Final Learning Reflection

FINAL LEARNING REFLECTION

As I finish my second semester of my EdD, there is a lot of things that I can reflect on. The challenges, insights and everything that I have learned are all things that I can use as I begin to move into my second year. This semesters course, Issues, Practice and Research taught me things that I hadn't expected to learn before. That being, how important grant writing is especially when in education. I've never had to write a grant before so learning how to do so was something very inventive and interesting. This course really pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially because I am the type of person who dislikes asking for money, even if it is funding for something. I've been teaching for three years now and I have never had to write a grant before so it was something new. I have never been much of a planner or a researcher but this class pushed me out of that comfort zone and doing both.

PROPOSAL CYCLES

Throughout the semester, we were asked to work in teams to write and review two full grant proposal cycles. I really feel like I learned a lot from my peers, not only with what they said while reviewing but also while reading through their proposals as well.

LEARNING FROM CLASSMATES

The last time I had to do a group project, even if it was online, there wasn't as much communication and group work that I thought there should be. With this class, I really enjoyed being able to learn and receive feedback from my fellow peers. This gave me that insight that it is okay to ask for help and ask for someone to review your writing no matter what it is.

This course really changed how I think about my role as an educator and what I can do in the future. Being able to understand grant writing and what comes along with that is definitely one of my goals. I would love to one day do something with sports journalism and horse racing. I think doind something like that would be extremely helpful and interesting for students to learn.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, I am shocked with how far I've come this year and even this semester alone. This class helped me become more confident in what I can do and how to take on new challenges. Working with others and trying to get my thought across more clearly is something that I have always strived to work better on and I truly believe this class has helped with that.