My teaching philosophy is multifaceted. It is rooted in my goal to effectively teach all my students and instill in them a love of learning. I want my students to understand that learning should take place not only in the confines of the classroom, but throughout their everyday lives. I strive to help them become life-long learners and to seize their own opportunities to gain knowledge. I want to ensure that every student is reaching the class and lesson objectives to the best of his or her ability. My approach to achieve this overarching goal is to create a learning environment that is supportive, motivating, and interesting.
The specifics on how I achieve these sub-goals varies depending on the type of course that I am teaching (lower or upper level) and the environment that the course is being taught in (classroom, online, other distance learning, etc.), but usually involves incorporating different modes of presentation of information so that all types of learners are reached. Web 2.0 technologies are becoming staples in my teaching and research. I use them both as classroom assignments as well as organizational and research tools.
I have enhanced my teaching and course development skills by developing and revising many courses at Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School, as well as being involved in reviewing the curriculum. At PALCS I taught students from all backgrounds and academic levels (of varying ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, disabilities, cultures, and so on). I have come to appreciate diversity and what a benefit it can be to the learning environment. I strongly believe in the concepts of academic freedom and an open access education and having a diverse student population helps achieve those goals.
My latest mission to enhance my own teaching effectiveness has been to target a sense of community. Having taught primarily online I noticed that students often feel isolated and have little attachment to their coursework and institution. Through not only my own peer connections improving my own teaching, but aiding students create their own communities. I have tried to help reduce isolation and create a sense of community so that students can succeed. I will continue to keep myself educated and constantly reading and learning about new ways that may meet the needs of my students even more effectively.
My philosophy will continue to guide me throughout this noble profession.
The specifics on how I achieve these sub-goals varies depending on the type of course that I am teaching (lower or upper level) and the environment that the course is being taught in (classroom, online, other distance learning, etc.), but usually involves incorporating different modes of presentation of information so that all types of learners are reached. Web 2.0 technologies are becoming staples in my teaching and research. I use them both as classroom assignments as well as organizational and research tools.
I have enhanced my teaching and course development skills by developing and revising many courses at Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School, as well as being involved in reviewing the curriculum. At PALCS I taught students from all backgrounds and academic levels (of varying ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, disabilities, cultures, and so on). I have come to appreciate diversity and what a benefit it can be to the learning environment. I strongly believe in the concepts of academic freedom and an open access education and having a diverse student population helps achieve those goals.
My latest mission to enhance my own teaching effectiveness has been to target a sense of community. Having taught primarily online I noticed that students often feel isolated and have little attachment to their coursework and institution. Through not only my own peer connections improving my own teaching, but aiding students create their own communities. I have tried to help reduce isolation and create a sense of community so that students can succeed. I will continue to keep myself educated and constantly reading and learning about new ways that may meet the needs of my students even more effectively.
My philosophy will continue to guide me throughout this noble profession.