Thank you & good bye from EDI 600 class

Thank you & good bye
EDI 600 Psychological Foundation of Education
Spring, 2009
Long Island University, C. W. Post

From our first class, I knew that this class was going to be demanding. However; from day one, I knew that this class would give me motivation to succeed and work hard to be a great teacher. I have learned a lot academically and personally. This class allowed me to grow more into an adult. It has given me the self esteem I have been lacking for sometime now.

Through all the writing assignments and observations, I have grown stronger as a writer and a student. I sat down at the computer with motivation to have you read something that was insightful and interesting. Due to you being so passionate about your work, classroom and students it reflected back onto me. I can say that we all were overwhelmed with all the work this course entailed, but now we can all look back, on what we accomplished.

We all put so much effort into our research project, class participation, observations, journals and self-management projects. I do not want to sound like a “teacher’s pet,” but thank you! You have changed me all around. I am more aware of treating my mind and now after this semester my body healthy. I also am so grateful to you for today.

I appreciate how much you have pushed, me to get over my fear of public speaking. The practice presentation helped so much! I now know what I need to go over and improve. I left class filled with adrenaline and proud of myself. I hate being the center of attention, but it felt awesome, to have my peers tell me that I did a good job. I am actually excited now to dress up and do this. Ugh I hope im not jinxing myself.

Overall, this course was a blast. Each class was educational, informative, but most of all fun. From journal sharing, we all learn that each of us feels, as if the class goes by “in the blink of an eye.” We are a family. We all have learned so much about each other, which is also important. You have created positive peer relationships, between us. Michelle Evangelista 4/28/09
=======

One of the greatest things this class has given me is more a comfort speaking in front of audience. For this reason I do not feel the same nervousness and fear overcome me as I used to when I would do public speaking. I would like to thank you for helping me over come this. (Melissa Pfeffer, 4/28/09)

=========

I think this was one of the best classes I have ever taken. I really felt like it wasn’t so much of a class but a community. I really haven’t felt as comfortable in a class in a very long time. I was never afraid to express my feelings or opinions. I knew everyone would be receptive to them and not judge me. I think that is the biggest different I have noticed from Undergraduate Vs. Graduate School; I think it is the fact that the students want to be there.

I felt like undergraduate classes the kids were just there because everyone needs a college degree. They weren’t as interested in learning. I know you don’t believe it but I am usually very reserved in class and I really feel like your class has opened me up. I don’t think I would change anything really. The classes were great and I am really excited about CESTL. It is that good kind of nervous excitement. I am a weak public speaker but getting better. I get so nervous that I have all of the information in my head and then I go blank. But I have learned to stay calm and breathe. I think I am learning that people aren’t so judgmental and the ones that are; I shouldn’t worry about.

I think the class as a whole was amazing. It was a lot of work but all well worth it. I not only learned a great deal but I made some great friends in the class. It also helped me to break out of my shell a little and I can’t thank you enough for that. Thank you again and I hope you have a wonderful summer!! Thank you for an amazing semester!!! I really mean that, it was truly a pleasure being in your class!! Thank you again for a great class experience!!! (Joseph Scauzillo 4/29/09)
=========

I have to say that I truly enjoyed this class. Over the course of the semester I learned a lot of helpful information that I will carry with me throughout my career in the education field. Classes were always interesting, content and discussion wise. One thing in particular I enjoyed learning was about motivation and classroom management. These are two things that I fear and that I feel are key to a successful class. The content learned and the classroom discussions were wonderful. I liked that we had to create our own mini demonstration lessons/skits for each of these topics. It was great to collaborate with classmates and see creative ways to handle a class.

Classroom management is something that most teachers struggle with, as I have heard from other teachers and have seen in my observations. Going over ways to handle classroom behavior really helped. In addition, ways to motivate students helped me. I think that motivating students is hard because you need to get them engaged in order for them to learn. Currently as a teaching assistant, I have tried the motivational tips with my students and I have to say that they truly work. All the content in this class was very helpful and I will never forget it. I am excited to put it into action into a classroom of my own. Thank you for a great semester Professor Dengting! (Alyssa Katz, 4/29/09)
===========

This course has been very thought provoking, and has opened up my mind to different ideas in education. There are so many things that come to mind when I think about what I learned in this class. I think of Erickson’s developmental stages, the parts of the memory and why my memory is not as bad as I thought how a child with LD perceives a lesson. The one thing that probably left the biggest impression on me however is how Dr. Boyanton taught us the importance of the student’s participation in the lesson. Not only did she tell us this, but she showed us with every lesson. In her lessons Dr. Boyanton creatively managed to pull the student into being an active participant. It made each class very enjoyable in addition to being a great model for us as future teachers.

