Teaching
Philosophy
Education is a transformative experience that has the power to change lives. As an educator, I want to provide my students with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to succeed academically and personally, while also preparing them to be engaged and responsible citizens in an increasingly complex world.
I am committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that fosters critical thinking. I believe that it is important to provide students with the tools necessary to develop a healthy attitude toward political and critical ambivalence, especially in today's increasingly siloed and hyperpartisan society. To achieve this goal, I encourage my students to ask hard questions about politics and government and to challenge their own beliefs and assumptions. I believe that the ability to think critically and approach issues with an open mind is a vital skill that will benefit students not only in their academic careers but also in their personal and professional lives.
I endeavor to create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing their opinions and sharing their experiences, while also respecting the opinions and experiences of others.
I also recognize that students come from a variety of circumstances, and it is important to meet them where they are and provide them with the support they need to succeed. Whether it is adjusting course assignments to accommodate students with learning disabilities or providing extra office hours to students dealing with personal challenges, I am committed to supporting my students and helping them achieve their goals.
I strongly believe in the importance of active learning. I encourage my students to participate in class discussions, group activities, and simulations to enhance their understanding of the subject matter. By creating a collaborative learning environment, my students are able to exchange ideas and perspectives, and engage in critical thinking and problem-solving.
And technology is extremely important in today's educational landscape. As such, I incorporate various technological tools into my teaching practice. These tools include online discussion boards, multimedia presentations, and interactive quizzes. I also provide my students with access to a variety of online resources that support their learning, such as academic journals, news articles, and videos.
I believe that building strong relationships with my students is key to their success. I make it a priority to be accessible to my students, and I actively seek out opportunities to engage with them outside of class. This may include attending extracurricular events or hosting office hours on Zoom to accommodate their schedules.
As a lifelong learner myself, I want to instill a love of learning in my students. I encourage them to think critically, ask questions, and explore new ideas. Because that is what I strive to do myself! By fostering a passion for learning, my hope is that my students will continue to grow and develop long after they have left my classroom.
Encouragement
By providing students with weekly posts that offer encouragement and perspective, I aim to support their overall well-being and academic success. These posts can serve as a source of motivation and inspiration, helping students to stay focused and engaged with their coursework. By drawing on research-supported strategies like these, I hope to create a positive and productive learning environment that fosters student success.
Kristen Neff and colleagues (2018) found that providing students with regular messages of support and encouragement can positively impact their well-being and academic performance. The study posits that students who received daily emails with mindfulness exercises and positive messages had lower levels of stress and anxiety, as well as improved academic performance.
Similarly, a study by Traci Giuliano and colleagues (2016) found that providing students with weekly motivational emails led to increased engagement with course material and higher levels of academic achievement.
Perspective
My encouragement and perspective teaching technique is important for student learning and well-being for several reasons.
First, it helps students develop a positive mindset and attitude towards their academic and personal lives. Many students struggle with imposter syndrome, especially those who are first-generation or come from underrepresented backgrounds. By providing encouragement and perspective, I aim to help students overcome these feelings and believe in their abilities to succeed.
Second, the technique provides students with valuable information and resources that can help them navigate college life more effectively. For example, I cover topics such as time management planning, on-campus counseling services, Title IX and reporting information, and why grades don't define a student. By providing this information, I hope to empower students to take control of their own well-being and success. Finally, the technique helps to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. When students feel encouraged and supported, they are more likely to participate in class and engage with the material. This can lead to more meaningful and productive discussions, which ultimately benefits everyone in the class. Encouragement and Perspective is an important part of my approach to teaching.
I believe that by providing students with encouragement, perspective, and valuable information, I can help them achieve their goals and thrive both inside and outside of the classroom.
