COVA Reflection
In this assignment, I will be sharing how the COVA approach has changed my perspective throughout my journey in graduate school in the EDLD program. COVA has helped me better understand my own leadership style and how to effectively engage with others. By applying its principles, I have gained new insights into collaboration, problem-solving, and fostering inclusive learning environments.
The COVA Approach
When I first started the ADL program, I had no idea what I was getting into—let alone what COVA meant. Now that I understand the true meaning of COVA (Choice, Ownership, and Voice through Authentic learning), I’ve realized that I had been applying its principles all along. To answer your question, I truly began to understand and appreciate COVA once I started my journey in the ADL program. By learning this concept and its deeper meaning, I’ve been able to intentionally incorporate it into my students’ assignments, giving them the opportunity to find and express their own COVA.
My first reaction to the freedom and responsibility of taking ownership of my learning through real and authentic projects honestly scared me. I wasn’t ready for it, especially during my first two courses in the program with Dr. J. What helped me get through was taking it one day at a time and reminding myself to just breathe. With the support of my family, friends, students, and especially my classmates, I’ve made it to my final semester in the ADL program. Without the love and encouragement from the people who mean the most to me, I don’t think I’d be where I am today—almost a year later. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through this journey is to truly believe in myself and know that I can do anything I put my mind to. This experience has taught me the importance of perseverance, patience, and self-trust. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited to see how I can continue to grow beyond this program.
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To help adjust to this style of learning in the ADL program, I made sure to ask questions from all my professors to clarify any misconceptions I had in my classes. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t change a single thing about my experience. From building an ePortfolio to writing a literature review and creating videos, I now feel more equipped to tackle anything that comes my way in the future—whether that’s pursuing a doctorate or stepping into a higher position. The ADL program has truly helped me grow and become the person I was meant to be. This journey has taught me the value of curiosity, persistence, and self-reflection in both my professional and personal life. I am incredibly grateful for every challenge and success that has shaped me along the way.​
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When it was time to take full control of my own voice in my work and focus on the audience for my projects, it was difficult at first. As time went on, I had to remind myself to maintain a growth mindset in everything I did, especially in this program. With each assignment, things became easier because I was truly using my own voice in the work I created, hoping that others would understand my “why.” When Dr. Padovon first assigned the What Is Your Why project, it really helped me grasp why I was doing this and who I was doing it for. As I continued through each course, I found it easier to recognize and strengthen my own voice in my work. This process has helped me grow in confidence and fully embrace my identity as both a learner and an educator.
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One of the first lessons I learned in this program was the importance of having a growth mindset. By embracing a growth mindset, you begin to give hope not only to yourself but also to the people around you. In my case, I work with young adults who often tend to have a fixed mindset. To help shift their way of thinking, I make sure to provide them with many opportunities in their work to discover their own COVA. Once they find their voice, they’re able to express it through their work and begin developing a growth mindset of their own. Seeing this transformation in my students has reinforced for me the power of patience, guidance, and encouragement in helping others grow.
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When I first created my innovation plan, I was trying to find something that would make an impact on my career in education while also positively influencing my students’ learning experiences. When I finally decided to introduce ePortfolios into the classroom, it became a passion for me to continue on this path. This year, in my own classroom, I implemented ePortfolios using the Google Sites platform. Both my students and I are seeing significant growth in their work and personal development. I am noticing how much information my students are retaining and how effectively they are applying it to be successful. Introducing ePortfolios has truly made a noticeable difference in my classroom and has empowered my students to take ownership of their learning.
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The concepts of COVA and CSLE have helped me align with my personal learning philosophy. With the COVA approach, I have been able to set the tone for my philosophy by hearing my own voice in the work I create. It allows me to see myself reflected in my work and beliefs, reinforcing the connection between my learning and my values. By Creating Significant Learning Environments (CSLE), I am able to foster a space where my students can develop their own learning philosophies and set personal standards for themselves. My perspective on learning and my learning philosophy has changed in ways I could never have imagined. I have learned to always maintain an open mindset because our ways of thinking can shift when we are exposed to new ideas and experiences. It is important to nurture curiosity, as it drives personal growth and helps us continue evolving as learners and educators.​
The COVA and CSLE Approach
By using the COVA approach, I am able to create Significant Learning Environments that support student growth in the classroom. Both COVA and CSLE are designed to engage students and promote meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. By integrating these concepts, I can help students develop skills and mindsets that will benefit them not only academically but also in their future endeavors, whatever paths they choose to pursue. These approaches also allow me to reflect on my own teaching practices and continuously improve how I support student learning. Ultimately, my goal is to empower students to take ownership of their education while fostering a lifelong love of learning.
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I will incorporate COVA into the classroom through authentic assignments that connect to real-life experiences. By integrating real-world applications, students are more likely to participate and express their genuine thoughts and feelings through their work. This approach also helps students become more engaged in their educational journey because the learning is directly relevant to their own lives. By using COVA in this way, I can better understand my students’ perspectives and guide them in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ultimately, it allows me to create a classroom environment where students feel valued, heard, and motivated to take ownership of their learning.
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To introduce the concepts of the COVA approach and CSLE to students and colleagues, we must gradually share and model lessons with those who will benefit most. Once a foundation is established, we can expand these practices to larger groups within the school, allowing everyone to incorporate the concepts into their own educational experiences. Over time, this approach can help create a school-wide culture where student voice, choice, and ownership are valued. It also encourages educators to continuously reflect on their teaching practices and collaborate to provide meaningful, engaging learning opportunities for all students.​
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One challenge I may face is knowing how to approach both concepts at the beginning. However, with the lessons and feedback I have received from my classmates and professors, I feel confident that I am more than capable of successfully introducing both concepts into my classroom. Overcoming this challenge will allow me to create a more engaging and meaningful learning environment for my students. It will also strengthen my skills as an educator, helping me to guide students in discovering their own voice and taking ownership of their learning.
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Overall, this program has truly shaped me into a better educator, benefiting both myself and my current and future students.
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