Certainly at this level of education I am seeking to get the most out of my classes that will enhance my abilities as a teacher. If I am not lucky enough to have an inspiring teacher like you, Dr. Boyanton, I will get as much as I can from the required readings or projects and be an active participant in the class discussion.

Lastly, I just want to thank you, Dr. Boyanton for all your obvious dedication to making this class such a wonderful learning environment. I will not forget the fun, interactive lessons you taught or the great model of a teacher you provided. Thank you very much, Dr. Boyanton! (Donna Brody, 4/29/09)
==============

This class is very interesting and very educational. When I first registered for this course, its title Psychological Foundation of Education made me very intrigued. I did not know exactly what to expect and I used my previous experiences from graduate courses to determine what I thought I was going to encounter. I have to say that when I first witnessed the syllabus and the assignments I was shocked.

The one piece of advice that I have for future students is not to panic on the first day. Although the work load is heavy and seems impossible to complete the first time that it is seen, it is quite doable. The work is spread out throughout the semester so that it does not overwhelm.

I would suggest though that only 1 more graduate course for a semester would be enough to handle in conjunction with this course. I personally only had one course this semester and so this course was not difficult, but I do feel that two or three more courses would be hard to handle.

This course is very educational and demanding. The learning that occurred this semester was in depth and pertinent to teacher training. I have taken courses that have been very general and not specific to teacher training and because this class was not like that I am grateful. I advise all future students to relax, take at least 5 hours a week for studying, and to enjoy the ride because it is a good one. (Louiza Mark, 4/29/09)

==========

I really enjoyed this course! There was a lot of school work, more than my other classes, but I enjoyed doing this coursework more than my other classes. I felt like I will take away more from this class than any other of my 3 classes. I felt the coursework was a load full BUT all the work was reasonable and very informative. After each lesson journal and lesson, I learned something new either about myself or a topic.

I absolutely LOVE the journals! I totally agree with Scott today when he mentioned that Journals are a great way for teachers to communicate and get to know their students. I love writing my journals, especially when I remember to do them on time. I really enjoy reading your feedback as well. I might have expressed my opinion in the journal before, BUT I want to say it again! It means a lot to me as your student that you take time out your busy, hectic schedule to read each of our journals and THEN comment on each of them! It shows us, the students that you really care about us and what we are writing.

I also really enjoy reading what the students have to write, its funny because a lot of the time I write something similar to what another student wrote, so it makes me feel good that someone is either going through the same thing, or feels the same way as me. I like how you post the journals in the classroom, without stating who wrote them.

I am satisfied with my own performance in this course. Because of this assignment, I am keeping a log of what I am eating and exactly what workout I have done for the week. So thank you! (Priscilla Alvarez, 4/28/09)

==========

I feel that this class was a wonderful experience. It wasn't just a class to me, it was a place in which you were in a safe environment with your peers. It was a place where you could share your ideas and never worry about someone thinking you were stupid or not good enough. I felt that the time we spent in this classroom will help us all become better teachers. We learned so many things, that I felt didn't come out of a book. I felt that the learning was beyond anything a book could teach us. We learned wonderful teaching skills and, I feel, we learned how to become more comfortable with ourselves in a classroom environment.

I particularly will miss this class. I really took on a lot this semester, I did 15 credits of my masters, was in the process of buying a home, planning a wedding, and working in a doctors office as office manager and working as a substitute teacher, all while my fiancé was down in Georgia for 4 months training for his job. It became extremely overwhelming at times, almost to the point were I didn't know if I would be able to continue on. I felt that this class was really someplace were I can come to and just forget all my problems. It was great to just have a place where their was such a wonderful environment with my peers but also with the professor. I truly enjoyed the time spent in the classroom, even from day 1 which gave us a chance to get to know each other.

