MyCoursework
Below you will find a snapshot of my journey through the MAED program at Michigan State University. Under each course name and description you will find a work sample that best shows what I learned from the course.
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CEP 816 - Teaching and Learning Across the Curriculum
Instructor: Rand Spiro I Spring 2008
In this course we learned a variety of ways in which classroom technolgy can be used across the curriculum. It also taught disciplinary practices in teaching and learning with technology and how these practices can be beneficial to the student and the classroom environment.
The assignments from this course varied from Googling words on the internet to giving an example of three things that would be in our dream classroom.
TE 836 - Awards and Classics of Children's Literature
Instructor: Laura Apol I Spring 2008
This course looked at several classical books of children's literature. It also examined what criteria makes a book a classic and what role classics have in the lives of contemporary children. We learned about several different book awards and examined the award process while reviewing books which have won awards, and some that did not. We were challenged to consider whether or not we agreed with the award process and choices and ultimately to determine what we believe makes a "good" book.
One of the projects required us to look at the different awards that a book can be given and to synthesis and reflect upon it. For another assignment I chose the book Little Women, read articiles that had both positive and negative reactions to the book, and then compared the reactions of each article to the book and one another.
TE 891 - Special Topics in Teaching, Curriculum, and Schooling
Instructor: Laura Apol I Summer 2008
This course was an introductory course to the MAED program. The focus of the course was to explore and think critically about a variety of current special topics in various fields of teacher education.
One of the assignments required us to discuss an area of the course that we liked best. For this assignment I chose the Literature Discussion Groups and discussed how they worked with our group and were beneficial to the members.
CEP 840 - Teaching Exceptional Children and Youth in General Education
Instructor: Susan Peters I Spring 2009
In this course, we first learned about the components of IDEA and how to develop and implement an IEP. We also learned about the different types of disabilites that students might have, and how to address their needs in the classroom as well as methods of managing student behavior and promoting social acceptance. Additionally, this course discussed methods of promoting inclusion with peers and how to enhance motivation.
For my final project I needed to select a student in my classroom that I would closely observe that either has a disability or one that has difficulty socially or academically in the classroom. I needed to list the difficulties and accomodations that have been made for this student and how those accomodations have assisted the student in the classroom. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
TE 848 - Methods of Writing Instruction
Instructor: Janine Certo I Spring 2009
The focus of this course was on the writing theory. We also learned about research strategies to use with a group of diverse writers in the classroom. The course also promoted the opportunity to research a form of genre writing and engage in a study of this form of writing.
For the final project in TE 848 I chose to address the focus of the Professional Learning Committee at the school I teach at, that being writing and how important it is to have students expand on their writing. For this I looked at A Lesson on the Importance of Teaching Details.
CEP 841 - Classroom and Behavioral Management in the Inclusive Classroom
Instructor: Dr. Troy Mariage I Summer 2010
Analyzed existing classroom management practices and how to apply Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS); individually as well as school-wide. It also reviewed how to successfully complete behavioral intervention plans and completed a database of methodologies, discussed the importance of proactive versus reactive management (i.e. time management of lessons, positive reinforcement, stress management strategies) and utilized Vanderbuilt IRIS webinars for case study analysis. Rick Lavoie and his approaches to classroom management were also greatly discussed.
For my final project I researched the ways that children on the Austistic Spectrum need to be educated so that they can pursue a life after high school
The reason I chose this topic was because I have a son on the Autistic Spectrum (PDD-NOS) and I know how quickly I will need to educate him, as well as myself.
ED 800 - Concepts of Educational Inquiry
Instructor: Dr. Steven Weiland I Summer 2010
Evaluated psychological perspectives regarding the learning process occurring inside and outside school, the value of ethnographic and personal reflection in the classroom, and the use of hypermedia. Analyzed traditional and progressive ideologies, ex: John Dewey, Howard Gardner, Vivian Paley, Mary Katherine Bateson...
For one of the projects I chose to focus on Vivian Paley and her perspectives on the learning process that children go through.
CEP 832 - Educating Students with Challenging Behaviors
Instructor: Jana Aupperlee I Spring 2011
This course offered classroom management strategies for students who demonstrate "behavioral issues" that are seemingly challenging within the classroom. Types of behaviors examined were: aggressiveness, oppositional, hyperactivity, and social withdraw. Research-based practices were studied in which a case study was facilitated in regards to specific strategies. The importance of parent-teacher communication and involvement were also stressed in this course.
For the final case study in CEP 832 I needed to choose a student that I could observe, as well as one that I could implement an intervention plan with.
CEP 842 - Content Area Instruction for Students with Mild Disabilities
Instructor: Dr. Cindy Okolo I Spring 2011
Analyzed historical and contemporary legal issues surrounding special education. Discussed and developed practices for accommodations, modifications, differentiated instruction in math, science, and social studies. Tailored lessons to accommodate the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Identified ways to progress monitor, evaluate performance, and provide post-secondary transitioning. Explored assistive technologies in math, science, and social studies.
For one of my final projects I created a math unit lesson plan for addition and subtraction. I taught the lesson to my first grade students, discussed ways to differentiate instruction, and listed the Michigan GLCE's the lesson covered.
ED 870 - Capstone Seminar
Instructor: Dr. Mathew Koehler I Summer 2011
With the capstone course, our main focus was creating a web portfolio. This creation allowed us to reflect on our master's coursework, our journey through the master's program, professional aspects of our career, and well as considering our future as educators.