Time Well Spent

Three deeply felt learnings from this program:

Looking back on my learning throughout the journey through my Masters program I have come so far. I did not realize the amount of learning that would take place. Above all the courses built on one another to lead me through the capstone project. This project caused me to reflect back on prior learning and apply it to the project. One of the most helpful courses to refer back to was EDUC 6163 Building Research Competencies. I found that the foundation from this course helped me think of the capstone project as research. I was able to pull information from the text from the course and use it when writing my capstone paper. Knowing that research and being a part of a Community of Practice is important to our field and its growth causes me to rethink being involved more. Without these courses I would not have seen the value of being involved in a Community of Practice. 

EDUC 6162 Issues and Trends highlighted the necessity of constantly learning within the field. I would read nayec articles and journals from time to time but always felt to busy to do more than that. I now understand the importance of keep appraised of the current issues and trends within out field. I think this realization will benefit me for years to come and make me more professional over all.

Finally EDUC 6361 Instructional Strategies for Adult Learners provided me an abundance of information that will be helpful to my current chosen areas of the early childhood field. Helping adult learners achieve that aha moment because I have communicated information to them in a context that is understandable is just as rewarding as it is when teaching children. I walked away from that course with a plethora of strategies that will be useful when teaching adults. I am looking forward to using some of them this fall when I am teaching.  

One long-term goal:

Lately I have been completing professional goals all over the place. I feel like I have finally taken the time for me to move myself forward professionally. As of right now my main long term goal is to work on my Doctorate in early childhood. I know that I need a break but am tentatively thinking of starting next fall. I cannot think beyond that. I really believe in taking life one step at a time. So this for now if my next step goal.

Farewell:

I truly believe that my learning would not have been as deep or productive it were not for the individuals that commented on, reflected on, and questioned my learning throughout this entire process. I am deeply grateful to the instructors and my colleagues that helped me obtain an education that I am proud of. I will forever be thankful for this experience.

"Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world."
- Maria Montessori

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