I can now better identify the connections and distinctions between books and their film adaptations. Overall, this class has enhanced my ability to engage students in discussions about literature and its adaptations.
Reflect and Inquiry Teaching Practices 1
Professor: Ann Castle
This course was part of my comprehensive teaching internship at MSU, emphasizing English language arts instruction for elementary students. Throughout the year, I explored various reading and writing curricula, aligning them with Common Core standards. A significant component of the course involved designing a 10-lesson writing sequence intended for student instruction. This project enhanced my ability to craft effective reading and writing lessons. Additionally, the course provided valuable insights into best practices for engaging students in literacy. Overall, it equipped me with the essential skills to deliver a successful instructional sequence in reading and writing.
Professional Roles and Teaching Practices 2
Professor: Adina Lopatin
This course was one of four completed during my full-year student teaching internship at Michigan State University (MSU). It concentrated on social studies and culturally relevant instruction at the elementary level. Together with my peers, I engaged in research on diversity and equity in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of asset-based learning practices. Additionally, we had the opportunity to present a case study involving a student with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to our class. This experience provided valuable insights into the legal implications associated with IEPs. Overall, the course enhanced my understanding of inclusive teaching strategies and the significance of fostering an equitable learning environment.
Reflect and Inquiry Teaching Practices 2
Professor: Martha Beitner-Miller
This course provided an opportunity to examine the science curriculum and explore effective methods for implementing standards in a first-grade classroom. It facilitated the development of a comprehensive unit focused on different animals and their unique characteristics. By doing so, I was able to integrate informational writing into the curriculum. This approach not only enhanced students' understanding of animal attributes but also fostered their writing skills. The experience emphasized the importance of aligning lesson plans with educational standards. Overall, it has equipped me with valuable strategies for teaching science to young learners.