Graduate Work Showcase
Below is an array of coursework I have completed during my graduate studies at Michigan State University. Throughout my graduate career, I tried to gear appropriate assignments towards athletic training education. I hope to one day teach at a post-secondary setting within an accredited athletic training education program. There are some generalized education representations as well such as my personal teaching philosophy. Program planning also has played a large role in my graduate studies and it is well-represented within the
coursework selections below. Please, feel free to read and download any work you find intriguing.
coursework selections below. Please, feel free to read and download any work you find intriguing.
General Education
Blog
For two of my graduate classes I was required to create a blog to document various assignments and have it act as a living showcase of work for those classes.The emphasis in these classes were technology and creativity. Some posts are geared towards athletic training while others are satisfying other assignment criteria. Each post has a unique characteristic specific to the assignment regarding education and either creativity or technology.
For two of my graduate classes I was required to create a blog to document various assignments and have it act as a living showcase of work for those classes.The emphasis in these classes were technology and creativity. Some posts are geared towards athletic training while others are satisfying other assignment criteria. Each post has a unique characteristic specific to the assignment regarding education and either creativity or technology.
Modes of Learning
Creative minds utilize information across all genres of subject matter. In order to efficiently process a situation and come up with valuable insights or solutions, an individual must be able to draw upon a solid base of knowledge and use several cognitive tools to analyze the situation at hand. Trans-disciplinary education is therefore necessary to build this foundational knowledge for one must be able to make concrete connections spanning these disciplines in order to satisfy the world’s curiosities. Below you will find a paper which further emphasizes these points.
Creative minds utilize information across all genres of subject matter. In order to efficiently process a situation and come up with valuable insights or solutions, an individual must be able to draw upon a solid base of knowledge and use several cognitive tools to analyze the situation at hand. Trans-disciplinary education is therefore necessary to build this foundational knowledge for one must be able to make concrete connections spanning these disciplines in order to satisfy the world’s curiosities. Below you will find a paper which further emphasizes these points.
Understanding Student Understanding
One way to deepen a student’s understanding is to use ideas/concepts/objects they already have an understanding of. While conducting my interview (file below), I noticed that my interviewee would relate everyday items and experiences (steak, Gatorade, donating plasma) to fill in the blanks of what he did not know. He did this presumably because he understood those items and knew they could somehow be related to the question posed to him. I have noticed it is easier for people to understand various things, take concussions for example, when related to known objects or systems, like rebooting a computer. I feel that by relating everyday items or tasks to new information and ideas will help to deepen the understanding of the subject. It may also help the student retain the information as well. This is certainly feasible in a traditional classroom because it is especially simple.
One way to deepen a student’s understanding is to use ideas/concepts/objects they already have an understanding of. While conducting my interview (file below), I noticed that my interviewee would relate everyday items and experiences (steak, Gatorade, donating plasma) to fill in the blanks of what he did not know. He did this presumably because he understood those items and knew they could somehow be related to the question posed to him. I have noticed it is easier for people to understand various things, take concussions for example, when related to known objects or systems, like rebooting a computer. I feel that by relating everyday items or tasks to new information and ideas will help to deepen the understanding of the subject. It may also help the student retain the information as well. This is certainly feasible in a traditional classroom because it is especially simple.
Teaching Philosophy
The purpose of teaching is to give students important, applicable information and guide them through content so they know when and how to apply it within their lives. My goal is that students become knowledgeable, independent learners and thinkers. Upon entering the real-world they will need to make informed decisions based on facts and the context of the situation. Inevitably, there will come a time when they will be presented with a situation in which they should question the decision that was made. The very fact they can question shows a deep connection with the material. However, before they verbalize this question, they should be able to find information to validate their way of thinking, or the another person’s, proving themselves to be self-regulated learners. These are the markings of an independent learner and thinker. Click to download the file below for a more encompassing version of my personal teaching philosophy.
The purpose of teaching is to give students important, applicable information and guide them through content so they know when and how to apply it within their lives. My goal is that students become knowledgeable, independent learners and thinkers. Upon entering the real-world they will need to make informed decisions based on facts and the context of the situation. Inevitably, there will come a time when they will be presented with a situation in which they should question the decision that was made. The very fact they can question shows a deep connection with the material. However, before they verbalize this question, they should be able to find information to validate their way of thinking, or the another person’s, proving themselves to be self-regulated learners. These are the markings of an independent learner and thinker. Click to download the file below for a more encompassing version of my personal teaching philosophy.
Athletic Training Education
Technology and Education
Technology is an ever-evolving facet within education. It should not be used simply to fulfill a requirement, but rather to enhance learning. What is available and how can this element further student understanding? Below is a review of technology that was used in a hypothetical teaching situation and how it would add to the learning experience.
