My Final Reflection by

What are my goals in education – have they changed since I began this course?

kkirchner99 — 2024-09-04 04:55:28 UTC

My goals in education have always been centered around teaching. From the beginning, I’ve been passionate about working with students, particularly in early childhood education and special education, as demonstrated by my experience in preschool teaching and as an ABA paraprofessional. However, throughout this course, my perspective has evolved. I’ve come to recognize the broader systemic challenges that schools and teachers face, which has led me to consider a future that goes beyond the classroom. While I still aim to start my career as a teacher, I now see myself eventually pursuing further education in law and politics. My goal is to advocate for educational reform and to influence the policies that affect teachers, students, and the overall education system.

How do I see that what I learned in this course might influence me in my career as an educator?

kkirchner99 — 2024-09-04 04:55:28 UTC

The knowledge I’ve gained in this course will influence me in several ways as I embark on my teaching career. Firstly, it has reinforced the importance of being an advocate for my students and for the profession as a whole. I now understand that teaching is not just about delivering content but also about advocating for the resources and policies that enable effective teaching and learning. Secondly, the emphasis on inquiry-based learning will shape my instructional strategies, as I aim to create a classroom environment that encourages curiosity and critical thinking. Finally, the insights into the intersection of education and policy have solidified my long-term goal of transitioning into law and politics. I hope to use my experience as a teacher to inform my advocacy for educational reforms that truly support teachers and students.

What are the three most significant things that I learned about learning/instruction/curriculum during this course?

kkirchner99 — 2024-09-04 04:55:28 UTC

The Importance of Teacher Agency in Curriculum Development: I’ve learned how crucial it is for teachers to be actively involved in the curriculum development process. Teachers, who are on the front lines of education, offer invaluable insights into what works in the classroom and what doesn’t. This involvement not only enhances the curriculum but also empowers teachers, making them feel more invested in their work.
The Role of Inquiry-Based Learning: The course highlighted the effectiveness of inquiry-based learning, particularly in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students. This approach is especially relevant given the increasing importance of preparing students for a complex and rapidly changing world.
The Intersection of Education and Policy: I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how educational policies shape the experiences of both teachers and students. It’s become clear that effective teaching and learning are not just about what happens in the classroom, but also about the broader policy environment that supports or hinders educational practices.