Continuing my studies…

I have been a little lax on the updates at the moment. This is not because there is nothing to report, but instead it is due to the workload. I will try and keep this brief!

Introduction to Education Theory

In all honesty, I did not enjoy this course. That is not to say it was bad, and it has given me a sound understanding of education theory. The course was well planned on the instructors part, but the main reading was a textbook (provided at no additional cost), and I have never been a fan of textbooks. Am I glad I took the course? Yes! Would I like to take it again? NO!

The course reading, as tedious as it was, was obviously intended as a springboard for further research, and in that respect it was successful. I found myself paying little attention to the course reading once I had fulfilled my obligation to digest it, and my assignments were mostly based around additional readings I had found myself.

The group assignment was fantastic, and I really enjoyed working on that piece. In fact, I would go so far as to say it was probably one of the best pieces I have written thus far.

All in all, it was a good course, and it did what was intended and provided me with knowledge that I am sure will be of use in the future. I just wish the subject matter was a little less tedious!

Effective Classroom Practices

As a direct counterbalance to the Education Theory course, this was FANATSTIC on every level. The readings were superb, and provided almost instant utility. My own classrooms are much better managed now, and that is a direct consequence of taking this course. This course, much like the RE course, was based around current articles and academic research. As a result, the content seemed much more alive, and thus held my attention more.

I was able to adapt what I was learning to my own classroom within 2 weeks of starting! This course alone has made my investment worthwhile, though I am sure it will be surpassed in the near future.

The Future (for me)

My next two courses will be in “Applied Linguistics” and “Child Psychology”. I am sure these will also provide me with some real utility in the near future.

The Future (for KEISIE)

The KEISIE website has received a makeover in the past few weeks, and I expect that more changes will happen in the near future. I have it on good authority that the school is actively working towards accreditation in the UK and the US, and it is hoped that they will receive full recognition in the first half of the new year.

I have also been informed that the school is working on payment options to make the school even more affordable, more accessible, and better equipped to provide access to students who want to take individual courses for credit-transfer purposes, or in order to satisfy their own professional development needs.

I will of course try to keep you posted!