During my academic journey, I explored several majors before deciding on interdisciplinary studies. Though nursing initially piqued my interest, my passion for education and community development took precedence. As I considered special education, elementary education, and social work, I realized my studies needed to align with my interests. Interdisciplinary studies allowed me to combine my love for psychology, elementary education, and community health. This led me to create a degree program focused on human development titled “Family Growth and Development.”
My areas of interest include studying the impact of culture on family behavior and how schools shape children’s career choices. By examining the intersections of these fields, I aim to understand how to promote thriving families and communities. My ultimate goal is to work with diverse families and provide them with the necessary resources to achieve their aspirations. My interdisciplinary studies degree has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to make a genuine impact on people’s lives.
As a seasoned professional, I believe in nurturing clients’ curiosity and supporting their physical, intellectual, social, and moral development. One effective way to achieve this is by hosting workshops tailored to their interests and objectives and designing collaborative learning exercises that expand their resources and understanding. Above all, creating a safe and nurturing community where everyone feels welcome to express their views and ideas on various topics is crucial.
Course Choices Reflection: As I reflect on my academic journey, I meticulously scrutinize each class I have taken within my major and ponder its teachings and how it aids me in my present job and future aspirations. My contemplation led me to classify the classes into three categories: courses that are conducive to my personal development, courses that are advantageous for my professional advancement, and courses that I would have chosen differently, with a preference for ones that align more closely with my family growth and developmental degree.
Personal Development Classes: The following classes helped me grow by giving me the skills to succeed in any job.
CMDI-2290: Oral Communication: In this class, I learned how to speak in front of a group confidently. Moreover, I read a chapter in my textbook each week, created a visual aid, and then presented it to my peers. The skills I discovered in this course helped me present information to my clients through various methods.
Reflection: Effective communication is a crucial aspect that aids in completing tasks, sharing knowledge, and making plans for the future in all fields. Everyone must be able to express their opinions and concerns, which helps create a work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration.
IS-1999: Professional Readiness: I developed a five-year personalized career development plan during this class. I created five educational goals that were Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (also known as “SMART” goals) and crafted a professional resume. The knowledge and skills I gained from this course will enable me to assist my clients in setting SMART goals and applying for job opportunities.
Reflection: The content of this course has been invaluable to me, both personally and professionally. I utilize SMART goals for myself and my clients, which are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. These goals have helped me to manage my time and resources better.
Professional Advancement Classes: The following classes gave me the knowledge and skillset to succeed in social work.
CD-1000: Foundations of Education and Instructional Technology: During this course, I learned how to incorporate technology tools into presentations and projects, which can effectively enhance the learning experience of viewers. Furthermore, I was introduced to various assistive technology applications that can help establish better connections with individuals with disabilities. Finally, I learned to utilize multiple media and specialized programs to facilitate learning. All these skills will enable me to communicate vital information to my clients with disabilities more effectively.
Reflection: As a professional, my reliance on technology is integral to my daily operations. I use it to communicate with my management, coworkers, and tenants, ensuring that all parties agree. Furthermore, I utilize various social networks to connect with other professionals in my field, enabling me to keep up with current industry trends and best practices. The course I took was invaluable as it equipped me with skills that continue to be helpful in my day-to-day work. I recommend this course to all education majors who utilize technology to work with students and adults, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the tools and techniques necessary for success.
CD-2360: Foundations of Diversity: Through this course, I have acquired valuable insights into the impact of cultural diversity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, and religion on a child’s academic performance. Additionally, I have gained a deeper understanding of how diversity plays a vital role in shaping social behavior and interpersonal relationships. This newfound knowledge has equipped me with the skills to engage with children from diverse backgrounds effectively.
Reflection: It is essential to acknowledge that each individual comes from a different cultural background and may have certain biases due to a lack of understanding in the workplace. To ensure a safe and inclusive work environment for all, discrimination laws are in place to protect against harassment and unequal treatment based on factors such as sexual orientation, disability, religion, and social class. Therefore, every major should require a course on diversity and ethics to increase awareness and promote understanding among individuals with varied backgrounds.
D-3400: Integrated Arts: Throughout this course, I understood the importance of incorporating art into specialized projects to help clients express their ideas more effectively. Furthermore, I learned about art’s crucial role in children’s development. This knowledge is particularly relevant when working with families to give them the tools they need to achieve their goals. I can apply my integrated skills in my profession to develop educational workshops catering to families’ requirements.
