Personal impact on a students learning and personal growth

1. Name and describe impact(s) you have had on students' learning or growth as a result of coursework.

Currently, the education industry is going through a very contentious and polarizing period. In many instances, the United States is behind many other developed countries as it relates to the quality of its education, particularly k-12. This has sparked a very vicious debate as pundits are looking to engage in an advanced overhaul of the overall education system. Here, the idea is not to teach to standardized tests but instead to engage with learning proficiencies. Through this shift, the aim is to help develop the critical thinking and innovation skills needs to succeed in the coming economy. Likewise, enrollment in STEM related fields continues to be very low relative to other developing countries such as China and India. For one, the growth of student enrollment in this fields are diminishing. This ultimately has grave implications for the society as individuals with skills relevant for the future growth of the economy are minimal. It is therefore important to foster a community of growth and innovation as it relates to individual coursework.

As a special education instructor, the environment in which children learn is important. The coursework has taught me to have a larger degree of emotional intelligence as it relates to student learning and growth. With special education students, many have circumstances that often transcend the classroom. This includes emotional, financial, and social issues that stem from a variety of sources. These issues are exacerbated by society and the stigmas attached to children with special needs. Society often perceive these children as inferior and often ridicule them for the circumstances that they were often born with. Peers can often be the most damaging psychologically, as they can emotionally abuse special needs children. This is further compounded by cyber bullying and other traumatic instances that children are exposed to on a daily basis. As a result of my coursework, I have been able to have an immediate impact on the manner in which I engage with my students from a phycological perspective. I first look to instill confidence in them through a welcoming and engaging environment. This is critical as it relates to the impact on the ability of students to learn, grow, and develop. From my coursework, I learned to empower students while also leveraging their unique talents, abilities, and skill sets. To accomplish this, I use a variety of instruction techniques that I have learned through my coursework. This includes techniques centered around cohesion and group interaction, along with individual instruction. The techniques also include leveraging a variety of formats and instruction channels. Each activity is designed to instill a sense of confidence that will ultimately manifest itself through higher knowledge retention and engagement.

Finally, the coursework has taught me how to mitigate extreme and often unexpected changes without sacrificing instruction quality. The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented in its overall impact on the education sector. The pandemic required a rapid shift within the industry overall as it relates to how education services were rendered. In addition, the unknown information surrounding the virus created a large degree of uncertainty as it relates to the overall learning environment. Thankfully, due in part to my coursework, I was able to adapt relatively quickly to the prevailing changes in the market as it related to how education would be handled. The hybrid learning model, which leveraged a combination of online and in-person distribution channels became standard practice. In addition, the use of masks, hand sanitizers, and other forms of preventative techniques were also heavily utilized. In all, I was able to use the coursework to not only embrace these changes, but to also deliver a very compelling learning experience to the children that I serve.

2. Discuss ways in which you have used feedback from your teacher education program (i.e. instructors/supervisors) to improve your practice

Feedback is critical to the overall improvement of one’s practice. Feedback, particularly constructive feedback is very helpful at identifying areas of improvement while also being able to further develop individual strengths. Special education instruction is particularly unique as it is variable. Different students often have different mannerisms and different needs. In addition, the specific needs of each child often require a unique approach on the part of the instructor. As a result, feedback is very welcomed as it helps instructors better cater to the varied and often disparate needs of the children within the classroom.

From personal experience, I used feedback from the teacher education program to improve the techniques I use to instruct students. For instance, through supervisor feedback, I now have a much more engaging classroom environment where I allow students to discover solutions for themselves. For example, I provide much more open-ended questions to my students, allowing them to determine their own solutions. Once complete, we then change their observations in a constructive and engaging manner. Prior to this feedback, I would simply provide the information and have students repeat it to me as a means of confirming understanding. Instead, I found it much more engaging for students to discover the solution themselves in a much more open-ended manner. This is particularly helpful for children with special needs as they also develop many soft skills throughout this process. For example, I have found that my students where much more willing to discuss their thoughts and opinions within a constructive environment. This ultimately helped to develop their communication skills and their confidence with interacting with their peers. Through team activities, students were also able to develop relationship with peers they normally did not interact with. This improved their understanding and tolerance for those with different backgrounds and cultures.

