Learning Through DesignLearning Design: In this example you will see the process I was taught to identifying problems, getting to the root of the problem, building lessons and ways to overcome the problem, and then testing to see if the problem is resolved.
I found this process to be very successful and was truly surprised and happy that I was able to have the students steer the whole project. The buy-in to this project was amazing and I will be using this process of Design Learning to be fixing future issues in my classroom and life! |
Apps and Games in EducationMany times as educators we need to find ways to connect to our students needs, wants, and interests. Through various tools and learnings during my education through Michigan State University I have found great ways to do this. One example is using Minecraft to teach various lessons for school topics/skills and life skills.
Click on the picture to see an example that I made to model for my students how to use an app called "Puppet Pals" for creating stories. I use this as a way to help students learn story elements, work on their elaboration, practice the writing process, give students a voice, comprehension and much more. |
Sharing Through WebsitesThere are so many times that we as educators get to experience amazing and special events in the students lives that parents rarely get to. I learned how to make websites that allow my parents to follow along and glimpse what their child gets to do at school. I have linked the picture above and this site so you can see two examples of pages I have created so that parents can see some of the cool things we do in school and are able to be more involved in child's education/life.
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Recovering Via Nutrition+Many times athletes are need to perform at their highest level not just once but multiple times. Outside of training for this there are things that can be done to help athletes perform at their best.
After learning about the rewards of nutrition and how it can benefit athletes in the recovery of their muscles to repeat high level performances I developed a plan and explanation of this process for my athletes. This was a great way to encourage my athletes to take the steps needed to get to the next level. It was a great lesson for them to learn as an athlete and active person in general. |
Critical Performance FactorsAs coaches we look at as many areas to give our athletes the edge to be the best that they can. I believe that coaches also have what they hold onto as their core areas of focus for their athletes success. These are what athletes at higher levels can use to find programs that fit their own ideals and make a great fit for their success.
Here I isolate what I find to be the, "biggest bang for your buck," in swimming and what I think will make good swimmers, GREAT! You will see the 7 areas that I incorporate into my training and philosophy as a swim coach. These areas I focus on are also backed up with research and are fond by the majority of coaches throughout the country. |
Approved Medical ListThere are many health and injury related issues that can arise during your season as a coach. It is always up to the athlete and guardian to get the care that they prefer but many times it is something that is not on their radar until the situation pops up.
By having a list of people and places that you or your program align with your athlete can get the care that they need and you can rest assure that they are doing what is best for the recovery of your athlete. Here is an example of a list I created to give my athletes and parents an idea of places/people to visit in times of need. This can change throughout the season and should be updated at least yearly. The Key is to make sure that the list contains highly qualified personnel and that these places compliment the philosophy that your program/institute believe in. |
Educate Your AthletesI strongly believe that by teaching your athletes what is best that they buy into your program, believe in themselves and you, hold themselves and teammates accountable, and become the best they can be.
Sometimes that most difficult aspect of coaching is what happens outside of the time you have with your athletes, the parts you can't control. In this project I explain the importance of teaching your athletes why things are important instead of just telling them. I also explain three areas that athletes can focus on that can give them large gains in their success. I have found that by doing this I have more success with the outside factors of coaching and my athletes have more self value and inner responsibility for their own success. |