Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy can be summarized in the following three points:

· Comprehension is enhanced when students identify with the information. Students learn best when they feel that concepts taught in the classroom applies to them as individuals. As such, I will try to make information relevant to students by using real world examples and encouraging student discussion. Students will also learn how to apply the information and skills they learn in my class to their lives outside of the classroom.

· Open communication is the key to learning. I believe that teachers can learn as much from the students as they learn from the teacher. Teachers learn vast amounts of information preparing to teach a course, but student input can only bolster that learning. I hope to ensure an environment where students feel safe in sharing their opinions and asking questions. Additionally, I believe that student interaction in the classroom allows students to learn from each other; therefore, class participation is strongly encouraged through discussions and in-class activities.

· All students have the ability to learn. Recognizing that students may have different learning styles, I believe that it is important to incorporate various opportunities to learn and perform in the classroom. During instruction, I will incorporate active learning activities with visual presentations and lectures. Similarly, I will construct testing situations that allow students to play to their strengths. Beyond testing and teaching, I appreciate the diverse backgrounds that students bring to the classroom environment (e.g. race, gender, sexual orientation, religion) and understand the need to incorporate and appreciate alternative perspectives. I am willing to meet with students outside of classes to meet additional needs and strengthen comprehension and performance in the course.