Reflection: As an individual in my current job, I have been facing a challenge in incorporating art into the lives of my residents. My job entails caring for and supervising older adults, and I have realized that some of them find solace in artistic pursuits. Unfortunately, as someone who is not naturally inclined toward creative activities, I have found it challenging to find ways to engage my clients in this area.
However, I’ve noticed that some of my residents can use their creativity as a means of self-expression, and it has led me to believe that I need to explore new approaches to incorporate creativity as a communication tool to better connect with my residents. Integrating art into their daily routine can significantly enhance their overall well-being and happiness, crucial to their quality of life.
Therefore, I am researching various art programs and resources to help me create a diverse and stimulating environment for my residents. I am also seeking advice from my colleagues with experience in this area to help me develop a more comprehensive and practical approach. My ultimate goal is to create an environment where my residents feel comfortable expressing themselves through art and where they can experience the many benefits that come with it.
ED-2350: Human Growth and Development: Through my diligent research in this course, I delved into the theories of prominent human growth and development experts and their impact on contemporary education. Additionally, I gained insight into the unique stages of human mental, physical, emotional, and social development from infancy to old age. The knowledge I acquired in this field applies to my work as I interact with clients from diverse age groups.
Reflection: My academic qualifications include a Bachelor’s in Family Growth and Development. This program enabled me to gain in-depth knowledge of human development, covering various aspects from the early stages of infancy to the complexities of adulthood.
The course shaped my interdisciplinary studies program, allowing me to explore different fields and apply my knowledge to real-world situations. I particularly enjoyed delving into various developmental theories, including cognitive, emotional, and social development. Studying the research behind these theories helped me to understand the intricacies of human behavior and interactions and how they evolve.
Overall, my experience in this program has given me a profound appreciation for the complexity and diversity of human development and the importance of continuous learning and exploration in this field.
ED-2500: Educational Psychology: Through my experience in a class, I learned how to create lesson plans that are appropriate for the developmental stage of my students. I also learned how to use common classroom assessments to measure their learning outcomes. In addition, the class exposed me to various behavioral and cognitive perspectives on learning, problem-solving, critical thinking, and reasoning.
Reflection: As part of my current role, I have the honor of assisting clients in various ways. Initially, I work collaboratively with each client to establish specific, measurable objectives tailored to their needs and aspirations. We identify areas for improvement and create clear goals that can be monitored and tracked over time.
In addition to goal-setting, I guide clients through care assessments to guarantee that they receive appropriate care and support. This involves evaluating their present circumstances and identifying gaps or areas where additional resources may be required
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Moreover, I organize and lead interactive educational workshops covering personal development, life skills, and other areas relevant to my client’s goals. These workshops are designed to provide practical tools and valuable insights that can be applied in their daily lives.
It is an excellent source of pride for me to assist clients in achieving their objectives and enhancing their quality of life. By providing them with customized support and guidance, I can make a meaningful difference in their lives and empower them to fulfill their potential.
SE-2080: Understanding Children’s Special Needs: Throughout this course, I learned about the common disabilities that affect children and the laws to support their needs in schools. Additionally, I learned how to complete service referrals for students with disabilities and connect them to necessary services. As a professional working with diverse families, I understand the importance of completing referrals to help my clients receive their required services. Furthermore, I recognize the significance of knowing the various types of disabilities to assist coaches in educating families about their signs and characteristics.
Reflection: Throughout my work in the social work field, I have come to learn about the different resources and support systems available to parents of children with disabilities. As part of my job, I assist residents in obtaining additional support for their children in school. I do this by educating them on their rights and explaining the process of requesting an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan from the school.
ED-2550: Mentoring & Empowering Youth: I gained valuable experience mentoring youth and collaborating with them to achieve their goals during this class. As part of the class requirements, I completed an internship at a local middle school. I learned about various issues, such as bullying, drug abuse, and poverty, that affect the school community. While working with the students, I realized the significance of advocating for their needs and encouraging them to seek help whenever necessary. The knowledge I acquired through this experience has helped me become a more effective advocate for young people.
Reflection: Reflecting on my learning experience, it was centered around an essential aspect of personal growth – self-advocacy. The course taught me how to confidently introduce students to assert themselves and speak up for their needs. The ability to communicate effectively is indispensable, not just in the classroom but also in everyday life. I learned that equipping students with the right skills to express themselves clearly and confidently is vital. Thanks to this course, I am better equipped to help students develop and share their voices.
ED-3051: Design Positive Learning Communication: Throughout this class, I gained a deeper understanding of behavior disorders and how to support students who experience them in a classroom setting effectively. Moreover, I learned how to foster positive collaboration strategies to improve challenging behavior. As part of this course, I completed a semester-long internship where I worked closely with a classroom teacher and learned how to create personalized learning plans tailored to each student’s unique needs.
