What made you interested in choosing your study area to pursue a career?
Hayley: As a classroom teacher, I have always strived towards catering for the diverse range of learning needs in my class. This has often been a challenging task, but something I’ve remained committed to throughout my career. I have developed a passion for inclusive education and working collaboratively with other key stakeholders to target a student’s particular needs. Celebrating the small victories with students and their families has given me great joy and also highlighted the daily impact that a teacher can have on a child’s success. I was interested in post graduate study as I have a strong desire to upskill and expand my knowledge, in order to improve as an educator. I also hope it provides me with an opportunity to take the next step in my career and take on a leadership role in supporting the diverse needs of students within a primary school context.
Tell us about the specialist skills or knowledge you learnt in your course. Did you anticipate what you learnt, or were you surprised?
Hayley: I entered the course thinking there would be a focus on learning about specific disabilities and was pleasantly surprised to learn about the shift from a medical model to a strength-based approach. Rather than focussing deficits, there was an emphasis on the inherent strengths and talents of each child.
(Through that) I gained a much clearer understanding about inclusion, how it is unfortunately often misrepresented in schools, the barriers to inclusion and how we can work together to overcome them. The opportunities to research, reflect and engage with the course materials, peers and lecturers have undoubtedly provided me with an opportunity to refine my craft enormously.
How would you define what makes for a successful teacher in this field?
Hayley: I think to be an effective inclusive educator you firstly need to be committed to supporting all students and have a belief that diversity in the classroom enriches and strengthens the educational experience for everyone.
I found the final placement in a specialist context was a valuable and challenging experience. It highlighted the importance of having patience and being innovative as there was often a need to think outside the box and be willing to use different methods and resources to support the individual needs of each child.
Tell us about your experience of studying in the Cloud.
Hayley: My entire course has been online. I have been very active on the online discussion platforms, in an effort to connect and collaborate with other students and tutors. This has definitely been valuable in terms of getting the most out of the learning experience at Deakin. Overall, I have found the experience to be really positive and I’m grateful for the flexibility online learning offers.
How is your course preparing you to be work ready?
Hayley: I believe Deakin is preparing me extremely well for my chosen career, which is to take on a leadership role as a Support Teacher for Inclusive Education. The Master of Specialist Inclusive Education course is providing me with advanced knowledge, understanding and skills in contemporary education issues and ultimately how I can more effectively cater for a diverse range of educational needs.
Tell us about your experience of Deakin’s teaching staff.
Hayley: I have found all staff to be helpful, friendly and very supportive in addressing any queries I’ve had. They are knowledgeable of the unit content and respectful and encouraging throughout online discussions, zoom meetings and Blackboard Collaborates. I’ve been really impressed at the effort that goes into providing high quality, targeted and timely feedback on assignments, which I really value and believe is fundamental in terms of future improvement.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your course at Deakin?
Hayley: I’ve been really dedicated to my studies throughout this course and rewarded with high grades and positive feedback. I’m looking forward to applying my new knowledge and skills into the workplace when I hope to return next year.
What would you say to someone considering study/research at Deakin?
Hayley: You won’t have any regrets studying at Deakin University. The future focussed courses will deepen your engagement with leading theory and research, so you can enhance your skills and feel confident and competent to respond to the increasingly diverse needs of modern classrooms today. It will also position you well for exceptional employment opportunities down the track.
Hayley Dwyer is studying the Master of Specialist Inclusive Education via Deakin’s Cloud Campus.