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"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

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"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."

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Chichen Itza 2016

I believe experiential learning to be a key component to learning at all ages.

For example, information on Chichen Itza in Mexico can be found in books, slide shows, videos, movies, articles, and many other resources, but nothing compares to standing in front of the ruins listening to a Mayan proudly explain the significance and importance of his history.

In the picture below, you can see my family (ages 6 through 72) after spending an entire day learning about the advanced civilization that inhabited this area. Mayan knowledge of mathematics and science without the technology we have today is astounding. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, I highly recommend it.

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Best Learning Experience - Project Based Learning

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Best Learning Experience - Project Based Learning

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Pharmacy Public Health Project 2013

As part of my pharmacy education, we had to do a public health project  of our choosing and design and write a reflection summary paper on the experience.

I was a pharmacist intern at a small rural pharmacy in northwestern North Dakota and chose to do a free blood pressure screening clinic and consultation for the public.

The clinic consisted of sitting down with patients and going over a questionnaire to determine the risk of heart disease and to determine factors that increase risk in those with hypertension/cardiovascular disease.  Next, I would perform the blood pressure screening and explain the results.   Then I would consult with the patient and answer any questions they had on hypertension/cardiovascular disease.  To complete the session, I would send the patient with a card indicating the blood pressure reading and two things the patient could do to improve blood pressure.

Please see below for the handout I put together and distributed to the patients.  If you would like to read more about that experience, please see the Public Health Project Summary to the bottom right.

Although there were not a lot of instruction for this project based learning exercise, I found it to be extremely effective and educational for myself as well as the patients.  I was not only able to share my knowledge, but I learned to interact with patients and help them understand how to improve their health.  I felt like I made a difference that day.  I knew that day that I wanted to pursue a profession with that kind of passion and reward.  Reflecting on it now, it was my first experience educating others.  It enabled me to use a variety instructional strategies that I am now just learning about.  Of all my clinical experiences, that was the one that impacted me the most.

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Public Health Patient Information Handout

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The biggest concern about taking this course is time management, technology, and mini sessions.  In addition to being a full-time student, I am a full-time mom of 3 boys and a part-time substitute teacher.  I must be diligent in managing my time so I can submit my best work.  I have struggled with technology as a substitute teacher and have concerns with my ability to meet class expectations on time since the entire course is online.  I am concerned about the mini sessions for that reason and because I still have some fear of public speaking (even on camera).  I have taught classes since August, but haven’t had much feedback.  Constructive feedback is wonderful, but it still makes me a little nervous.

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What I'm looking forward to in this course:

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What I'm looking forward to in this course:

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I am really looking forward to writing the Philosophy of Education paper.  I have witnessed several teaching styles and read philosophies of other teachers.  The most common piece of advice I receive from other teachers is to “do what seems/feels right to you.”  I am excited to see how my philosophy develops not only over the course of this class, but also my career.

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1. Develop my personal philosophy of education to become a more effective teacher throughout my career.

2.  Improve instructional and technological skills to develop well-organized lesson plans and strategies for efficient education of students.

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Watching my boys play hockey, baseball, and football...I'm their #1 fan! Please see the video below of my youngest son Kelyn, and you can understand why :)

When I'm not doing that I love to travel, run, read, garden, and play in the hand bell choir at our church.

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I am a substitute teacher and have a passion for anything to do with science. I love learning and sharing knowledge.  I'm taking this course to get the education piece I need to become a science teacher.

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Greetings