Mastered.

This summer I took on the challenge of completing my capstone project/thesis for my Masters degree. This is the Big Daddy- the thing I'd been dreading since I started working on my degree 8 years ago. I was quite unsure of myself since research and writing are definitely not my gifts. But with the encouragement of Zach, and the realization that if I didn't finish the project the classes I already completed would expire and not count anymore, I took it on. 

I am beyond thankful and happy to say that I finished!....and got an A! 

I have probably spent 2-3 hours, six days a week working on this since March. Thankfully I had previously written a teaching resource book when we lived in Jarvis and I was able to use most of the information from that book for Chapter 3 of my project. (That book was about 8 months of work.) Had I not had that already completed, I don't know that I would have finished. Thank you Lord for giving me the desire and foresight to accomplish that a few years ago. 

My project is called, "Creating a Positive Classroom Climate." In a nutshell, I stated the problem that too much time in the classroom is wasted managing/discipling students, taking away precious instructional time. I based my research on Maslow's theory of the hierarchy of human needs as well as Haim Ginnot's theory regarding the effects of praise. I read numerous case studies to research the aspects, importance and validity of creating a positive classroom climate as well as how students respond to it. 

I also wrote a teacher's resource handbook with simple ideas that can be implemented to help create this climate, better manage students, and better engage students in the learning process. The ideas/strategies are under the following categories: Clear and High Expectations, Praise, Classroom Relationships and Organization. I've found much of what I learned can be implemented in a home environment while raising kids, which is a bonus!

Below is a huge chunk of my research. It felt so good to dump it in the recycling!

 I ordered mugs and wrapped them to give to all my classmates at our last meeting. I thought this kind of achievement needed a little something special to remember it. (Underneath the mug is my bound project.)

This project was an incredible challenge that taught me a lot about the power of blanketing challenges in prayer and positive thinking as well as the importance of taking a challenge one day at a time. Thank you to all of you who supported me in this by asking me how it was going, encouraging and praying for me, editing and revising, and helping with the kids. 

Zach was an incredible support during this project. Each morning he would leave me a note of encouragement. After I handed in my bound copy, I found this the next morning...

In case you can't read it, it states, "Morning Girls! KC, have fun working on your pap... wait a minute- you're all done! Enjoy the recycling! I love you. (Z) Dad.