Artifact 1

Artifact #1: Honors Thesis
The first article included in the Elementary Portfolio is a succinct version of my
undergraduate Honors Thesis that I have showcased as a poster. I have included my thesis poster
as I feel it demonstrates my knowledge in planning by being able to identify a problem or barrier
that exists within the field of education on both a broader scope or one that exists in my
immediate surroundings. In addition, my thesis demonstrates my ability to conduct qualitative
research and compare it to other literature reviews on the same topic, my ability to connect
research with educational theorists, my ability to analyze collected data, and my ability to
formulate a conclusion based upon results of the data collected. This thesis also aligns with that
of EDI 510 (Research in Education) that I took as a course at Medaille College and whereby I
was required to conduct action on a problem I felt needed attention. The research, which in
essence was a smaller scale of what I was required to do with my honors thesis also demonstrates
my ability to be reflective in practice but also demonstrates professional development by
showing a desire to learn something new that will hopefully assist in making positive changes in
pedagogical practices that can be shared amongst other educators. Doing research for the purpose
of making positive educational changes, be it action research or larger based research projects,
and sharing results of such research with other educators in hopes in making educational gains
with students demonstrates my ability to professionally collaborate.
Embedded with my thesis research were theoretical underpinnings of Bandura’s Social
Learning Theory and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory. Bandura believed that behavior is
neither influenced by environmental influences nor inner forces but rather due to a psychological
functioning that occurs as result of a reciprocal interactions between behavior and its controlling
conditions (Bandura, 1977). Bandura’s theory lends insight for educators as to the external forces
that shape children and their behavior so that they can better assist with not only understanding
the deeper context of children’s behavior and appropriate measures to take, but by being a good
role model to our students and praising them for their efforts in behaving accordingly. Managing
classroom behaviors is important for teachers to be able to effectively teach and for students to
reap the benefits of a well-structured classroom that is conducive to learning (Marzano, 2003).
Further, Bronfenbrenner’ s Ecological Model is also very useful for teachers because it
demonstrates the importance of taking into account the context in which children come from,
from the closest connection children have which is typically the home and family to the larger
context of the school and community (Bronfenbrenner, 1977). Having this theoretical knowledge
can assist educators in understanding children and how best to accommodate their individual
needs. I feel as though no matter what the research, these theorists have opened my eyes in
regard to my competency in planning and instruction, in that I now view the child from the
context in which they come and feel better able to plan instruction that supports best practice by
being more able to accommodate individual needs, and how to manage behaviors all within in a
culturally responsive manner.
Connections to Standards
INTASC STANDARDS
Standard #2 Learning Differences
The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and
communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high
standards.
2(d) The teacher brings multiple perspectives to the discussion of content, including
attention to learners’ personal, family, and community experiences and cultural norms.
NYS Code of Ethics for Educators
Principle 3: Educators commit to their own learning in order to develop their
practice
Educators recognize that professional knowledge and development are the foundations of
their practice. They know their subject matter, and they understand how students learn.
Educators respect the reciprocal nature of learning between educators and students. They engage
in a variety of individual and collaborative learning experiences essential to develop
professionally and to promote student learning. They draw on and contribute to various forms of
educational research to improve their own practice.
The Ontario Ethical Teacher Standards
Care: The ethical standard of Care includes compassion, acceptance, interest and insight
for developing students’ potential. Members express their commitment to students’ well-
being and learning through positive influence, professional judgment and empathy in
practice.
TEAC/CAEP claims 1-3
Claim 2: Medaille College graduates meet the needs of diverse learners through
effective pedagogy and best teaching practices
Claim 3: Medaille College graduates are caring educators.
P-12 NYS Common Core Learning Standards for
N/A
NYS Learning Standards
N/A
Ontario Curriculum Standards

N/A
ISTE Standards
N/A
ILA International Literacy Association Professional Standards
N/A
CEC Standards
N/A

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Artifact #1: Honors Thesis

The first article included in the Elementary Portfolio is a succinct version of my

as I feel it demonstrates my knowledge in planning by being able to identify a problem or barrier

immediate surroundings. In addition, my thesis demonstrates my ability to conduct qualitative

my ability to be reflective in practice but also demonstrates professional development by

with students demonstrates my ability to professionally collaborate.

Embedded with my thesis research were theoretical underpinnings of Bandura’s Social

culturally responsive manner.

Standard #2 Learning Differences

Principle 3: Educators commit to their own learning in order to develop their

in a variety of individual and collaborative learning experiences essential to develop

educational research to improve their own practice.

The Ontario Ethical Teacher Standards

TEAC/CAEP claims 1-3

effective pedagogy and best teaching practices

Claim 3: Medaille College graduates are caring educators.

P-12 NYS Common Core Learning Standards for

NYS Learning Standards

Ontario Curriculum Standards

ILA International Literacy Association Professional Standards

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