Classroom Teaching philosophy

As a life-long learner myself, I believe that learning happens best when we are engaged in community. To this end, I believe the co-creation of knowledge is facilitated through the participation of students, instructors, community and the social world we engage in. When I am in the classroom, I will let YOU take the lead. I see the classroom as a shared space and although, I am the instructor, I think YOU have a larger role than me. After all, I am outnumbered! 

Students’ learning will be self-guided. You get to decide how much you learn and how much time you invest. I am the facilitator, which means I bring in the materials, but ask you to do something with them. I also get to assess what you do, but I am fairly lenient in that. The way you interact with the learning environment is up to you! For some of you, this will be the first time you are asked to own your learning and it will be a new and challenging process, but I can guarantee that you will change your perspective on what it means to be a learner and an instructor.  

We are all sociologists and society is our classroom. I have one rule and one expectation in the classroom. The rule is that we hold each other to the highest standards of respect and dignity. The expectation is that you bring the best version of yourself into this learning space. I recognize that as objects and subjects of society we are in praxis. This means that the best version of you (and me) also varies and changes- I get that! But that is no excuse to break the one rule that exists in our classroom (Rule: We hold each other to the highest standards of respect and dignity). 

I  value community, autonomy, and flexibility in a work schedule. I thrive in congenial atmospheres, where I can balance work and life. I enjoy being in flow and take advantage of my strongest talents and skills on a regular basis to read and learn. I enjoy independent work, but also thrive in collaborative environments, especially when I am challenged by teamwork to be creative and come up with innovative solutions to problems. You can also identify some of your values and skills by visiting Science Careers to get started!

I am going to enjoy being your instructor!