EDU 5199 – Synthesis in Education Proceedings, Volume 1 (June 2021)

Abstract

This volume presents a collection of graduate student literature review papers, completed in partial fulfillment of the Master of Education program at the University of Ottawa. EDU 5199 is the final course in these students’ academic careers; the papers included here are a reflection of their passion and dedication for education. Each student comes from their own personal, cultural, and social background, and this publication serves as a means for showcasing their voices. It was difficult to choose a cover photo for this volume, since despite the old adage, a picture is worth a thousand words, there is no one photo that can summarize the collection of works as presented; so, we have chosen an image of a brick path, leading to a set of doors. In front of this path, stand two wooden barriers. The barriers serve as a reminder that even though the path to education is paved, it is not always accessible. The topic of barriers to education is strongly reflected within this collection of papers. Beginning with “Teaching Methods and Strategies”, this volume quickly delves into the topics of “Culture and Representation”, as well as “Mental Health”. Language can also pose a barrier, a topic to which various solutions are explored in “Language Learning and Teaching English”. The next section, “Treatment and Care”, is followed by “Trauma and Substance Abuse” – acknowledging the path to recovery is not always linear and final. The authors of these papers are individuals. They speak of their own unique learning journey, in ways that demonstrate how personal history, as well as physical, emotional, and mental experiences affect education.