Summer 2015
CEP 840 Policies, Practices, and Perspectives in Special Education
Instructor: Dr. Carol Sue Englert
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This class was very informative about the behind-the-scenes work of Special Education. I learned about common characteristics of special education students, as well as the legal practices and policies that go along with working with special education students to guarantee them a quality education. I was asked to complete an IEP for a case study student, which really helped me experience the process that educators go through to ensure the correct support for a student. This course was perfect for a classroom teacher to gain a deeper understanding of the work that goes into support the special education students that are part of their inclusion class.
Fall 2015
ED 800 Concepts of Educational Inquiry
Instructor: Dr. Steven Weiland
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This course helped me delve into the history of education. It highlighted the changes in educational practices and philosophy. Since education is an ever-changing field, it provided me with a clearer idea of how the field has already changed. I was asked to examine my own educational beliefs and examine how this impacts my work in the classroom. This course also included work with narrative inquiry using both films and books and showed me how I can reflect on my own work in the same way.
CEP 841 Classroom and Behavior Management in the
Inclusive Classroom
Instructor: Dr. Troy Mariage
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This course took a deep look into best practices of classroom and behavior management. It looked at positive behavior supports that can be implemented school wide, in the classroom, and with an individual. And how support at all three levels work to help a students succeed throughout the school day. Since the course was focused on an inclusive classroom, the work was done with special education in mind, while still remembering that it will work for all of my students. My main project allowed me to really identify what classroom management I have in my own classroom and identify new practices in order to strengthen my classroom management.
Spring 2016
TE 846 Accommodating Differences in Literacy Learners
Instructor: Dr. Dongbo Zhang
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This course asked me to examine best practices in teaching literacy to all students. I was also asked to look at my own practices with a critical view in order to determine whether I was providing my students with the best instruction I can. I looked at both general literacy instruction as well as strategies that can be used to support struggling literacy learners. For my final project, I worked with a student on a specific aspect of literacy and reflected on my work with them.
Summer 2016
CEP 850 Technology and Literacy for Students with Mild
Disabilities
Instructor: Dr. Cynthia Okolo
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This course allowed me to investigate numerous assistive technologies. All of these technologies were literacy-based ones that can be used in the classroom. Throughout the course, I explored many assistive technologies for different elements of reading and writing that support students at all levels. For my final project, I had the opportunity to develop a set of assistive technologies that I can use to support students in all steps of the writing process.
Fall 2016
CEP 802 Developing Positive Attitudes toward Learning
Instructor: Dr. Evelyn Oka
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This course took a look into student motivation. I looked into several different motivational challenges that students can face throughout the school day. After identifying several root causes that can cause lack of motivation, I also looked at different strategies that I can use to help students develop stronger motivation in a certain area. Throughout the course, I worked with a student in my class who lacked motivation. While I worked with the student, I was compiling my final project which provided a comprehensive look at how to support a student's motivation.
CEP 883 Psychology of Classroom Discipline
Instructor: Dr. My Lien
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This course looked at classroom management from a psychological point of view. I looked at the best strategies to use to create a safe learning environment. I was given the chance to examine my own classroom management style and decide what aspects I could improve and what aspects I wanted to continue. I worked in a group to discuss many aspects of managing a classroom. For my final project, I compiled all of the tools that had been discussed throughout the class to develop a comprehensive plan for my classroom.
Spring 2017
CEP 832 Educating Students with Challenging Behavior
Instructor: Dr. Evelyn Oka
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This course looked at the best way to support challenging students, or tough kids. I learned about numerous behavior challenges that students may present with and the motivation behind those challenges. After studying each challenging behavior, I looked into ways that can reduce the negative behaviors and reinforce the positive behaviors. I got the chance to work with one of my students who struggled with his behavior. While I worked with him, I was compiling my final project which provided a comprehensive look at how to support a student's behavior.
Summer 2017
TE 845 Language Diversity and Literacy Instruction and
Assessment
Instructor: Dr. Patricia Edwards
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This course focused on the best practices in literacy instruction for English Language Learners (ELL). It discussed literacy instruction for students of all ages, and at all levels of English proficiency. I had the opportunity to look into my own language heritage which helped me see myself as an English Language Learner as well. For my final project, I had the opportunity to work with an ELL in my classroom on a specific aspect of literacy that was affected by his English proficiency.
ED 870 Capstone Portfolio
Instructor: Dr. Matthew Koehler
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This course was the culmination of my degree program. During this class, I developed an online portfolio that highlights the work that I have done throughout my degree. While developing my own portfolio, I benefited from the feedback of my classmates. It provided me a chance for reflection on the work I have done and the goals I have accomplished. It prompted me to identify new goals that will guide my ongoing education. My final portfolio is a way for me to show my work to parents, colleagues, and future employers.