The beginning of the end, or the end of the beginning?
Looking back at my original goals for beginning the master programme I find them broad and unspecific. My goals read more as an educational philosophy and, to a certain extent, although they read in a familiar voice to me and I can draw many parallels, they sound like an entirely different person. My application for the Master of Arts in Education (MAED) programme came a year after moving to Bermuda- my first foray into teaching abroad. I feel that I have had to adjust my teaching in so many ways over this period to match island life with its unique trials and tribulations. In many ways I moved to an island which was behind in technological developments and I feel that over the course of my master’s study I have not only extended my own knowledge but also pushed forwards teaching here in my current school- an unexpected additional benefit.
My reasons for applying at the time were simple (although a little broad!)- I wanted to pursue further study, while I had the time and opportunity, in order to further my career in the long term. In doing so I wanted to hone and develop my skills particularly in technology and online learning. I specifically state two goals, one based inside the classroom and one a longer term professional goal. “I hope to develop my approach to teaching and learning, question my own pedagogy and become an even better teacher… I would like to further develop technology and its integration in classroom, particularly online learning.” Later I state “I hope to take further posts of responsibility and would ideally like to become assistant / deputy head teacher. Additionally I would like to return to the instruction of new teachers at some stage in the future and feel that electives within the Leadership concentration will support me in this goal.”
My original goals certainly shaped my choice of classes, looking back I see each one is in some way linked to this original statement and, I am pleased to see I was able to fulfill those professional needs. My long term professional goals have not changed, I would like to further my career into teacher training; but am now more interested in professional development and lifelong learning than in the training of new teachers. I still relate to each of the statements above but now realise that the first goal was never going to be a completed task. I have certainly extended my knowledge and understanding of teaching through online means, creating and exploring various tasks, learning opportunities and online portfolios: delving head first into web design, creating online teaching resources, revision sites and this very site you are reading this on! My original statement discusses the ever changing landscape of education, technology and the world, however I don’t seem to apply the same sentiment to teaching and my pedagogy. I now realise that the world of education is constantly changing and evolving and as such as educators we to need be constantly at the forefront of this change, my MAED is the beginning, not the not end!
My reasons for applying at the time were simple (although a little broad!)- I wanted to pursue further study, while I had the time and opportunity, in order to further my career in the long term. In doing so I wanted to hone and develop my skills particularly in technology and online learning. I specifically state two goals, one based inside the classroom and one a longer term professional goal. “I hope to develop my approach to teaching and learning, question my own pedagogy and become an even better teacher… I would like to further develop technology and its integration in classroom, particularly online learning.” Later I state “I hope to take further posts of responsibility and would ideally like to become assistant / deputy head teacher. Additionally I would like to return to the instruction of new teachers at some stage in the future and feel that electives within the Leadership concentration will support me in this goal.”
My original goals certainly shaped my choice of classes, looking back I see each one is in some way linked to this original statement and, I am pleased to see I was able to fulfill those professional needs. My long term professional goals have not changed, I would like to further my career into teacher training; but am now more interested in professional development and lifelong learning than in the training of new teachers. I still relate to each of the statements above but now realise that the first goal was never going to be a completed task. I have certainly extended my knowledge and understanding of teaching through online means, creating and exploring various tasks, learning opportunities and online portfolios: delving head first into web design, creating online teaching resources, revision sites and this very site you are reading this on! My original statement discusses the ever changing landscape of education, technology and the world, however I don’t seem to apply the same sentiment to teaching and my pedagogy. I now realise that the world of education is constantly changing and evolving and as such as educators we to need be constantly at the forefront of this change, my MAED is the beginning, not the not end!
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