Reflection: One of the most influential courses that I have taken was centered around learning techniques to deal with challenging behavior. In life, there are always individuals that I will come across who exhibit complex behaviors, which can make effective communication difficult. As a professional working with families, I may encounter individuals with challenging behavior that could be difficult to handle. While it may not be easy, I must remain dedicated to my job and continue supporting my students with care and attention. I will strive to handle the situation constructively, with empathy and patience, and ensure that my students receive the support they need.
ED-3050: Foundations of Teaching & Learning: I acquired the skills to utilize the universal learning template design to develop lesson plans during this class. I also learned how to implement blended learning techniques and provide direct, personalized feedback to improve student’s learning experiences. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work alongside a fourth-grade teacher during an internship, where I gained a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of public school teachers. I need to inform families about their children’s teachers’ duties and their rights as parents when working with them.
Reflection: As an intern in a public school, I had the opportunity to gain first-hand experience and insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of teachers. The internship was an eye-opening experience that allowed me better to understand the complexities of the public school system. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of teachers’ daily challenges and their impact on their students’ lives. This experience has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to educate parents about their children’s rights and advocate for their needs. Overall, the internship was a valuable learning experience that has positively impacted my professional and personal growth.
SE-3070 Classroom Apps in Inclusive Education: Provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the various developmental disabilities that young learners experience. Through the course, I also learned about the resources available for assisting these learners in their education. The class equipped me with specific instructional strategies, diagnostic and academic interventions, practical programming, and remediation techniques that can be applied to students with exceptionalities.
Furthermore, I learned how to create or follow individual Education Plans, 504 plans, and behavior plans, which are essential when working with children to help their families achieve their home goals. The course was invaluable in building my knowledge of how to work with challenging behaviors in learners and how to use technology and apps to enhance the learning experience.
Reflection: Upon reflection, the class gave me a wealth of knowledge I still use today. I employ some of the apps learned in the course while working with families who speak English as a second language. Additionally, I am confident working with individuals or families with challenging behaviors, thanks to the skill sets I acquired during the course.
SO-3185: Sociology of Deviance: Enrolling in this class on deviance is a crucial step toward understanding how deviant behavior has shaped society and its impact on different cultures. My curiosity is piqued to investigate how abnormal behavior influences individuals’ actions. The knowledge I gain from this class will be highly significant. It will enable me to work with diverse families with different values and beliefs and help me navigate challenges. I will learn how deviance has transformed society in this class. Also, I want to discover how deviance is different among cultures and how it affects behavior. This information will be helpful as I will work with diverse families with different values.
Reflection: I was fortunate to have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating field of sociology of deviance, where I gained invaluable insights into how deviant behavior can have a profound impact on society. While working with families and clients, I have encountered individuals who have displayed devious behavior and required my assistance in guiding them toward positive change. Studying this subject dramatically enhanced my understanding of how cultural influences shape an individual’s perception of deviance.
PBH 3200-Social and Behavioral Health Psychology: Throughout the course, I learned about various theories used in action plans and goal setting. Additionally, I learned about the different cycles we go through to make behavioral changes and the impact reliance has on achieving our goals. For the final project, we selected a behavioral plan we wanted to work on throughout the semester. Then, we wrote a paper reflecting on our journey towards achieving the goal. My goal was focused on hydration and how water intake affects our health and well-being. I appreciated the hands-on learning experience provided by this course and its emphasis on goal tracking.
Reflection: As a family counselor, my foremost responsibility is to assist families in setting up SMART goals that are tailored to their individual needs. By engaging with them in a supportive and empathetic manner, I guide them through the emotional challenges that arise during the goal-setting process. I also provide them with the tools and resources to make informed and healthy choices that lead to successfully attaining their goals. This class taught me a deeper understanding of the complex processes involved in achieving our goals.
Classes that I would have changed if I went back in time: Looking back on my experience, I realize that my courses only provided me with limited insight, which only proved helpful when working in the school system. If I could go back, I would have selected different classes. Thus, I conducted an online search using the Plymouth State course search and found more suitable classes I would have taken.
MA 2120: Mathematics for Grades 4-6:
SE-2080: Teaching and Learning: During this class, I gained knowledge on crafting versatile lesson plans and assessments that comply with the common core standards of public schools. Additionally, I learned the art of evaluating my lesson plans’ effectiveness by listening to my audience’s feedback and incorporating them into my future lessons. The ability to accept feedback and use it for future assignments has undoubtedly helped me enhance my presentation skills.
