COVA Reflection

The importance of owning our own learning has been abundantly clear throughout this program. Not just through theory, but also in practice with every assignment. From my very first course where we designed our own websites and ePortfolios, I was provided the opportunity to make the most of my learning experience. I got out of it what I put into it. I was given the chance to learn and demonstrate my learning through my own devices and creative expression – it was very cathartic.

Initially, I felt ready for these opportunities. I am typically a very independent, creative person who enjoys autonomy in the work I do (which is one of my favorite things about being an educator). However, with great power comes great responsibility, and I knew that if I wanted my work to live up to my own standards and expectations, then I needed to be willing to dedicate myself to it. I had to work much harder and think on a much deeper level to create materials that I felt represented my learning effectively. This was difficult in the beginning because I can be a bit of a perfectionist, and I had issues juggling school, work and family at first. Rather than putting off work until it was too late to make it perfect, I knew I had to start sooner. I didn’t have to create perfect work the first time around – I just had to start it. This has been one of the most transformative lessons I have taken away from this program and one that has greatly benefited my life in a variety of ways.

If I could go back, I would have started all of my work earlier and made sure to give myself more grace with the process. Previously, I would aim to complete a full assignment in one setting, getting frustrated if it wouldn’t turn out exactly how I would like. However, I have begun to stretch the process out into several dedicated time periods to the work, and that has given me the chance to approach it with fresh eyes and ideas over and over again, so the work ends up being better than I could have hoped for.

Focusing on my organization for my work was difficult, because of the type of work I do. My team handles a lot of grant work for TEA, and therefore, the work we do is often dictated by them (the ones that give us the money). So, centered myself to find my voice and how I could utilize my learning to impact the organization became more difficult. However, after much collaboration with my peers and supervisors, we developed a plan of implementation and it has been much easier to run my innovation plan since I have more control now. Due to the circumstances around my job, I was hesitant to enact change. However, through the support of my colleagues at work, professors and collaboration group at Lamar (here is our group’s collaboration document), I felt empowered with confidence to drive forth change and take a chance on my hard work and research.

Initially, my innovation plan was just work. It was a component of this masters process that I needed to research, design and develop, so I was not emotionally invested, especially with the fear of how it would be received by my work. However, the more I researched and worked with others to give it life, the more I became attached to making it a success. Don’t get me wrong, I love my students and have always wanted them to succeed, but now knowing what I know and what I am capable of, I feel that this program could make a huge difference for a lot of students who didn’t think that college could be a true option for them. Now, more than ever, I am working diligently to ensure that this program and those who have graciously joined it will find success throughout its course.

The COVA approach and Creating Significant Learning Environments (CSLE) align greatly with my learning philosophy as I have always seen the value of students participating in hands-on, interactive learning experiences to feel more connected to their work so they may retain more knowledge and skills from the process (Harapnuik, 2018). If anything, learning about COVA and CSLE has fortified my learning philosophy and expanded my knowledge on ensuring students are provided sufficient opportunities to own their learning as I am their facilitator. You can read more about my thoughts on creating significant learning environments here. 

As far as how I will utilize COVA to create significant learning experiences and environments for my students, I have created a multitude of engaging, collaborative activities and opportunities for the students to use to enhance their college applications and the skills necessary to be successful for getting into post-secondary institutions and beyond. I want the students to have the chance to learn from each other and help each other grow as they discover their strengths and interests as well as how they can utilize those to pursue their future. By forming a community of growth and ownership, students will be all the better prepared to take on the path that lies in front of them. Feel free to read more about my why here.

Students will have opportunities to identify their interests, research potential colleges that could help them achieve their goals, research costs and financial planning, all while fortifying their strengths and developing their skills that will continue to be applicable throughout their post secondary education journey. Students will develop and utilize ePortfolios to house and reform their materials and reflections throughout our time together and be able to carry it forward as an embodiment of their diligence and learning journey.

I will ensure my students are capable and prepared for the COVA approach through continuous assurance and opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a plethora of ways, both as individuals and team members. Though it may be difficult to get all students and stakeholders involved on board with the COVA approach, it will be essential to the students’ success. Once they feel comfortable owning their learning and driving it forward to advance towards their own goals, they will understand and embrace the process, as will anyone else involved and dedicated to their success. Please feel free to read more about my self-differentiated leadership and organizational change process here where I back these ideas and actions.

While this reflection is my own, the concepts and research surrounding COVA and CSLE are not mine. To learn more, please review my references sheet below and watch the attached videos from Dr. Harapnuik himself.

As always, thank you for reading and please feel free to leave feedforward!