Running Head: FINAL GPO REFLECTION

Jason Carter
Final GPO Reflection
University of St. Mary

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Introduction
Throughout my coursework at USM, I have worked hard to do my
best and learn as much as I could. After every Action Research project,
we were asked to reflect on our research and talk about how it
connected to the USM GPOs (graduate program outcomes).

Many

of my projects tied into the same GPOs, and it was neat to see how everything connected.
GPO Number One
My use of technology covers several of the University of St. Mary
Graduate Program Outcomes (GPOs). The first of these being number
one, fostering the
learning of all students (2011). I am doing this by adapting to my
students needs. Many of the children in my classroom struggle with
traditional assignments. It is very exciting for me to see these students
who normally struggle excel at an assignment.
GPO Number Two
Some of my research was spent trying to find better ways to teach to and assess
my students. This directly correlates with the University of St. Mary Graduate Program
Outcome number two; Candidates demonstrate knowledge of diverse learners, including
all forms of exceptionality, and create instructional opportunities that meet the needs of
all learners. Differentiating homework assignments was my way of trying to teach to all

of my learners and meet their needs. While each assignment met the same objective, the
process was fashioned in a way to help my students be successful.

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GPO Number Three
USM GPO three states candidates critically reflect on
ethical and moral implications of actions as they relate to all learners.
This Graduate Program Outcome was met during my research when I
conducted ethical research. My research never harmed any students or
compromised their integrity. I always used anonymous numbers or
symbols to represent students, never divulging personal information.
GPO Number Four
Another math standard I am meeting is standard four
Performing critical analysis and reflective practice (2011). I am doing
this by taking these classes and finding the best, new, innovative ways
to work with my students and collaborate. I am analyzing by planning
research around social media and testing out which sites will work best
in my special setting with my curriculum.
GPO Number Five
During my time at USM, I have met the requirements for outcome five by
implementing technology use into my classroom. The use of technology was based off of
the SAMR model, and was used to enhance learning, not replace the teacher. I also

started to use more project-based assessments as a new instructional strategy and adopted
some new formative assessment methods.
GPO Number Six
With my research, I was constantly measuring and evaluating outcomes of student
achievement. Those outcomes determined which instructional strategies I adopted in my
FINAL GPO REFLECTION

classroom. They also played a part in my selection of curriculum. One of my research

projects involved the use of technology to increase homework turn-in. I believe that
would classify as monitoring, as I was monitoring student homework and turn-in rates.
GPO Number 7
Collaborating to change and improve my learning community is an every day
process for me. Every day, my 7th grade team meets for CPT meetings. Along with the
collaboration I complete at school, I collaborate on a weekly basis with my peers in our
graduate classes. They have been very helpful anytime I have had a question or concern. I
believe my classroom is now better because of the people I was able to interact with on a
daily basis through the University of St. Mary. I have also increased student collaboration
in my classroom. This has lent itself towards a more student-centered classroom with
more motivation from my students to work hard and complete their work.
GPO Number 8
Reflection has been the name of the game while getting my masters. I have made
action research plans, implemented the plans, and then reflected on my results. Many of
my reflections ended in changes in my classroom. I have learned that being a reflective
teacher is important for growth and change. I feel confident in my ability to find

problems, make plans, and reflect on my outcomes. The University of St. Mary has
equipped me to be an effective teacher.
Conclusion
I am excited to be finishing our program, and happy to see that my research
aligned with the graduate program outcomes. It was nice to have the GPOs as a reference
FINAL GPO REFLECTION

to make sure that I was always on track. Reflecting on our action research has been an
eye-opening practice and I am looking forward to continuing the usage of the new skills I
have learned.

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References
Graduate conceptual framework. (2011). Manuscript submitted for publication,
University of St. Mary.