Compilation and Contributions to Learning

In this assignment, I will address what has worked, what I can do better, and highlights of my contributions to my learning and to the learning of the community. The information below will help guide me to what is expected for this assignment completion.

Introduction

Going into this class, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Honestly, I thought it would be a course about how to become a better teacher by learning various instructional concepts. Hence the word “Concepts” in the title. But after just two weeks, I began learning so much about myself in ways I never expected.

This class has helped me discover what kind of leader I am and made me realize that I tend to keep myself so busy that I struggle to say “no.” I had to laugh when Dr. Harrison commented on my philosophy and leadership assignment, saying, “Dang girl, I’m glad you took this assessment.” At first, I didn’t see it as a problem, but then I started to notice how little time I actually made for myself, aside from going to church and occasionally taking myself out to dinner. For once, I said “no,” and honestly, I’m glad I did. I used that time to focus on self-care, and it felt really good to finally prioritize my own well being.

Over the eight week course, we completed four major assignments and participated in group discussion boards. Each of the major assignments centered around our learning manifesto, exploring why we do what we do and the beliefs that shape our decisions. I was fortunate to work with three amazing group members who were not only hardworking but also brought thoughtful and inspiring beliefs to our discussions throughout this course.

Evaluation of Successes

What really helped me succeed in this class was consistently reviewing the assigned readings and videos. Having access to both resources supported my understanding of the material and helped me develop more of a growth mindset. Through these materials, I learned a great deal about myself and discovered what type of learner I am.

I also found the collaboration groups to be incredibly valuable. Hearing different perspectives and learning from my peers helped me expand my own thinking. Working together allowed us to build on each other’s ideas, which deepened my understanding and contributed to my overall growth in the course.

Areas of Growth and Improvement

To be more successful as an accelerated ADL student, I need to prioritize my time more effectively and closely examine my schedule to focus on what truly matters. Doing this will help me manage my time better and avoid the stress of rushing to complete assignments at the last minute. One improvement I’m proud of is that my timing with turning in assignments has already gotten much better this semester. I’m no longer submitting them late at night. I’ve started turning them in during the afternoon, and that’s a change I’m genuinely proud of.

Summary and Reflection of Assignments

*CLICK ON LINK TO TAKE YOU TO THE ASSIGNMENT*

Assignment 1: Technology Learning Manifesto

Through the Learning Manifesto assignment, I gained valuable insight into myself and how I want to grow during graduate school. Reflecting on my beliefs, personal growth, and leadership style helped me better understand the kind of leader I aspire to become.

Assignment 2: Personality & Leadership Philosophy

This assignment has helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself as both a leader and an individual. It opened my eyes to who I truly am and the personal traits I possess. Most importantly, it highlighted the areas I need to work on and the skills I need to develop to continue growing as a person.

Assignment 3: Technology Case Study Analysis

In this assignment, my discussion group and I collaborated as a team to analyze a case study and apply our skills and ideas to develop practical, real world solutions. I appreciated how each group member contributed thoughtfully, and how we came together to create a cohesive plan to address the challenges presented in the case.

Collaboration Group

In this class, I worked in a group with Tytiauna Goode, Karimi Garcia, and Yusmila De Nicolo de Ocando. As a team, we collaborated weekly to answer discussion questions and build on each other's ideas. Through these discussions, we were able to feed off one another’s insights and deepen our understanding together. One thing I noticed about myself is that I often waited until the end to contribute. This was a real eye opener and something I recognize I need to improve on in future classes. Each group member brought incredible passion and insight about education, which inspired me to reflect more deeply on what I truly want to gain from this program.

Conclusion of 5302 & Concurrent Courses

Over the eight-week course of 5302, I’ve learned so much about myself that I’m still in disbelief at how much I’ve grown both as a person and as an educator. I’ve gained a clearer understanding of the kind of leader I am today and who I aspire to become, both in the workplace and in my everyday life. Building on what I’ve learned in previous classes, I now approach each new course with a growth mindset that not only supports my personal development but also positively influences the students I interact with daily. Thank you, Dr. Harrison, for instilling values that will truly guide me in my future endeavors.