Design Forward
An emergent exploration of critical instructional design.
Design Forward
Portfolio Part: Big Magic
Your Teaching Origins
Big Magic
Step One
In the boxes below, Name those things/people/experiences that have shaped your approach to teaching. Describe their Influence. Add as many as you would like.
In the Rank column, try to rank your influences (as best as you can), where the lowest number means the greatest amount of influence.
| Name | Influence | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Kayla G | BB Influencer and most wholehearted | 6 |
| Kelsey D | Happiness CEO/Confidently in my corner | 2 |
| Jessie C | Shooting Star/Class observation | 1 |
| Meghan MS | WW/Meditation Partner | 4 |
| New Student Orientation 2019 | Speaker event/Conquering fear | 5 |
| Ascent class-Designing College | First class teaching | 3 |
Step Two
Choose three influences you identified and write three paragraphs about the impact they had on your teaching.
Paragraph 1: Identify specific ways in which these influences can be seen in your teaching.
Paragraph 2: Discuss whether you feel like that overall impact has been positive or negative.
Paragraph 3: Imagine your future teaching self and write how you would like to further integrate or eliminate these influences.
Jesse’s TWP class was the first course I observed, specifically observing Jessie’s teaching style. I enjoyed being present during her teachings, soaking up her structure, her language used in her course, and her ease with her own styling. This has been a very positive experience for me as I’m discovering the style/structure I’d like to include. I don’t need to imagine incorporating any of Jessie’s styling–I did it with my Ascent class. Including starting with checking-in with the students, having a “Would You Rather” question and incorporating kindness!
The New Student Orientation 2019 was my first real speaker event as a new student advisor. We spoke in front of a crowd of students and families about our roles, what we value and a personal story relating to our own experiences in higher ed as a student. I was nervous and anxious. It taught me self-awareness about where my fears were lying and what they were exactly. It also taught me confidence which I found is what I was striving for! I used this event as a touchstone for my anxiety in standing in front of a class and feeling like the experience I was providing to my students was profound and useful.
My Designing College course was a full semester Ascent course to help student transition to college and provide them with tools to help them be successful. It had a slight structure predetermined, but otherwise I could map it out myself. It was my first real go-around with class design–and I had NO idea what I was doing. Nevertheless, I pushed forward and put together meaningful content, assignments, and discussions. I was proud of what I produced and have learned SO much from the experience.
