Digital Portfolio
Master’s in Educational Technology
Kristen Dyksterhouse
About Me
Introduction
I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a mathematics major and English minor. I currently am wrapping up my master's degree at Michigan State University in Educational Technology. This is my fourth year teaching in Berrien Springs.
I enjoy listening to music, reading, engaging in outdoor activities, and spending quality time with friends and family. I have the most amazing daughter who teaches me new things everyday. I have shared a few of my favorite things below. These factors play a large role in who I am as a teacher. Enjoy.
My Life in Snapshots
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Teaching Philosophy- Short Version
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Enthusiasm is infectious, and I enjoy getting students excited about math by being math’s most passionate fan. I not only TALK THE TALK, I WALK THE WALK! With that said, I believe all students CAN learn, all students WANT to learn (it's innate, duh), yet most students are unaware of the two. So, as an educator it is my job to the meet my students where they are at by providing them with the support and resources they need not only to learn, but to want to learn. I believe students learn from both discovery and direct learning, but regardless of the method, the learning should actively engage each student. I try to constantly show my students that I care about their learning. I always try to teach to just a little higher level than my students think they can accomplish, but give them the tools and infinite encouragement to reach that level. Finally, I know and believe that having clear and consistent expectations for students works.
For More of My Education Related Work & Resources Explore the Buttons Below
Gaming
I am a gamer- a board-gamer, that is. I enjoy playing along with T.V. game shows, Family Feud is my favorite. I also enjoy trying to play video games; although, I am not too talented in that area. Really, I just love to play games, especially in math class. In my opinion, learning mathematics is a lot like playing a game. In fact, learning in general is a lot like learning to play a game. Consequently, I am always thinking about how I can incorporate games in my classroom and I encourage my learners to do so as well. A New York Times Magazine article titled “Games Theory” explores gaming in the classroom and is worth reading!
Reading
I love the classics and Y.A. dystopian literature. My favorites: The Catcher in the Rye, The Bell Jar, Huckleberry Finn, Feed, and The Hunger Games. However, in lieu of children’s books I love anything by Dr. Seuss.
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I love The Bell Jar because despite Sylvia Plath’s depressing and downright haunting writing style, she always manages to say it best: “There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them” (Plath, 1971). It is highly relatable to anyone who has been uncertain about life and where it is taking you or has felt subdued by the expectations of society; well I guess being female would help make it relatable, too. She uses beautiful imagery and her metaphors will give you the chills, I promise. I haven't battled a lot of the issues prevalent in the text, but I can relate in one way or another to Esther’s failures and triumphs in the story. The Bell Jar is truly a story of survival, a fight against conformity and submission to society’s expected role. As the tale progresses, the personal journey becomes explicit: through her [Esther] struggles she gains purpose and meaning and defines a new, powerful sense of self. It is truly a great read.
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Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Catcher in the Rye are humorous, deep coming of age stories. It is surprising how much I can relate to adolescent boyhood. Both novels evoke emotion; they tug at your heartstrings and make you laugh. The innocent, pure take on society and its implications is refreshing, yet brutally honest at times. Holden Caulfield reminds me of Peter Pan. His story reminds me to cherish childhood memories and accept adulthood. Huck Finn reminds me to remove preconceived judgments, to establish my own beliefs instead of following social norms. Although humorous, the stories have powerful lessons imbedded within almost every scene and chapter. It is always nice to enjoy a novel and take away a life lesson.
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Feed and The Hunger Games bring you into the future and really make you consider life as we know it. I really love all dystopian literature.
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Original Dr. Seuss books typically have a lesson within them. I love reading the rhymes and I love sharing them with my daughter. She now shares my enthusiasm for Dr. Seuss and we often visit my sister’s 4th Grade classroom to read her favorite stories aloud.
Reading in general is a great way to learn. Children's literature holds great power when used as a learning tool, and besides, who doesn't like to relax and be read to?
Music
I love classic rock: The Steve Miller Band; The Cars; GNR; Rolling Stones; Styx; The Cure; Bob Seger; Fleetwood Mac; REO Speedwagon; Boston; etc. I also enjoy contemporary Christian (Third Day; Toby Mac; etc), 90’s music (Third Eye Blind; Bush; Goo Goo Dolls; etc), and oldies (Elvis; Badfinger; etc). I love all music and have quite an even mix across all genres on my ipod. Music is therapy. It is mood altering and uplifting for me. I also like to mix math and music in my classroom. Check out the video remix below to hear our song about slope.
T.V. & Movies
My favorite TV Channels are Disney, History, and Discovery. These channels can entertain my daughter and me. I am intrigued by space and the ocean, two topics History and Discovery frequently explore. I don’t get hooked on shows anymore because I usually end up watching Disney Channel with my daughter if the TV is on. As far as movies go, we both enjoy The Little Rascals.