Showcase of Work
The following is a collection of work completed as part of the Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program at Michigan State University. My focus during the time I spent in the program was literacy, but I also found myself reflecting deeply on the cultural context of our schools and our learners. Therefore, the following showcase is separated into two categories: Literacy and Reflective Teaching.
Literacy
Literacy Learner Analysis
For this case study I selected a student and performed an analysis of their literacy abilities. I used pre-assessments to determine their deficit areas and designed an intervention to help them grow. I then administered a final assessment to evaluate their progress. This document is a detailed description of that process, and a reflection upon its success and failures.
Myths of Ursa Major
One of our second grade standards is comparing stories. In this lesson, students listen to tellings of Greek and Native American myths, and discuss the similarities and differences. Understanding that different cultures have different ways of viewing the world will give students a glimpse into the similarities and differences between people of various backgrounds, and allow them to broaden their own perspective on the world.
The Caldecott Across Time
In this essay I examine the ways in which the qualities of Caldecott Award recipients have changed over time. I examine the stories and images, analyze the plots for morals and the pictures for symbolic content, in order to reveal the deeper meaning behind these books. I then compare and contrast this content as the years go by.
The Newbery Across Time
In this essay I examine the ways in which the qualities of Newbery Award recipients have changed over time. I examine the stories and characters, analyze the plots for morals and symbolic content, in order to reveal the deeper meaning behind these books. I then compare and contrast this content as the years go by.
Reflective Teaching
Motivation Design Project
From September - December 2019 I conducted a case study of one of my students who struggled to stay focused on reading in the classroom. After applying what I learned through a variety of academic readings and discussions, I created a plan to increase the student's motivation in school and decrease his behaviors of learned helplessness. This piece demonstrates my knowledge of research-based methods to improve student motivation and highlights my commitment to reach the students who struggle most.
Creativity Journal
The following is a journal I kept as I explored the various possibilities for creativity in teaching and learning. It contains notes, lessons, essays, and images related to the subject. I tried to keep my explorations within the theme of greek mythology, so as to not paint with too broad a brush. It’s been a great joy to bring some of these ideas into my own classroom.
Theory of Learning
In my Personal Theory of Learning, I discuss the key concepts in educational psychology which inform my practice. I review the roles which our families, institutions, the wider world play in our learning process. These factors are incredibly important for all that they bring to bear in any classroom situation, and they are particularly important for any teacher to keep in mind.
Visual Ethnography
This essay is an analysis of my school and classroom environment, through the lense of the implicit curriculum. While the explicit curriculum pertains to written standards, the implicit curriculum contains all of the “unofficial” messages we send our students. I write here about the ways in which the structure of my classroom environment communicates certain values and leaves out others. I will continue to think about these issues for a long time to come.