My Master’s in Education Journey

Choosing to do a Master’s

After completing an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Northampton, writing a dissertation on the topic of Technology in the Early Years (Benefits and Challenges), and then having that dissertation reviewed and published on the ECSDN website (here’s the link to it if you’re interested: https://www.ecsdn.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Daniela-Laslau-Northampton-University.pdf), it felt like the ideal time to pursue my lifelong dream of remaining in the academic world and I became even more enthusiastic about education. As a result, I started my graduate studies by learning as much as I could about the educational system and its complexities, with the guidance of professors who were always there to provide me with assistance.

My decision to pursue a Master’s degree at that point in time was the right one, as it would enable me to investigate the subject I loved in greater depth, with increased opportunities for practice, and on a higher academic level. However, experiencing the placements and learning more about the challenges within the educational system – from curriculum to policies – made me more eager to enhance my knowledge in order to make a positive change. Regardless of how small the change would be, I knew I needed to become more knowledgeable.

The reasons for wanting to choose further study

The main motivation behind my decision to enrol in Master’s-level coursework was my ambition to increase the breadth and depth of my existing knowledge, as well as to make a meaningful contribution of any kind.

I also wanted to improve my leadership skills. As a leader is someone who focuses on inspiring other people, it would make it more possible for me to achieve the positive change that I was looking for and I felt that a Master’s degree would help me learn about leadership and management (as the research that I have done has concluded that too), as well as providing a boost for my confidence in understanding education and academia at Master’s level.

The benefits I feel it provided me with

This Master’s has had a significant impact on my life in many ways, including the development of my ability to work as part of a team, an increase in my level of self-confidence, and an expansion of my general knowledge. However, the aspect that I consider to be the most significant and the one that has had the greatest influence on the way I respond to different circumstances, is the enhancement of my listening skills. As a result, I’m now better able to cater to the individual needs of both children and adults.

These are simply a few examples of the benefits that I’ve accrued as a direct result of the time I’ve spent learning.

If you are a practitioner or an educator, gaining as much knowledge as you possibly can will help with being able to meet the educational demands of the individuals who will be leading the future generation. A Master’s degree in Education equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet students wherever they are in their educational journey, to better engage and manage the classroom, and to improve the educational results for those pupils.

My own journey and what I have learned

My time spent obtaining a Master’s degree has unquestionably resulted in a change for the better in me as a person. It’s enabled me to enter the classroom with self-assurance – not only with regard to my professional standing among my colleagues, but also with a greater passion for encouraging children to develop their potential and to feel better about themselves in all respects. It assisted me in locating my passions, boosted my creativity, and definitely reduced the amount of time I spent being bored! Additionally, it elevated the quality of my existence – I can now confidently deliver my knowledge to others and guide children using the skills and tools I’ve gathered. The world of work is always evolving, so by continuing to learn, I can boost my abilities and my employability.

Summary

In conclusion, as both a practitioner, as well as for me personally, outside academia, I feel so comfortable. I’m a lot more confident after undertaking all of the modules, assignments, and Master’s practice that I completed for a year. Professionally, academically and personally, I have no doubt that I’m now a better me.

Hayes, (2017) states that obstacles and options make us consider what is preventing us from achieving our goal and what the options are to negotiate these obstacles. Becoming a parent and looking after my children was my little obstacle at the time – eventually, the way forward is exactly that, set an aim to help with taking steps towards the goal. This clearly demonstrates a well-planned, well-considered and well-constructed approach to action research and will improve self-motivation. And here I am, finishing not only my undergraduate degree, but also the MA in Education– motivating myself throughout the year.

My new plan of action: I’ll have more faith in myself and remind myself that I’m giving my best effort in all that I do, and I’ll view the opinions of others as a bonus to the lessons I’ve already learned. Even if the ultimate result is not as rewarding for us at the time, we can all learn from our mistakes and acquire knowledge from them.

So, if you ever think of enhancing your knowledge, no matter what the subject, a Master’s degree will be a fantastic journey to follow.

Daniela Laslau

Daniela is a wife, mother of two and a lifelong learner studying and MA in Education degree, who seeks to set a good example for others and to educate herself, so that she can be a positive and encouraging role model and inspiration to everyone around her.