Technology is an ever-evolving facet within education. It should not be used simply to fulfill a requirement, but rather to enhance learning. What is available and how can this element further student understanding? Below is a review of technology that was used in a hypothetical teaching situation and how it would add to the learning experience.
Patterning
Patterning transcends subject matter! There’s always a method to the madness. The key is to find it. Figuring a pattern out will lend itself to an anticipated outcome, something to be ready for. What about re-patterning? I think the hallmark sign to be able to re-pattern is to fully understand and appreciate the pattern that is discovered. If one does not understand the rhyme or reason then re-patterning cannot take place. I believe this could be a true test for understanding of a subject matter. Is the pattern of rehabilitation or a smaller pattern within it, able to be re-patterned? I suppose my students will have to let me know! The file below shows a bit of my teaching philosophy in action.
Patterning transcends subject matter! There’s always a method to the madness. The key is to find it. Figuring a pattern out will lend itself to an anticipated outcome, something to be ready for. What about re-patterning? I think the hallmark sign to be able to re-pattern is to fully understand and appreciate the pattern that is discovered. If one does not understand the rhyme or reason then re-patterning cannot take place. I believe this could be a true test for understanding of a subject matter. Is the pattern of rehabilitation or a smaller pattern within it, able to be re-patterned? I suppose my students will have to let me know! The file below shows a bit of my teaching philosophy in action.
Microteach Experience
I was approached by a professor from our local college and asked if I would be interested in teaching her athletic training class about documentation for insurance reimbursement within the clinical setting. I remember having no knowledge of this as I exited school and entered the professional world. I felt I could help fill a gap in their education; a gap I had to fill in on my own as I moved along in my own career. My goals for this lecture were to build on the knowledge and skills the students already had so they can ultimately leave college having an understanding of the content, knowing how to think about the content. Below is a lesson plan for the lecture and a scholarly analysis following the plan which explains why I chose to pursue various teaching strategies. The PowerPoint I used for the lecture is also available for your viewing.
I was approached by a professor from our local college and asked if I would be interested in teaching her athletic training class about documentation for insurance reimbursement within the clinical setting. I remember having no knowledge of this as I exited school and entered the professional world. I felt I could help fill a gap in their education; a gap I had to fill in on my own as I moved along in my own career. My goals for this lecture were to build on the knowledge and skills the students already had so they can ultimately leave college having an understanding of the content, knowing how to think about the content. Below is a lesson plan for the lecture and a scholarly analysis following the plan which explains why I chose to pursue various teaching strategies. The PowerPoint I used for the lecture is also available for your viewing.
Program Planning
Program Philosophy
I believe the purpose of post-secondary education within the realm of athletic training is to essentially prepare students to function as a competent and independent professional. They must be able to make good decisions using their knowledge and given the circumstances of the situation and be able to do so on their own. Students must be given a substantial base of knowledge and learn to think critically before they are faced with such situations. How do you plan a program to fit such broad criteria? Below is a short paper I had written in the very beginning of my Program Planning and Evaluation class prior to having any academic knowledge on the planning process. My philosophy reflects the "backward design" approach, which I had no knowledge of at the time of completion!
I believe the purpose of post-secondary education within the realm of athletic training is to essentially prepare students to function as a competent and independent professional. They must be able to make good decisions using their knowledge and given the circumstances of the situation and be able to do so on their own. Students must be given a substantial base of knowledge and learn to think critically before they are faced with such situations. How do you plan a program to fit such broad criteria? Below is a short paper I had written in the very beginning of my Program Planning and Evaluation class prior to having any academic knowledge on the planning process. My philosophy reflects the "backward design" approach, which I had no knowledge of at the time of completion!
Program Plan
The role of the program planner is to understand the many aspects of planning: taking program context, content, logistics, methods, marketing, budgeting, evaluation and other such factors into consideration. Another is to set forth a clear and logical path for students to follow in pursuit of fulfilling the learning objectives and ultimately the program objectives. They need to ensure knowledgeable and experienced individuals are providing accurate information and useful learning activities. The planner must also develop a system to evaluate students and examine the program to determine if the services provided are fulfilling the needs of the participants and the program as a whole. Below you will find a full, thoroughly detailed program plan. The program is aimed at the formation of an athletic training club-to-class at the high school I currently work with.
The role of the program planner is to understand the many aspects of planning: taking program context, content, logistics, methods, marketing, budgeting, evaluation and other such factors into consideration. Another is to set forth a clear and logical path for students to follow in pursuit of fulfilling the learning objectives and ultimately the program objectives. They need to ensure knowledgeable and experienced individuals are providing accurate information and useful learning activities. The planner must also develop a system to evaluate students and examine the program to determine if the services provided are fulfilling the needs of the participants and the program as a whole. Below you will find a full, thoroughly detailed program plan. The program is aimed at the formation of an athletic training club-to-class at the high school I currently work with.