Meagan Mazurkewicz's Coursework
Master of Arts in Education: Special Education and Literacy Concentration
Master of Arts in Education: Special Education and Literacy Concentration
EDUC 701: Understanding Educational Research & Design
Transferred as CEP 822: Approaches to Educational Research
Transfer Credits from Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI
John Thompson
Spring 2011
Description: This course provided me with opportunities to thoughtfully and thoroughly investigate, explore, and ponder multiple educational research strategies, both quantitative and qualitative, in order to critically understand specific academic literature. I also learned how to work with and write a pilot study to communicate and share the information that I gathered. My instructor and peers helped me to think in ways that I never knew were possible as well as question when something doesn't make sense or hasn't been explained properly.
Transferred as CEP 822: Approaches to Educational Research
Transfer Credits from Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI
John Thompson
Spring 2011
Description: This course provided me with opportunities to thoughtfully and thoroughly investigate, explore, and ponder multiple educational research strategies, both quantitative and qualitative, in order to critically understand specific academic literature. I also learned how to work with and write a pilot study to communicate and share the information that I gathered. My instructor and peers helped me to think in ways that I never knew were possible as well as question when something doesn't make sense or hasn't been explained properly.
ED 800: Concepts of Educational Inquiry
Steven Weiland
Fall 2011
Description: This course allowed me to explore the fundamental questions and answers to education using educational inquiry. We explored both past and present approaches and possibilities while focusing on topics such as philosophy, research, theory, curriculum, and participant observation. We studied a number of different philosophers such as Catherine Bateson, John Dewey, and E.D. Hirsch, and learned that education is a multidisciplinary journey that encourages us to try and understand the nature of teaching and learning from many different perspectives.
Steven Weiland
Fall 2011
Description: This course allowed me to explore the fundamental questions and answers to education using educational inquiry. We explored both past and present approaches and possibilities while focusing on topics such as philosophy, research, theory, curriculum, and participant observation. We studied a number of different philosophers such as Catherine Bateson, John Dewey, and E.D. Hirsch, and learned that education is a multidisciplinary journey that encourages us to try and understand the nature of teaching and learning from many different perspectives.
After researching the concepts and details of participant observation as it relates to educational inquiry through reading Mary Catherine Bateson's Peripheral Visions, an article by G.A.Fine, Howard Gardner's The Disciplined Mind, and watching the films Whale Rider and Spellbound, I wrote a culminating paper on what I learned and how it relates to the field of education today.
TE 846: Accommodating Differences in Literacy Learners
Laurel Disney
Fall 2011
Description: This course focused and taught me about literacy concepts and principles such as reading interest inventories, English language learners, language processing and expression, phonics and vocabulary, fluency and comprehension, and writing assessment. It introduced multiple interventions that can be used based upon the multitude of differences in our literacy learners today.
For my final project, I researched UDL, the Universal Design for Learning, and completed a conclusive teaching project that included UDL theory and practice as well as specific case study documentation from working with a particular student in my classroom. I created interactive and comprehensive lesson plans as well as rubrics for proper individualized assessment. I also reflected on my lessons, making appropriate changes to things that didn't work and enhancements to those that did.
Laurel Disney
Fall 2011
Description: This course focused and taught me about literacy concepts and principles such as reading interest inventories, English language learners, language processing and expression, phonics and vocabulary, fluency and comprehension, and writing assessment. It introduced multiple interventions that can be used based upon the multitude of differences in our literacy learners today.
For my final project, I researched UDL, the Universal Design for Learning, and completed a conclusive teaching project that included UDL theory and practice as well as specific case study documentation from working with a particular student in my classroom. I created interactive and comprehensive lesson plans as well as rubrics for proper individualized assessment. I also reflected on my lessons, making appropriate changes to things that didn't work and enhancements to those that did.
CEP 841: Classroom Management in the Inclusive Classroom
Troy Mariage
Summer 2012
Description: This course proved to be one of the most influential and helpful courses in the MAED program for me. It required me to examine and reflect upon my current classroom management strategies and analyze their success and failures accordingly while also developing new strategies to aid in developing a positive inclusive classroom environment. I learned about Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), how to create a Functional Behavioral Analysis (FBA), construct a behavior intervention plan, how to determine the "function" of a behavior, and many new interventions and strategies to use in my own classroom.
For my final project, I completed a special topic research paper on a type of disorder that I wanted to know more about. I chose Oppositional Defiant Disorder and completed a thorough research paper and presentation that showcased my findings. I had to synthesize information from a variety of electronic and textual resources and compiled them into a cohesive and informational PowerPoint presentation that would allow me to share my research with my colleagues and peers.
