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​A Continuation of Learning

By Jessica Skinner


I can remember when I was taking undergraduate classes and knew eventually, one day I would return to school and to earn my Master’s degree.  Besides being a goal to continue my love of learning, it would also eventually satisfy my continuing education requirement.  I can recall moving to New Orleans in 2007 and looking for places where I could take classes online because I knew time was passing by quickly and soon I would need the credits to keep my Michigan Teaching Certificate valid.  I talked with a few different online programs, but none of them seemed to spark my interest and drive.  In the fall of 2010 while on the computer I decided to search the internet once again for online education master’s programs in Michigan.  To my surprise I came across Michigan State University.  How I never saw this before in my many searches remains a mystery to me.  I was intrigued and began to investigate the program further.


I was very nervous and was not sure whether or not I would be able to complete an entire Master’s program online.   I had never even taken an online course and sometimes feel that I am not the most tech savvy person.  However, after speaking with family members and friends, I thought it was the best avenue for me.  Not only had I always wanted to attend Michigan State University, I would be able to receive a Master’s program, from a university in Michigan, while teaching full-time and working part-time in Louisiana.


I was on my way.  I remember having the help and support of friends and family when it came time to review my essays to be accepted.  When the letter came in the mail, everyone was proud, even me.  I decided to have one concentration be in reading because I have a genuine love of reading and the other to be a general concentration in order to be able to learn a little about everything that was offered.  I began the two and a half-year journey and can honestly say the time flew by.  During this time I learned many new things, as well as refreshing and expanding on knowledge that I gained in my undergraduate studies.  I learned a great deal from all of my courses, yet some classes stick out more than others as far as the quality and quantity of knowledge that I was able to leave with.


In the Methods of Writing Instruction class I was able to explore free verse.  I found that not only was I able to share the wonderful writing genre of poetry, I was able to explore and develop my own poetry.  As I stated earlier I was teaching full time as well as working part-time and taking Master’s classes.  I had also experience quite a few tragic events in a very short time.  This course allowed me the option of working with my students to better understand poetry, while also taking the time I needed for myself to express some very important and necessary emotions and avenues to help in the healing process.  As I look back on the poems that I created for my final project, I can remember how strong the emotions were and how desperately I needed the time to release them.

 
In Creativity in Teaching and Learning I was definitely challenged in more ways than one.  I had to be “creative”.  This was a challenge for me because I do not consider myself to be a very creative person and honestly never truly have thought I was.  However, for this course I had to dig very deep inside of myself, ask many questions of the instructor, group members, and colleagues in order to develop what would eventually serve as my final project.  This course also required that I create a blog and explore the blogs of others.  I can honestly say that I knew very, very little about blogs, let alone how to create one.  I had very little interest in blogs and definitely lacked the skills and confidence to create one.  After taking this course I believe that not only am I a more creative individual that sees things differently, I also have more confidence in my ability to be creative and share ideas and knowledge with others.


Another class that had a significant impact on me was Educating Students with Challenging Behavior.  I still remember how much work I put into this course.  I was able to focus on one child for the entire semester.   I was required to observe her behaviors and devise a plan to help her to manage her behavior.   We (the head of school culture at my former school and the student’s family) knew there was work to be done to help this child succeed.  With effort and the skills I gained from this class I was truly able to work with the child to make her more successful in school as well as at home.  Being able to see the growth from the beginning of the semester, as well as knowing that all of the assignments would add up and eventually contribute to something so important made a huge impact on my teaching.  I often think back to the skills and techniques that I learned in this course to help me with other children that may display difficult behaviors.


A class that is very similar to the one mentioned above that I have experienced many successes and growth is Developing Positive Attitudes Towards Learning.  Throughout this course I was able to focus on one student and make a considerable amount of growth academically and socially.  Not only was I able to make a difference in this child’s motivation, but I was also able to incorporate the skills that I learned into the lives of other students in my class.  Outside of the classroom I find that I am able to help one of my nieces that are struggling a great deal in school as well.  I found myself using the advice and suggestions of others helpful in both my personal and professional life. 


I was unsure if I would be able to do well completing a Master’s program entirely online.  I am proud of how well I have done and how comfortable I felt in asking questions and offering advice when needed.  I can honestly say that I would recommend this program to others.  It truly allows you to work around your schedule.  I recall wishing that I had more time to absorb and utilize everything that I had acquired.  The Capstone course allowed me to look back on everything I learned.   I was also able to create a very useful portfolio that I will be able to continue adding to over the years as my learning continues.  Although I am glad to be finishing my program, I know that I will soon be searching for more formal and informal education opportunities.

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