Perpetual | Ceaseless, Constant, Continuous
I have become this perpetual learner in all that I have studied through Michigan State University. In a display of my highest constant personal efforts in course practices, I have manifested three themes: assess, change, and manage. As I accurately assess my students, I am able to make the ceaseless changes needed to manage their goals successfully. I will continuously incorporate what professional knowledge these works have afforded to me in my future studies and career.
Read below to further examine my Master of Arts in Education program showcase endeavors.
Master of Arts in Education Showcase
Analyzing Student Data
ESL Informal Assessment and Lesson Plan Design
Assessment and Behavior Plan Implementation of Students with Challenging Behaviors
Looking at the assessment data of two elementary school readers, I interpreted the students' literacy learning needs and proposed classroom instruction which consisted of goals for the instruction and specific strategies to be implemented. My skills in learning how to formally assess students were established by learning step-by-step how to conduct a QRI (Qualitative Reading Inventory) assessment. With multiple opportunities to conduct this specific assessment and others, I feel confident in my judgments and discovered a strong interest in this section of education.
Providing an initial assessment of an ESL student, I developed a literacy activity that included a lesson plan containing language and content objectives, pre-reading/writing, pre-reading/writing tasks, and a post-reading/writing assessment. Using several English language learning assessment tools, I successfully determined the student's oral and reading comprehension rate. My work demonstrates my continued progression within the realm of student analysis. Additionally, I observed the clear evidence that native speaking and ELL students require their own specifically tailored instruction. Even with the ESL field, special attention must be given to each individual student and their needs.
Adopting an effective stance in the classroom when addressing students with challenging behaviors creates success in the classroom. In order to understand the psychological and behavioral challenges a student of mine presented in the classroom, I used research-based strategies, working with the student and their family to design a personalized behavior management plan. My project culminates into a display of devotion I have in learning about what adversities my students face and how I am able to remedy them. I ascertained that in order to develop a successful behavior plan, much time and research must be devoted to the student's cause.
Differentiating Instruction for Dysgraphia
Nǐ Hǎo Amigo!
Motivation of Chinese and Spanish-Speaking ELLs
Language Heritage Project
In order to make the necessary changes to accomodate all learners including their individual learning differences, further understanding is needed of not only those who come who from different linguistic backgrounds but also those with learning disabilities. My short literary work provides a brief overview of Dysgraphia, the common characteristics and signs, and how it can be managed in the classroom. I have sought to embody an all-inclusive environment through acknowledgement of learner differences. What myself and other educators need to recognize is that what might appear to be a common problem may actually be a more serious difficulty that requires further investigation.
ESL is an extraordinarily broad and diversified field. I found the motivations of English Language Learners were underrepresented and in order to offer further insight into the selection of issues that have previously been researched, I encapsulated these analyses into a cohesive piece that confirms my hypothesis about what conclusions have been made about the motivation of Chinese and Spanish speaking ELLs. This piece illustrates my dedication to help change the ESL field through research of previous findings. Through this research, I've learned how to better accommodate my ESL students based on the common known motivational characteristics.
Personally researching the language diversity in my family's heritage led to a thoughtful investigation into the rich linguistic background that was previously unknown. Through synthesis of maps, diagrams, family trees and so on, I soon discovered there was more to learn about myself than what lie on the surface of my monolingual family. I recognize that as an educator I need to adapt myself to the needs of those English Language Learners in my classroom and as this project shows, I have internalized a commitment to make the necessary changes. As I reflected on my family's past, I have come to understand that the past, present, and future of an ESL student's life influences their needs in the classroom.
Classroom Management Plan
A working knowledge and understanding of different reasons that may impact student behaviors at school is needed to develop skills in evaluating different classroom management programs for effectiveness and how to adapt efficient strategies within the classroom setting. I developed a classroom management plan for grade one students in China to display the depth and breadth of acquired management skills I have gained. Through this plan, I've come to understand the reality that plans will often change according to the classroom environment and situation. The plan must be flexible and adaptable to various circumstances.
Writing Curriculum Study
Writing is a multifaceted form of communication needed for self-expression. In order to think more critically about the various purposes of writing, I examined a writing curriculum used by Oakland county schools in the state of Michigan that aligns itself with national Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts. Through this study, I've learned that while writing curriculums can be thorough, they still have room for improvement as they may be deficient in particular areas of writing such as spelling. Including suggested revisions, I reflected on my own writing practices to show my efforts to improve and maintain a positive writing climate.