I did the best I could given the amount of work I had going on at the time. I felt it wasn't a classroom experience, but a life learning experience. This class is one that I will always remember and carry with me throughout my teaching career. I had a wonderful time and will miss having you as my professor. (Anne Marie Ancona 4/29/09)
========

It is my great pleasure to dedicate my final journal entry to you Prof. Dengting Boyanton and this wonderful class, EDI 600. This has been such a great learning experience and such a wonderful beginning for me as I start the next phase of my life.

As I mentioned in my first journal, I just started back to school this semester for my master’s degree in education and special ed. Although I have been teaching for the past 10 years, my bachelor’s degree is in radio, TV, film and have been working in private schools. For the first time, probably in my life, I am doing something for me, to better myself. I have never felt so good about something when I signed up for classes last summer.

Life for me took a turn for the worse in the beginning of the year when my mother passed away and my husband filed for divorce. I went from feeling so great and positive to feeling the lowest I have ever felt. There were days I didn’t know if I could take anymore.

Prof. Dengting, I can’t thank you enough for your endless encouragement and for sharing intimate details of your life and experiences with me. There were times during the semester that I thought I couldn’t make it through and your understanding and compassion was immeasurable. I have wanted to teach for as long as I can remember, and never wanted to give up and would get so mad at times when school didn’t get all of my attention. My focus is now strong and I have my eye on the prize. I want this too much to give up and I know my mother wanted this for me to. So, a million thank-yous to you, a professor with a wealth of knowledge to give and an obvious love of teaching I can only hope to replicate. Thank you for an amazing semester that I will never forget! (Cindy Sexton, 4/29/09)
========

I want to start off by saying that this was my favorite class this semester. You made us feel like a family from the very first day of class and I only wish that all my classes could have been as enjoyable as this one.

One of the many things that I’m walking away with from this class is the concept of how a classroom should be run and how it all starts with the teacher. You are passionate about what you teach and it showed during every class. You always made class interesting, got us involved and kept us thinking. This course was definitely a lot of work but I wouldn’t change a thing because it was all so beneficial. The research project was extremely helpful to me because I finally faced my fear of how to manage behavior issues. It taught me a lot and in the end I can say I am more confident now than I had been a few months ago.

It was wonderful to have you as a teacher and I can say I learned so much from you and the rest of the class. The overall environment was so friendly and like no other one I’ve been in before. Thanks you for making this class so enjoyable! Thank you so much for such a wonderful class and all your help. You were truly an inspiration and I hope to one day I can do the same for my students. (Angela Ford, 4/29/09)
===========

My overall opinion of this class was great. I think out of all my classes, I learned the most in this one. My understanding of respect and confidence in the classroom has really become my theme for years to come. I will always observe how teachers go about instilling confidence and respect. I am so glad I chose this subject as my research for this semester. It is a quality I will always look for in myself as well as others for the rest of my educational career, as well as my life in general.

Dr. Boyanton is a great teacher. I wish I had the respect for my other teachers that I do for her. I always enjoyed the class activities and knew it was going to be interesting from the first day with the Name Game. I must say I put the most work into this class as far as assignments, but they flowed easily for me. I am not one to sit down and type a great deal, however, this class has enhanced my ability to sit down and get working. I take great pride in everything I do, and put 100% into this class. I cannot say that for every class I have taken. When we discussed memory and retention in this class, I realized one important thing.

At this point in my life if I cannot enjoy what I am doing it is almost not worth it to me. I know this is my master’s degree, but some classes and teachers are so dull, it is hard to give your absolute best. In these circumstances, I do the work to my greatest ability, but get nothing out of the class. I enjoy children so much, I cannot wait to teach. I have confidence that from my life experiences and the important subjects that really matter to me; I will become a worthy teacher.