These improvements were heavily derived through supervisor feedback which ultimately led to improved outcomes for the students. This also improved my practice as I was able to leverage my skillset to be more engaging for my students.

3. Identify a minimum of three Candidate Learning Outcomes that you view as your strongest attributes and discuss why. Identify the specific standards and corresponding elements by name

a. Standard RP3: Demonstrate informed flexibility by applying the skills of reflection-in-action to intentionally respond to unplanned incidents and modify and/or adapt instructional, assessment, and management practices accordingly

As noted above, my ability to be flexibly as it relates to adapting my teaching style to cater to individual students is my best attribute. In addition, my ability to adapt to changing circumstances surrounding the overall teaching environment is also great. This was demonstrated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as I was able to adapt to very uncertain and changing educational standards. My of these changes were unplanned and required me to dramatically adapt my instructional techniques to manage the change accordingly. As noted above, these changes included transitioning from a fully in-person classroom setting to a much more flexible hybrid learning environment. In addition, I also had to change my assignments, projects, and activities to properly adapt to an online learning environment. I changed instructional standards related to online classroom oversight. I changed the manner in which I communicated with parents who were now much more involved in the education process due to business closure and economic constraints. Likewise, the assessment and evaluation process needed to change to accommodate shorter instruction times, a shorter academic school year, and less in-person interaction. All of these changes did not have a guidebook to follow as the circumstances surrounding the change had not occurred for many decades. As a result, the changes were constantly altered to accommodate changing legislative mandates, changes CDC guidance, and changing school policy. All of this needed to be done, while also maintaining a high standard of instruction for students.

b. Standard LC2: Understand developmental differences and learning needs of diverse individuals to promote learning, wellbeing, and self-advocacy.

This another standard that I personally excel in. As a special education instructor, understanding the development differences with each child in the classroom is critical to success. As noted above, each child within a special education classroom has very diverse needs. Some for example, need special care and handling, while others are more anti-social. Some students lack confidence, while others are battling with how to handle their disability. Each requires a unique skill set in which to unlock their ability to learn and retain information critical to their future success.

As an instructor, one of the greatest joys is overcoming many of theses impediments to unlock the curiosity and learning capability of a student. To successfully accomplish this, it is important to understand the differences in learning needs of diverse individuals. In addition, the classroom environment itself is critical to establish a sense of well-being and self-advocacy among students. To accomplish this, I have personally looked to encourage constructive discourse and dialogue among all students. This ultimately helps to create a sense of community and much better learning environment for all students who are engaged in the process. This ultimately helps to promote a sense of wellbeing within the overall class room environment.

c. Standard DKS3: Demonstrate how to connect concepts and use various strategies to engage individuals and promote critical thinking and creativity.

This is the third standard that I view as one of my strongest attributes. The ability to connect concepts and use a litany of strategies is critical within the special education arena. As an instructor, students engage with material in various ways. Some students are visual learners, some learn better through repetition, some learn through simply listening, while others use a combination of all three. In it important as a special education instructor to leverage various learning strategies to ensure that all students are learning the material in the manner best suited for them. Through feedback from other instructors, along with experience teaching in the special education sector, I have a demonstrated track record of engaging students with various strategies to help promote creativity and critical thinking.

4. Reflect on your coursework and program of study. Discuss any areas of concern you might have regarding the development of your ability to meet the needs of diverse learners and explain why.

The primary concern related to the ability to meet the need of diverse learners is related to funding. Due to COVID-19, many state budgets are underfunded and running large deficits. There is a large lack of revenue due in part to self-imposed business closures and layoffs. As a result, budgets may be cut to accommodate the lack of revenue. Education, particularly in low-income areas already suffers from lack of adequate funding. To meet the future needs of diverse learners, it is important to maintain funding for programs that impact these populations. In addition, teacher retention is another issue that might hinder my ability to meet the needs of a diverse student population. Teachers have historically been underpaid. Currently the industry is undergoing a large shortage of teachers due in part to poor working conditions, low pay, and long hours. With lack of available and qualified teachers, the number of students per classroom increases which could ultimately detract from the overall quality of education.