My Experience in the M.Ed. Program

Analyzing the outcomes of staying in M. Ed. program, I find myself rather humbled by how much I have evolved and learned as a classroom teacher. This journey has really been enriching as much as it is academically and professionally. In the course of the program, I have learned a lot and enhanced several skills that would positively impact my future teaching practice.

Growth and Development

All in all, upon enrolling in this program, my knowledge on educational theories and practices was somewhat elementary. Through courses such as EDUC 5010 “education in context” and EDUC 5210 “Learning Theory,” I have gradually understood about the various theories that are essentialism, perennialism, as well as the cognitive –development theories such as the Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s theories (TOP LET Reviewer, 2020 & Comparing Piaget and Vygotsky, n.d. ).

Synthesizing theories together has enabled me to develop curricula with theories to teach students at their level and ability while providing for the learner’s needs for him or her to succeed.

One of the courses that I found particularly relevant is the one on EDUC 5220 “Curriculum Design. ” The ideologies presented in Schiro’s Curriculum and the book “Pedagogy of the Oppressed” by Freire both influenced me a great deal. I also became aware about meaning intervention in the curriculum, and the impact of promoting critical consciousness and discussions in the students (Schiro, 2012 & Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire n.d.).

Synthesizing these theories has given me a strong desire to create learning environments that not only deliver academic information but also encourage students to practice critical thinking and spark their curiosity in the world around them.

Acquired Knowledge and Skills

Another key development that I have learnt includes understanding on how to create a wonderful classroom atmosphere. I took a course called, EDUC 5240 “Creating a Positive Classroom Environment” during my training and I understood how to foster support and inclusion which are very essential in enhancing student competency.?

Synthesizing these findings will help me design the learning process that will facilitate the acceptance of all the learners and encourage them to work hard and learn.

The “Instructional Techniques”(EDUC 5270 and 5280,respectively) courses in both elementary and secondary education benefited me in enhancing my lesson planning and teaching skills. I now know why it is important for a teacher to be ready to adopt different learning strategies as well as employ formative assessments in a bid to cater for students’ needs.?

Synthesizing this approach ensures that whenever I am teaching, I am well positioned to ensure that students of all learning ability get a fair shot at understanding what I am teaching.

Moreover, the courses in child and adolescent development (EDUC 5410 and 5420,respectively)? provided me with perspectives on various stages of growth and learning that take place.?

Synthesizing this knowledge will enable me to be more sensitive and conscious to individual students’ retention, and thus ensure that they provide developmentally Appropriate Learning Experiences which enhance learning progress.

Influence on Future Teaching Practice

The knowledge and skills that I have acquired in the M. Ed program deserve the credit. This is one program that has made me feel that my future teaching will be transformed in some way. As a consequence I feel much more prepared to design curriculums that embrace the value of diversity. This will help me in establishing a classroom environment which values and accepts each learner as a person with cultural profile.

Increased skills in analysis and assessment of the students’ performance will enable me to give more appropriate and constructive words that will enhance each learner’s learning progress at a given period. Moreover, this program’s focus on using research and evidence-based practices is helpful to understand that it is crucial to stay updated on the new developments in the field of educational research and constantly update one’s educational practices.?

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, my experience in the M. Ed. The program has been fruitful and has provided me with an opportunity to develop skills that are relevant in enhancing my teaching skills. It has been quite good having this program in place. I have gained not only factual knowledge about teaching a particular subject but also practical experience and self-reflection of the entire process. These insights and ability will enable the creation of equitable affirms for success that students regardless of their category will embrace.

I would also like to say my appreciation to the professors and other classmates for the support and encouragement while working on this project. The environment created through group learning and other responsibilities has been of added beneficial impact to the technique I am taking to classrooms. Now I am ready to apply all these to test what I have learned to transform the lives of my students positively.?

References

?TOP LET Reviewer. (2020, April 29). Keywords to better understand the Philosophies of? Education [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved September 01, 2024, from? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wYVrPPpzrQ

Comparing Piaget and Vygotsky. (n.d.). Comparing Piaget and Vygotsky.?Retrieved September 01 , 2024, from???https://www2.education.uiowa.edu/html/eportfolio/tep/07p075folder/piaget_vygotsky.htm

Schiro, M. (2012). Curriculum theory: Conflicting Visions and Enduring Concerns. SAGE.? ? https://talkcurriculum.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/schiro-m-2013-introduction-to-the-curriculum-ideologies.pdf

Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire | Chapter 3. (n.d.).? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? https://www.historyisaweapon.com/defcon2/pedagogy/pedagogychapter3.html