I really enjoyed this class from beginning to end, and will not forget that you were a facilitator and not an instructor. I appreciate that in a teacher, for I like to learn in my style, and you let me do that. I also commend all the students who really worked hard in this class as well. Some, if not all of the presentations and posters were really informative. It would be great to have a compilation of everyone’s work and research paper. Your class was very comprehensive, and hope to experience classes like this in the future. I will take what I have learned and apply it to my future career as an educator. (Scott Mines, 4/28/09)

=========

Over the pasted several years I have gone on a tremendous journey of learning, and as such I have encountered many professors, however my first semester at C.W. Post, in my EDI 600 Psychological Foundation of Education class, in the spring 2009.Taught by Professor Dengting Boyanton, surpasses what I’ve experience so far in any classroom. As I reflect on many of the Topics we have covered over the past months, I realize that it takes more than hard work and discipline, in becoming a great teacher / motivator. It is a kind of uniqueness that only a person with a great love for teaching possess.

Although I would like to write all the many Topics and Activates we have covered in our classes, I know it would not be possible. Nevertheless, I’ve selected a few of my favorites to share with you. How well, I remembered the warm welcome we received from our Professor and the name game we played, on the very first day of class. This activity was part of our class introduction and getting to know each of our peers name. Although this may sound like a simple task , it did required a lot of thinking, we had to think of some method to help us remember our names, many of my peers used various devices such as , foods ,famous singers, etc. After a very successful effort of getting familiar with each other names. We were them required to make a group presentation, base on our observation on the various methods that were used to remember each other name. Our lesson on community of respect, was also equally important because were able to share our likes and dislikes amongst each other. Additionally we had a panel discussions, on topics such as how to be a good teacher. We were able to share our views, it was especially edifying to here from, my peers who were already in the teaching profession as well as our Professor Dengting. Who taught us about our role and responsibilities as teachers.

We also Covered Conditions that Facilitates Learning”, Erikson/ Piage/Vygotsky’s theories; Erikson’s theory of psychological development, Erikson’s theory of psychological development. This theory highlights the important role that culture goals, aspiration, expectations, requirements, and opportunities play in personal, growth (Snowman 2009).

In contrast Piaget believe that social interaction among peers on the same level of development would do more to stimulate cognitive development than social interactions between children and adults because interactions among intellectual equals are more likely to lead to fruitful discussion , analyzes, and debates (Snowman 2009).

Vygotsky on the other hand believe that cognitive development is shaped by both the interactions children have with others, particularly adults, and historical cultural forces. Parents and teachers help children acquire those psychological tools such as language skills, concepts, and procedures) that their culture has come to value (Snowman 2009).

Other topics we covered were Cultural and socioeconomic, introduce to behaviorism, Information Processing Theory, Social cognitive theory, Role/behavioral model, three types of approaches. Cognitive and Humanistic Constructive Learning Theory, Constructivist Approach to Learning and Motivation.

I also enjoyed our CESTL workshop, as a matter of fact; it has really helped to calm some of my fears. I was also encouraged by the fact that some of my peers were able to make their presentations in class, it helped to raise my motivation level.

Almost all of our lessons took the following patters, warm-up, journals sharing, lectures classroom activities such as group presentations, peers discussions, watching short movies, as well as several in class writing activities etc.

We were informed a head of time as to what to expect in the next class via WebCT. Nevertheless I always look forward to the activities in class, because you never know what approach our Professor would take in the classroom so I made it my business never to be absent from class.

To conclude my reflections, Professor Dongting had a clever way of relating new information to ideas that you have learned earlier in order to make the new information easier to understand. Her teaching methods are phenomenal, thank you for giving me the motivation, to work harder even when, I did not do well on my assignment. Your commence has inspired me to work harder, review my work over and over again. In order to make sure, I eliminate as much errors as possible. “Teacher quality long has been a benchmark for students’ academic success” (Snowman, 2009). In addition I would like to offer a resounding thank-you to you Professor Dengting Boyanton. You are a wonderful teacher and very supportive to your students. Thanks for pointing out my weaknesses and strengths, it really helps meto take a closer look at myself. ( Zai jian) (Jennifer Grenville, 4.28.09)
========

One of the many things that I have learnt in taking this course, is public speaking. I don’t think that I have done so much speaking or in class activities that requires you to be in front of the class, as I have done during this class. Though I am unable to present at the CESTL on Saturday, by doing my presentation in class, gave me so much confidence about giving classroom presentations for the future as well as for teaching.