Troy Mariage
Summer 2012
Description: This course proved to be one of the most influential and helpful courses in the MAED program for me. It required me to examine and reflect upon my current classroom management strategies and analyze their success and failures accordingly while also developing new strategies to aid in developing a positive inclusive classroom environment. I learned about Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), how to create a Functional Behavioral Analysis (FBA), construct a behavior intervention plan, how to determine the "function" of a behavior, and many new interventions and strategies to use in my own classroom.
For my final project, I completed a special topic research paper on a type of disorder that I wanted to know more about. I chose Oppositional Defiant Disorder and completed a thorough research paper and presentation that showcased my findings. I had to synthesize information from a variety of electronic and textual resources and compiled them into a cohesive and informational PowerPoint presentation that would allow me to share my research with my colleagues and peers.
CEP 850: Technology & Literacy for Children with Mild Disabilities
Mei Shen
Summer 2012
Description: This course was one of the most fun and exciting courses in the program because I was able to learn about and explore a wide variety of technology to help meet the needs of students who have difficulty reading and understanding text. We focused a lot on the aspect of reading and writing and were introduced to many technological tools to help students with learning difficulties become more successful. We researched digital text tools such as speech recognition and text to speech such as WYNN and Quicktionary Pens, online story creators such as My StoryMaker, PhotoStory, and Clicker 6, writing tools like concept mapping and word prediction software, and technology based study tools.
For my final project, I completed a Technology and Literacy plan for four students that I tutored throughout the summer. Though all four students struggled with similar concepts such as reading, sounding out words, and letter and sound recognition, they all had different learning styles and challenges. It was my job to create a curriculum integrating the technology tools I had learned throughout the semester. I created a "Literacy Toolbox" to showcase programs and software I would use with each student as well as summarize why that particular choice would best fit each student's learning style. I then had to develop a schedule and plan of implementation with my students as well as a plan for assessment of its success.
Mei Shen
Summer 2012
Description: This course was one of the most fun and exciting courses in the program because I was able to learn about and explore a wide variety of technology to help meet the needs of students who have difficulty reading and understanding text. We focused a lot on the aspect of reading and writing and were introduced to many technological tools to help students with learning difficulties become more successful. We researched digital text tools such as speech recognition and text to speech such as WYNN and Quicktionary Pens, online story creators such as My StoryMaker, PhotoStory, and Clicker 6, writing tools like concept mapping and word prediction software, and technology based study tools.
For my final project, I completed a Technology and Literacy plan for four students that I tutored throughout the summer. Though all four students struggled with similar concepts such as reading, sounding out words, and letter and sound recognition, they all had different learning styles and challenges. It was my job to create a curriculum integrating the technology tools I had learned throughout the semester. I created a "Literacy Toolbox" to showcase programs and software I would use with each student as well as summarize why that particular choice would best fit each student's learning style. I then had to develop a schedule and plan of implementation with my students as well as a plan for assessment of its success.
TE 842: Elementary Reading Instruction and Assessment
Annie Whitlock
Summer 2012
Description: This course inspired my interest in the teaching of reading and really helped me learn more about the assessment of teaching reading at the elementary school level. The topics we covered extensively included effective reading instruction, comprehension and assessment, vocabulary, morphology and fluency, phonological awareness, concepts of print, letter-sound knowledge, word identification, and motivation and engagement. We learned how to design a balanced elementary reading and literacy program across the curriculum.
As one of our final projects, we were asked to create a focus project which could include redesigning part of our own literacy instruction. I chose to complete a presentation on developing a Reader's Workshop in my Kindergarten classroom. I researched information on a Reader's Workshop and interviewed colleagues and peers about their own Reader's Workshop tools. I compiled my research into an organized and educational PowerPoint presentation that outlines my plan in a clear and concise manner which will allow others to understand and possibly implement it into their own classrooms.
Annie Whitlock
Summer 2012
Description: This course inspired my interest in the teaching of reading and really helped me learn more about the assessment of teaching reading at the elementary school level. The topics we covered extensively included effective reading instruction, comprehension and assessment, vocabulary, morphology and fluency, phonological awareness, concepts of print, letter-sound knowledge, word identification, and motivation and engagement. We learned how to design a balanced elementary reading and literacy program across the curriculum.
As one of our final projects, we were asked to create a focus project which could include redesigning part of our own literacy instruction. I chose to complete a presentation on developing a Reader's Workshop in my Kindergarten classroom. I researched information on a Reader's Workshop and interviewed colleagues and peers about their own Reader's Workshop tools. I compiled my research into an organized and educational PowerPoint presentation that outlines my plan in a clear and concise manner which will allow others to understand and possibly implement it into their own classrooms.
CEP 832: Educating Students with Challenging Behaviors
Jana Aupperlee
Fall 2012
Description: This course was a very influential course in that it dealt with learning how to handle the psychological and behavioral challenges of students who are difficult to teach in the classroom. We learned a lot about classroom management and instructional practices that will help us develop relationships with our students and their parents. This course taught me a lot about myself and forced me to come to terms with gaps in my own classroom management style. I learned a lot about how an effective and strong teaching stance can make all the difference in the world with a challenging student.
