My teaching philosophy follows the approach to share knowledge in a way that students recognize the value of what they are learning. It is important to me that my students see the connections between a subject matter and its significance or purpose in the world they live. Pointing out the value of knowledge to students, from my experience, makes learning more interesting; hence they tend to invest more time and energy in acquiring the knowledge.
I use the following pedagogical approach, as a guide for my teaching style and classroom environment:
Stimulation of interest- I believe that it in order for a student to understand the materials being taught, they must be interested in the topic. To achieve this, I incorporate a variety of teaching mediums encouraging students to relate to or see the class topics from a different perspective.
Enthusiasm- The classroom must be a positive environment to encourage an enhanced learning experience. As the teacher, it is important that I lead by example. I always start the semester telling my students that they are starting off with an A in my class, this creates an optimistic atmosphere, with students wanting to maintain this grade.
Subject knowledge- My students should feel confident that I am an expert in the subject matter being taught, which also creates an environment of respect.
Intellectual expansiveness- I believe that a classroom is an incubator for success and as a teacher it is my duty to provide my students with tools knowledge that they can use outside of the classroom. I encourage my students to partake in non-traditional educational experiences, like a student led blog or podcast, which I believe can help create a even more effective learning experience.
Preparation and organization- It is crucial that I am prepared and organized in and outside of the classroom, a disorganized curriculum puts students at a disadvantage.
Sensitivity to class progress- It is important that I recognize when challenges arise and seek to find ways to correct them.
Fairness/impartiality- I use my syllabus as the class contract, as it outlines expectations from myself and of the students. I also incorporate the use of rubrics and examples along with detailed instructions and in class discussions to provide fair, understandable, and transparent grading expectations.
Feedback to students- Providing grades and feedback on assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams in a timely fashion is important for not only the students progress, but also their piece of mind.
Class discussion- I encourage class discussions because I believe in the power of auditory learning. Class discussions create an environment of familiarity, it also allows myself and the student peers to hear class topics from a different perspective,
Intellectual challenge- I feel it is important for students to feel challenged in the classroom.
Respect for students- Although with in a classroom there is a teacher student atmosphere, I believe it is important for there to be mutual respect. When everyone feels respected, there is a standard that each person holds themselves to.
Availability and helpfulness- Not only am I a teacher I am also a mentor to my students. It is my duty to make sure that I am available to help my students to the best of my ability excel in my class and in the future.