Reflection on learning from the MA Ed. Program Concordia University Philip Trovato FINAL PRESENTATION OF LEARNING

CONCEPTS FROM THE MASTERS PROGRAM 1. Use of Research to supplement experience and intuition 2. Reflection on learning 3. The ethics of education 4. Diversity in curriculum and classroom culture

USE OF RESEARCH 1. When in doubt, see what others have learned 2. Difference between research and anecdotal writings 3. Reading peer-reviewed studies requires the ability to read with a purpose 4. Remain open-minded 5. Experience and intuition matter, but research can supplement those qualities 6. Professional educators follow current research and use it to improve instruction

REFLECTION ON LEARNING 1. Always look back on what works and what doesn’t 2. Evaluate WHY things fail or succeed, don’t just move on 3. Use the summer, spring break, winter break etc… to reflect on how your teaching is going 4. Never stop improving and always stay current and relevant in your approach

THE ETHICAL APPROACH TO EDUCATION 1. Leadership requires knowing how to lead people not just tell them what to do 2. Leading adults is very similar to teaching students 3. Know the legal precedents before you implement any policy 4. Schools are testing grounds for problems and issues in society, this is unfair but the reality 5. Involvement of parents, community members and students can help create a better sense of community in our schools 6. Students are citizens of the United States and need to be respected and treated as such

DIVERSITY 1. Diversity involves a lot more factors than race 2. The teacher can create an environment of inclusion and respect through attitude and curriculum choice 3. Students need to see themselves in your curriculum 4. School should be the great equalizer for our society

LEARNING FROM MY CAPSTONE RESEARCH 1. More research needs to be done on discipline and student achievement 2. Our biggest discipline problems are minor issues that occur frequently 3. There is no magic bullet that works for all students 4. Teachers usually develop effective discipline styles over time, but what if they don’t? 5. Parents students and teachers have different views of discipline 6. Support and Structure are the pillars of positive discipline

LEARNING ABOUT MYSELF 1. My work history effects my view of education 2. I made the right choice in deciding to be a teacher 3. I am not creative by nature and I need to collaborate with those who are.

MY WORK HISTORY years at Catholic Schools 2. More importantly, Private schools 3. Positive environments 4. I’ve had great leadership 5. I lack a strong sense of racial diversity in the classroom and need to continue to follow best practices and research

I’M GLAD I’M A TEACHER 1. Almost quit twice in my life, for the wrong reasons 2. My personality and leadership style work well in the field of Education 3. I’m not a martyr and I don’t mind the downsides of being a teacher 4. Someday I may want to move into administration, but not yet

LACK OF CREATIVITY 1. Most of my decisions are based on rational and logical factors 2. I rarely try something new because I have a bias against trends 3. I work with a lot of creative people and I usually don’t collaborate with them 4. If I’m going to lead someday I need to learn how to access the skills of others and use them in my own teaching 5. Opening myself up to others will be difficult but must be done as a sign of professionalism.