Reflection: Upon reflection, I realized that while the course I enrolled in initially helped me enter the educational field, it failed to provide me with the necessary skills for working with families within the community. Although learning how to create lesson plans was helpful, I required a course that covered a more comprehensive range of topics, such as the Sociology of Race and Ethnicity. Upon researching this course on the Plymouth State website, I found that it addressed issues such as the definition and nature of race, the origins of prejudice, theories on discrimination, immigration, and contemporary issues and trends. As someone who works with a diverse population in the community, this course would have been more beneficial than simply learning how to create lesson plans.
CD-3000: Philosophy Hist Persp Child Society: In this course, I gained invaluable knowledge on the evolution of education throughout history, including the impact of influential movements that led to the establishment of school laws. Moreover, I learned about the crucial role of culture in shaping traditional educational practices. When interacting with diverse families, it is essential to comprehend how culture shapes their educational beliefs and to remain receptive to learning more about them.
Reflection: If I had the chance to rebuild my degree requirements, I would not include the history of education class. Although the course taught me about the role of culture in education and the laws that made schools more inclusive, I needed more practical skills for working with families. Instead, I would have taken the Perspectives on Aging course. This course explores the aging process and its impact on individuals, families, and society. It also covers differences and disparities in aging by race, class, and gender, which would have been more relevant to my career goals.
ED-3052: Assessing Children in Schools: I learned how to create assessments catering to children and families throughout the course. I understood how standardized tests could evaluate a child’s cognitive abilities and learned how to modify lesson plans to meet students’ diverse needs. The skills I developed came to fruition when I conducted an educational workshop for families. As a result, I will be required to create assessments that can effectively gauge the understanding of my audience. Furthermore, I must help the families comprehend and interpret their child’s assessment scores.
Reflection: During my time at the course, I gained many valuable skills and knowledge, which I found incredibly useful when working in a public school. However, given that my degree involves working with families in their homes and communities, the course didn’t provide me with sufficient information to work effectively with families. Upon reflection, I realized that I should have opted for the environment and health course instead, as it helped me understand how our interactions with the environment can impact our health and well-being.
ED-3055: Foundations Teaching Practicum: Throughout my academic career, I was fortunate enough to participate in a semester-long internship at a nearby elementary school. As part of my training, I was tasked with developing lesson plans and presenting them to the students. Additionally, I collaborated closely with the director of special education to review autonomous lesson plans and, subsequently, compose a practice IEP for a hypothetical student. This experience equipped me with valuable skills to create tailored care plans for my future clients and underscored the importance of working collaboratively with other seasoned professionals.
Reflection: I gained knowledge and valuable insights while observing and working alongside a classroom teacher. However, it was only after presenting my lesson plans and receiving feedback from the teacher that I truly understood the nuances of practical presentation skills. The collaborative process allowed me to hone my abilities and become a more confident and competent educator. However, I have yet to be able to apply this knowledge in my current profession or future aspirations because my work does not involve creating lesson plans or teaching in a school setting.
If I could go back in time, I would have taken the class Drugs and Society, as drugs have impacted the growth and development of many families, which is relevant to my degree program. The Drugs and Society course examines the role of psychoactive substances in religions and cultures throughout history and the history and politics of drug control, both past and present.
RL-3050: Foundations Reading Writing: This class taught me how to effectively teach literacy and writing skills. Additionally, I learned how to utilize phonic programs to aid students in enhancing their fluency and comprehension skills. As an educator working with individuals with disabilities, it may be necessary to help them learn reading and writing skills to improve their self-reliance.
Reflection: During the course, I gained knowledge about literacy skills. However, my current profession and future goals involve teaching my clients something other than writing skills. Regardless, the course helped me gain insights into working with individuals who struggle with reading and writing.
If I could return time, I would take the social problems course instead. This course investigates issues that stem from human social interaction and hurt society. The course catalog examines poverty, inequality, ethnic relations, crime, and alienation and studies ways to solve these issues.
In conclusion, my journey to an interdisciplinary studies degree focused on family growth and development was challenging yet rewarding. My passion for education, psychology, and community development led me to this path, where I can make a real difference in people’s lives. Through my academic journey, I gained valuable knowledge and skills that will enable me to work with diverse families and provide them with the necessary resources to achieve their goals. As I reflect on my course choices, I can categorize them into three groups, each of which has helped my personal and professional development. As a seasoned professional, I am committed to supporting my clients’ physical, intellectual, social, and moral development while creating a secure and nurturing community where everyone feels welcome to express their views and ideas.
