The State University of New York (SUNY) Masters degree program continued May 12-18 with its 6th course, Project-Based Learning and Skill Development. The 29 participating teachers are able to join through our school’s Professional Development program. 2nd-4th Grade English Coordinator Banu Aldemir, who participates in the program, wrote about her experiences here.
As faculty members of Hisar, we have the chance to take advantage of a very important opportunity offered by the school, the SUNY Graduate School Program. Learning is a lifelong process. Especially in today’s conditions, it is quite difficult to keep up with the changing world. New perspectives are forming in all areas, so it is vital for us to follow the innovations in the education sector and to support our students with the most up-to-date equipment and training. This graduate-level training program continues to be the most effective way to do so.
Approximately three years ago, Hisar implemented Understanding by Design (UbD) and backward design, new educational methods from the US. Having the opportunity to examine the latest methodologies from the US while also being involved in the school’s implementation of them was an enriching experience and allowed us to broaden our horizons in our teaching techniques.
As fulfilling as it was to create new lesson plans for our students, discovering different subject matter and teaching methods was as exciting of an experience since we were able to discover our own ways of learning as teachers. We feel exhilarated when we can help our students explore their own ways of learning and develop their true potential, but we feel even more exhilarated when we can reaffirm ourselves that we are on the right track of staying true to the mission of Hisar Schools.
Also, this May, we took our 6th course, Problem-Based Learning and Skills Development, from our teacher, Marilyn Hamot Ryan. From this training, we revised our UbD plans with the intention of bringing more creative activities to more students.
With each new course we take, we enthusiastically continue our goal of providing more diversity to the Hisar student learning environment.
Banu Aldemir
English Coordinatero (2nd and 4th Classes)