Meet Tameko Collins: educational psychology master's student and algebra teacher
Thursday, January 6, 2022
Media Contact: Katie Lacey | Communications Specialist | 405-744-9347 | katie.l.lacey@okstate.edu
Tameko Collins is an educational psychology master’s student at Oklahoma State University and an algebra teacher at Broken Arrow Freshman Academy in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Collins recently placed second in the university’s 3-Minute Thesis competition where she presented,“Ditching the Lecture: Can Blended Learning Affect Motivation?” Below, Collins shared more about her research and her accomplishments as a teacher and a student:
What was presenting your research at the 3-Minute Thesis competition like?
It was a great, worthwhile experience! Forming my speech for this competition really helped me zone in on the most important aspects of my research, which consequently (and conveniently) helped me write the rest of the conclusion chapter in my thesis. The most rewarding thing from this experience has been the ability to easily share my research with others. Whether it’s by sending a link to my video or giving them a summary aloud, my 3MT experience has taught me how to communicate my research in a concise and approachable manner.
What do you hope to achieve with your research?
I hope to bring a greater awareness of the different types of learning environments that can help students become more motivated and successful — namely, blended learning environments. I think blended learning often has a stigma of being a “hands-off” approach, but it’s quite the opposite. Blended environments can provide more opportunities and time for teachers to meet the needs of their students. I hope my research highlights that and inspires teachers to reflect on their own teaching practices.
What are some of the things you implemented to assist you in receiving the Teacher of the Year award?
While I can’t speak for my colleagues who voted for me, I strive to maintain a student-centered mindset and constantly consider the needs and perspectives of my students. When students walk into my classroom, I try my best to make them feel comfortable, confident and heard.
Why did you choose Oklahoma State University and more specifically the master’s in educational psychology?
As a full-time teacher in Broken Arrow, I needed a program that was completely online and accessible to me outside of work. I’m so thankful OSU offered exactly that! I chose Educational Psychology because of my passion for teaching and learning — I am always looking for ways to teach more effectively and better understand the needs of my students.
I’m so grateful to have gone through this program and for my committee members who enriched my learning experience with exemplary teaching, feedback and support. I can’t wait to continue my educational journey at OSU.