The activities conducted during this course was extremely helpful in that it gave insight and understanding to the topic or lesson being studied. I have also learnt that teaching is not just a science but an art. You have to be creative with your lessons, be very flexible, be aware of your students' abilities and capabilities while motivating them to try hard and excel.

I think that I surprised myself a lot during this course. Why? Because I thought I would never be able to accomplish a lot of the course study on time, make presentations and being confident while doing so, and simply being able to just do very well. When, I was told that my presentation was well done, I was so happy and motivated at the same time; because I underestimated my own abilities to do well. We all are striving for As, and at times I thought I would never get much accomplished because I want that so badly and that was one of my motivations. After a while, I still hoped of receiving an A, but more importantly, understanding the materials being taught to me and just doing my best. The grade mattered, just not as overwhelming as I made it in the beginning. I really enjoyed this course and hope to have many more similar to this one.

I am extremely satisfied with my self management project in this course. Through motivation from Professor Boyanton and my husband, I have been successful at eating properly. My husband makes it his duty to question me about my day and what I ate for the day. I think because he is somewhat afraid of me having a crisis (illness) that he tries to encourage my eating as well. I too hope that I can give my students a project that will be life changing and motivating as Dr. Boyanton has done for her students of EDI 600. Thank you, Dr. D. Boyanton.

I want to thank you for being you. Thank you again for an interesting and fun educational experience! Thank you for your motivations. Enjoy your summer. (Keisha Adamson-Kogle, 4/29/09)
========

I ended up registering without much of an option. Basically, I was accepted into the program on the second day of classes, met up with my advisor to register, and under her guidance signed up for this class. She was nice enough to give me a “warning” of what the class would be like. She told me that she knew the professor and that she was extremely tough but she told me that if I tried hard, I would have no problem getting through with the assignments and by the end of the semester, I would learn a great deal. Her hopeful optimism was my dread and doubt. For the next five days before entering class, my head was occupied with the questions, “Did I do the right thing? Or should I have waited for another semester with another professor?

My fear was once again reaffirmed after logging onto WebCT and looking over the syllabus. In addition to a research paper, exams and a presentation, due at the end of the semester in a conference, there was so much work that needed to be submitted and completed. I really did not have the confidence that I would be able to fulfill all the requirements set out by the professor.

However, now with the semester over, with most of the assignments out of the way and a research paper that is somewhat complete, I cannot feel proud of all the work that I have accomplished. I really think I was able to learn a great deal in this class and thanks to the professor’s organization with the assignments I was never really overwhelmed. Regardless of what grade I receive in this class, I will walk away with the proud sense of accomplishment. I did what I thought was impossible and this confidence is something that I will carry on into the classrooms.

Whenever I feel doubtful that I cannot succeed, I will remember this course and the initial feelings I had for this class, and how I overcame those fears. I will remember the professor’s methods of teaching when I teach. As the professor had executed so many times in each class, I will remember to be positive, patient and to constantly praise the students so that they develop the confidence to complete a task. I will also remember to enter a classroom being as organized and confident as the professor as done so that my attitude reflects off onto the students.

Not only did I learn from the interactive lessons, assignments and the text but, I also learned a great deal from the professor’s mannerisms. Her overall approach taught me that using a humanistic approach allowed students to become more active in the classroom thus building our cognitive abilities and this in turn allowed us to retain information in greater quantities. This definitely was a class that I would not mind taking over and in fact have recommended to many colleagues; with the “warning” of course!

Professor Boyanton, thank you so much for your motivation and dedication this semester. This was my first semester back in school after 5 years and you really gave me the confidence and push that I needed. I learned a great deal not only from your classroom exercises but from your interactions with us as well. You are an excellent instructor. I will never forget you and this class.
Also, I had such a great time at CESTL. It was definitely worth the day and by attending the conference I walked away with so much more information than I would have ever gained through my personal experiences. I definitely would like to be kept informed regarding the conference.

And if it isn't too much of a burden, I hope that you will allow me to contact you if I have any questions regarding my studies.

Thank you so much.

Sincerely,
Yun Lee
4/29/09
=======

I thought this class was great! the professor was truly nice and every class was fun! i have learned alot about child's developmental process in education and will carry this information with me as a future teacher. Thank you professor for everything! (Marjorie Contessa 5/1/09)