"In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn."
-Phil Collins
The following is an index of all of the courses that I took throughout the MAEd program at Michigan State University.
A more detailed showcase of my work in literacy is available for viewing by clicking
Holly Kimball's Course Work
Master of Arts in Education: Literacy Concentration
ED 800: Concepts of Educational Inquiry Instructor: Steven Weiland Spring 2011
TE 843: Secondary Reading Assessment and Instruction Instructor: Carlin Borsheim-Black Summer 2011
CEP 883: Psychology of Classroom Discipline Instructor: Alicia Fedewa Summer 2011
TE 838: Children's Literature in Film Instructor: Laura Apol Summer 2012
TE 836: Awards and Classics of Children's Literature Instructor: Laura Apol Spring 2012
TE 848: Writing Assessment and Instruction Instructor: Anne Heintz Fall 2011
TE 849 Methods/Materials for Teaching Children's/Adolescent Literature Instructor: Laura Apol Summer 2012
CEP 800: Learning in School and Other Settings Instructor: Danah Henriksen Fall 2012
ED 870: Capstone Seminar Instructor: Matthew Koehler Spring 2013
TE 846: Accommodating Differences in Literacy Learners Instructor: L. Disney Summer 2011
TE 846 evaluated the growing diversity of learners and the benefits that derive from and differentiated instruction in regular education classrooms. Throughout this course we examined the effectiveness of multiple forms of communication including: reading, writing, speaking, listening, drawing and modeling as well as the most productive way to incorporate more of these learning styles into each lesson. The case study includes lesson plans, accommodations and assessments, as well as suggestions for future learning adjustments that may be necessary.
TE 843 assessed the need for students to be engaged and immersed in multiple mediums of text based on the idea that each form brings a different value and meaning to students. Throughout this course we evaluated different literacy practices in both the home and school settings and the best method to encourage a blending of the two. The following link is an inquiry about the current practices in the area in which I teach. This also suggests the significant need to connect literacy practices in school to what is important to students outside of school.
CEP 883 was an elective credit in my course of study. The course focused on necessary components of successful classroom management beginning with proactive discipline. Throughout this course we had multiple discussions about creating a safe and supportive learning community, and methods for adjusting any undesired student behavior. The final project in this course was to create a useful discipline tool for the situation in which we currently live or teach. I created a brochure with proactive discipline tips for parents and teachers in the community. The "Final Essay" link expands on the ideas presented in the brochure and summarizes the supporting research.
TE 848 was designed to stretch our abilities to express ourselves in different genres as well as learn new techniques for writing instruction. Throughout this course we discussed how to incorporate new mediums of writing including e-mail, , and texting into the rapidly changing literacy practices of the 21st century. The teaching project in this course was to design and implement a writing based project into our current classrooms. My teaching project was an e-mail pen-pal unit where first graders could type letters to people across the country.
TE 836 evaluated both classics of children's literature and award winning contributions to the genre. During this course there were many peer discussions about what makes a book award winning and/or "classic." We examined several different children's including the and the for their contribution to the genre of children's literature; as well as smaller awards that are relatively unknown. The first link below link examines several children's book awards and evaluates an example of each. The second link is a summary of our group ideas about what makes a book "classic."
ED 800 was designed to be an introduction into the Master's program at Michigan State University. The focus of this course was to introduce different types of inquiry throughout the history of public education. Throughout this course we examined several different types of learning and teaching styles ranging from to The link below is my final reflection in which I choose, and defend one type of teaching style.
TE 849 looked at different styles of literature from poetry, to to picture books, and multi-cultural literature. We discussed at length the benefits of multi-cultural literature and who plays the most significant role in the interpretation of a story. The majority of this course was spent in discussing, and presenting differing interpretations of the same story and reasons behind the varying viewpoints. The link below is a personal reflection on the use of multi-cultural literature and the messages that we may be sending our children.
TE 838 examined the relationship between children's book and their film adaptations. We examined the fidelity of classic book/film combinations such as as well as films that have overshadowed their book counterparts such as and several different film re-makes such as Multiple discussions were based on the differing film interpretations and the camera work and sound effects that guide the viewer into the filmmakers adaptation of the story. We also investigated the lingering cultural effects that may be linked to blockbuster films. The following link is a personal reflection on the need (or lack thereof) for a film to be faithful to the book it is based on.
CEP 800 looked into different technologies that may be useful when educating students. We examined student understanding and as well as the effectiveness of technology in the classroom. Throughout the course we discussed the best way to introduce new technology. We experimented with different types of technology use and whether the benefits of different technologies always outweigh the costs. The link below is an audio project investigating the depth of each subject's knowledge about germs.
ED 870 is a culmination of the program at Throughout this course we reflected back on the entirety of the program and our change in perspectives as we continue to be life-long learners of the teaching craft. The final project was to create an online portfolio that showcased ourselves as individuals, teachers, and learners. The link below will take you to the homepage of my teaching portfolio.