Lindsey Kappen
Science Teacher
Student Advocate
Thank You Michigan State University
A Synthesis Essay
PDF Version
If you google the definition of learn the following definition appears: ‘gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in (something) by study, experience, or being taught.’ This description of learning sums up what my goals were entering the Masters of Arts in Education (MAED) program with Michigan State University (MSU). Coming off a yearlong student teaching experience, I felt as if I needed to acquire more knowledge and skills to be an effective teacher. Now, two years later, I feel as though I have gain skills and knowledge to successfully enter my first year of teaching on my own.
After two years of deep learning, I know my perspectives on teaching have changed. The MAED has enhanced my understanding on many key topics in education and has impacted me in several ways.
Impact of the Program
Enhanced an Appreciation for Online Learning
I completed my MAED program completely online. Before enrolling in my first class, I had never even considered taking online courses. During my undergraduate program I had heard many mixed opinions on online classes- some people loved them, some people hated them. I was a little nervous about entering an entirely online program, but thought it would be a great way for me to develop my technological skills; something I knew would be crucial in our increasingly digital society.
My first semester came and went without any major problems with online learning. I had actually loved the feel of an all online class. I was able to continue playing club Ultimate for MSU, maintain a job, and take a full class load. Even with all of my responsibilities, I never felt overwhelmed or rushed for time, because I was making my own learning schedule. I was able to do things at my own pace at my own time. I fully believe this is a big component to the success I saw in my MAED.
I was able to experience various technological skills that I believe would be beneficial for any class. Many of my classes incorporated discussion boards, I was able to experience what worked and what didn’t work; which will make it much easier to incorporate online discussions boards in my future class. Also, I discovered how enjoyable it is to be able to work through lectures and content at home, at your own pace. While I have not had any formal training on a flipped classroom, I think this is an option I would like to explore more because of my own positive experiences with working through course material at home. Thanks to my online MAED program, I have gained insight into various methods for incorporating technology into the classroom; a skill I know will make me a better educator for my students.
Amplified Ideas Created During Undergrad
One of my most influential courses during my undergraduate degree took an in-depth look at what education looks like for different students based on their backgrounds. We discussed the differences in education based on factors like ethnicity, gender, social class, sexual orientation, ability and more. Through this class I started to develop a passion for the underdog students. I could see that these diverse students who had struggles outside of school, often struggled in school, through no fault of their own. I was learning about how too often the education system failed students. I wanted to be a teacher who never failed their students. A teacher who understood and embraced each of their students’ diverse backgrounds. I wanted to develop an immense tool kit full of strategies for engaging and motivating all my students, especially the ones other teachers deemed hopeless.
With this mind-set in place, I knew I would need to learn more. Learn more about teaching strategies, about classroom management strategies, learn more about what influences certain student behavior, learn more about how to differentiate lessons, learn more about how to better myself as a teacher. I was able to learn more about all these things because of my MAED program. I was able to take several courses that focused on these areas and I was even able to perform multiple case studies. The multiple case studies I performed were some of the most influential for enhancing my understanding of various things because I was able to directly apply what I was learning about on a real-life student. I was also able to receive feedback that helped to reshape my thinking and allow me to move forward with a better understanding.
My MAED provided me with a greater understanding of challenging students and what it takes to not become another teacher who gives up on them. One of the reasons I’m most thankful I completed this program before taking my first teaching job is because I know the first couple of years teaching are the hardest. Getting acclimated to your own classroom and your students is hard no matter what environment you are teaching in. To go into a school district with many at-risk, challenging students is even harder. I believe that this program has set me up for success though. It has increased my awareness about student needs and filled my toolbox with strategies for engaging these students.
Created An Excitement For Coaching
I have always had an interest in coaching. While teachers can develop strong relationships with their students, coaching promotes an even stronger connection; combine the two roles and you just increased your chances of playing an impactful role in a youth’s life tenfold. I know that for many students, sports are what they are interested in, not school. I believe that by creating relationships with students on the field, I would be able to better understand them and enhance their motivation in the class. For this reason I choose to pursue a concentration in Sports Leadership and Coaching.
While I had no formal coaching prior to enrollment in my MAED, after multiple classes I feel prepared to take on my first role as a coach. I have begun developing an understanding of the multiple areas a coach must be knowledgeable in. Through my coursework I was able to complete many projects that provided me just a small glimpse into the world of coaching. All of these projects were gratifying and provided me with the foundation necessary for thinking like an effective coach.
Impact of Courses
While all my courses were impactful in their own right, there were a handful of courses that stood out. Many of the courses I took had overlapping ideas with other courses, assisting me in developing a very deep understanding of content; but there were some courses that promoted my understanding in ways I can’t compare to other courses. To learn more about all the courses I took, visit my Showcase Page.
