Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) students gathered this Monday evening, along with faculty members, family, friends, and classmates, to present their Capstone Inquiry Projects. For these projects, students conduct original, on-the-ground research over the course of three quarters and their presentations were therefore the culmination of hundreds of hours of hard work and perseverance. Students’ topics represented a wide range of educational issues, including: the benefits of higher education for women in the workplace, mindfulness for students with special needs, the impact of athletics on adolescent self-esteem, how issues of race and racism impact teachers of color, methods for retention and persistence of first-generation college students, and an exploration of academic issues facing students from East African countries.
The presentations inspired deep conversations about issues of educational equity and the importance of facilitating pedagogical experiences that respond to the needs and honor the assets of all students. The students who presented their work will soon be graduating and moving on to fulfilling careers in the field of education. The presenters all demonstrated a commitment to justice, equity, and supporting the unique needs of all learners.
