Researcher Profiles

Maggie Henderson

Maggie Henderson - Bachelor of Education – Graduated in spring 2012

Briefly describe the professor and research project you are working with.

Last year I worked with Professor Wiebe as a mentor at the Manitoba Youth Centre. As  a mentor I helped an incarcerated youth create a learning portfolio. I continue to be involved at the Manitoba Youth Centre running a music program. I am building positive relationships with the incarcerated youth by teaching them music.

Why do you want to do this kind of research?

I want to be involved with this kind of research because it is very important to help incarcerated youth make positive choices. By building a positive relationship with the youth and modeling positive behaviors I hope to help give them the skills they need to make better choices once they leave the Manitoba Youth Centre. I also feel it is important to build the confidence of these youth and help to give them a better self image. Youth who are able to do the learning portfolios are able to reflect on the positive things they have done and how they can continue to do positive things in the future.

How do you think this research benefits you in developing your skills and abilities?

I have learned how to us different strategies to get answers out of youth who don`t think they have them.  Learning how to ask questions in many different ways and learning how to teach things in many different ways was challenging at times but these are skills I am glad I learned. I also learned that relationship building is a two way street. A teacher cannot expect an at risk youth to open up about his or her personal life without the being willing to share some of his or her own experiences. The youth that I have been working with are constantly being asked personal questions by social workers, judges, juvenile counsellors and lawyers. It is exhausting and unfair to be constantly expected to share and it is important to remember that when trying to build a relationship through mentoring. Mentoring needs to be a give and take relationship. All of the skills and experiences I have gained have given me more confidence as I go into my first year as a teacher.

What is the best part, or what has surprised you in doing this research?

The best part of doing this research is getting to know youth in a setting outside of the traditional classroom. I love having the time to get to know more about the students personalities, interests and histories in a relaxed environment. It has surprised me how much students are willing to share once a positive relationship has been established.

What would you say to students thinking about attending UWinnipeg regarding research opportunities here?

My research experience has been a positive one. I enjoyed the mentoring experience. I also was able to present some of my experiences at the WestCast Conference in Calgary, Alberta last year on behalf of the University of Winnipeg.

What are your personal goals, how do you hope to use your education down the road?

My personal goals are to continue working on the music program at the Manitoba Youth Centre. I hope to continue my education and research using the music program as a basis.