For our culminating assignment, I had to choose one particular student/behavior that was difficult for me to handle on a day to day basis. I chose a student who regularly threw temper tantrums and was extremely defiant. I developed an extensive intervention plan for this student, collected specific data on what did and did not work for this student, and evaluated myself on its effectiveness, focusing on areas of strength as well as areas that needed additional work.
Jana Aupperlee
Fall 2012
Description: This course was a very influential course in that it dealt with learning how to handle the psychological and behavioral challenges of students who are difficult to teach in the classroom. We learned a lot about classroom management and instructional practices that will help us develop relationships with our students and their parents. This course taught me a lot about myself and forced me to come to terms with gaps in my own classroom management style. I learned a lot about how an effective and strong teaching stance can make all the difference in the world with a challenging student.
For our culminating assignment, I had to choose one particular student/behavior that was difficult for me to handle on a day to day basis. I chose a student who regularly threw temper tantrums and was extremely defiant. I developed an extensive intervention plan for this student, collected specific data on what did and did not work for this student, and evaluated myself on its effectiveness, focusing on areas of strength as well as areas that needed additional work.
CEP 843: ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorders: Characteristics and Educational Implications
Laura Flis
Fall 2012
Description: This course was one of the most informative courses I have taken in my education career. Upon beginning this class, I had very limited knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders. This course taught me the characteristics of individuals with autism as well as covered the similarities and differences between autism, Asperger Syndorme, Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, Rett's Syndrome, and Childhood Disinegrative Disorder. I learned about the history and etiology of Autism and researched the cause, prevalence, and impact of ASD on education, family, and community. I learned about the referral process, collaborating with parents, medical issues, sensory processing, behavior, academics, and social functioning as well.
For my ongoing project throughout the course, I researched three professional articles all surrounding the topic of "the relationship between language development and behavior in children with ASD." I completed individual reflections and summaries on each article and then put them together to create my final summary paper and PowerPoint presentation.
Laura Flis
Fall 2012
Description: This course was one of the most informative courses I have taken in my education career. Upon beginning this class, I had very limited knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders. This course taught me the characteristics of individuals with autism as well as covered the similarities and differences between autism, Asperger Syndorme, Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, Rett's Syndrome, and Childhood Disinegrative Disorder. I learned about the history and etiology of Autism and researched the cause, prevalence, and impact of ASD on education, family, and community. I learned about the referral process, collaborating with parents, medical issues, sensory processing, behavior, academics, and social functioning as well.
For my ongoing project throughout the course, I researched three professional articles all surrounding the topic of "the relationship between language development and behavior in children with ASD." I completed individual reflections and summaries on each article and then put them together to create my final summary paper and PowerPoint presentation.
TE 836: Awards & Classics of Children's Literature
Laura Apol
Summer 2013
Description: In this course we learned about the different awards that books are given and saw a "glimpse" into what the literature "classics" are all about, what gives them that title, and what they represent. We focused on determining what children these books are appropriate for and why. We also looked at the purpose of these books, whether it is to entertain, teach, create a reaction, or a combination of all three. As a major part of the course, we carefully analyzed the book Little Women written by Loiusa May Alcott and talked about how it was adapted for film, both in 1933 and more recently in 1994. This led us to our discussion on how culture and values effect how award winning books and "classics" are accepted.
Laura Apol
Summer 2013
Description: In this course we learned about the different awards that books are given and saw a "glimpse" into what the literature "classics" are all about, what gives them that title, and what they represent. We focused on determining what children these books are appropriate for and why. We also looked at the purpose of these books, whether it is to entertain, teach, create a reaction, or a combination of all three. As a major part of the course, we carefully analyzed the book Little Women written by Loiusa May Alcott and talked about how it was adapted for film, both in 1933 and more recently in 1994. This led us to our discussion on how culture and values effect how award winning books and "classics" are accepted.
ED 870: Capstone Seminar
Matthew Koehler
Summer 2013
Description: This course was designed to create an all-encompassing portfolio of all of the courses and work that I have completed in my MAED program at Michigan State University. It gave me the opportunity to look back at everything I have accomplished and reflect upon the many things that I have learned. It also encouraged me to update my resume, and create an organized, creative website that can be shared with potential employers, peers, colleagues, family and friends. In addition, I was able to work with and experience website creating software to add to my list of technological experience.
Matthew Koehler
Summer 2013
Description: This course was designed to create an all-encompassing portfolio of all of the courses and work that I have completed in my MAED program at Michigan State University. It gave me the opportunity to look back at everything I have accomplished and reflect upon the many things that I have learned. It also encouraged me to update my resume, and create an organized, creative website that can be shared with potential employers, peers, colleagues, family and friends. In addition, I was able to work with and experience website creating software to add to my list of technological experience.