Importance of Relentlessly Differentiating: TE 846, CEP 832
It was through a video I watched in TE 846 that I first heard the term ‘relentlessly differentiate.’ This term has stuck with me because it is something all teachers should practice in their classroom. I know that it will be imperative to my students’ success that I am relentless with differentiation in our classroom. This will ensure that my high-achieving students continue to push themselves further rather than becoming bored all while still accommodating my slower-learners so they aren’t left floundering behind the rest of the class. In both of the classes listed above I learned various techniques for adapting lessons based on student needs.
Through TE 846 I was able to enhance my understanding of literacy and comprehension education. Before this course I had no literacy training, and frankly was not a concept I ever thought about. I viewed literacy as something only necessary for elementary and English teachers, not something a secondary Science educator had to worry about. I quickly understood how terribly wrong this thinking was. Thankfully through this class I developed an appreciation for literacy and its importance in all subject matter. I learned strategies for differentiating instruction to ensure no matter what reading levels my students are at, I can help them to comprehend our text.
CEP 832 opened my eyes to effective techniques for accommodating students with challenging behaviors. Through this class I began to understand that not all challenging behaviors are easily identified, and due to this you have to differentiate, even when you don’t know what you are differentiating for. This class modified my thinking and approach to challenging behaviors. It helped me to understand that there are more challenging behaviors than just the resistant students and the aggressive ones. It helped me to comprehend that even high-achieving students can display challenging behaviors. Because of this class, my approach to teaching has evolved. It have discovered the role that differentiation can take with challenging behaviors. Differentiation of instruction is just one way to help students who are challenging and because of this, I must be an educator who is relentless with differentiation in the classroom.
Coaching, More then Just Coaching: KIN 855, 856
Before these classes my understanding of a coach was someone who trained a team of athletes in hopes they would be successful in competition. I believed that this training was simply about practicing skills through drills and scrimmages. I should have associated coaching with teaching; because let’s face it, a coach is a teacher.
Through KIN 856 and KIN 855 I was better able to see all components of coaching. I learned that coaching goes beyond teaching skills. It encompasses important aspects of psychology, nutrition, conditioning, communication and more. These two classes shaped the way I think about coaching because they enlightened me to the fact that coaching isn’t just coaching. I now know that when I coach, I need to keep in mind both the psychological and physical factors that are impacting performance.
When I begin my career as a coach, I will be prepared to look at the athlete as a whole individual. This means I am prepared to analyze their skills in addition to their nutrition, their conditioning, the way their body moves, their motivation and the way the communicate with their teammates and themselves. My approach to coaching is well-rounded and better suited to meet all the needs of my athletes.
Reinforced the Necessity of Reflecting: ED 800, ED 870
I began and ended my MAED program with two very different classes: ED 800 and ED 870. The first focused on inquiry into educational practices, the later was a capstone of my entire graduate career. While on the surface, these two classes appear very different, the main message I took from them was to reflect. Reflect on all things; reflect on my own teaching practices, reflect on others’ teaching practices, reflect on what is teaching, reflect on how I got to where I am, reflect on where I want to go, reflect on how I will get where I want to go. Through these classes I have developed into a thoughtful, reflective educator who appreciates the benefits of reflecting whenever possible.
During my undergraduate teaching classes we began discovering what being a reflective practitioner means. I had a little bit of experience with reflecting and only slightly appreciated the benefits of it. Once I began my MAED though, I became immersed with possibilities for reflecting. I felt as though I was reflecting left and right. Through all of these opportunities though, I developed an understanding and appreciation for what reflecting has to offer.
I became aware that when I needed to accomplish something, the best way to do so was to reflect on what I was trying to achieve, what steps are needed to achieve that goal and finally, did I achieve my goal? If not, where did I go wrong and what can I do differently next time? I know moving forward, when I start teaching my own class, hat reflection is a tool I will carry with me. I understand that reflection is a necessary strategy for ensuring both the growth of my students and growth of myself.
Final Thoughts
I have grown as a teacher and developed into a better prepared educator than I ever could have imagined when I began my MAED journey. Throughout the past two years I have acquired many skills and techniques while developing both my teaching and coaching practices. I have enriched my approach to education through an increased appreciated for online education, an amplification of ideas I formulated during my undergraduate degree and an excitement for coaching. Through a couple of special classes, I have pushed myself further than I imagined and developed an understanding of the importance of differentiation, of the all-encompassing responsibilities of a coach and the importance of reflection. As I finish my MAED journey, all I have to say is thank you Michigan State University. Go Green!
