My Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy can be summarized by the four action statements listed below. Each tenet of my teaching philosophy begins with a summarizing quotation from a well-known individual from a variety of fields.
“If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail”
– Abraham Maslow, American psychologist
Acknowledge the individuality of students. It is important to recognize that students have different styles of learning. Given differences in learning styles, I have a variety of “tools” for teaching the course material. In my classroom, I use a mix of PowerPoints, visual aids, handouts, and discussions as well as encourage active learning through engaging the students in the learning process and using interactive teaching methods (e.g. demonstrations and group discussions).
“The secret of education lies in respecting the pupil.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Essayist, poet, and lecturer
Develop mutual respect between the teacher and the students. Learning is a collaborative effort between the teacher and the student, and I foster an environment of mutual respect in my classroom. I demonstrate respect for students’ ideas and time through implementing fair grading procedures; being available for office hours; and responding to emails in a timely manner. In return, I expect that students will respect my position as an instructor as well as take the course and course material seriously.
“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of becoming”
– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German writer and theoretical physicist
Recognize that all students are able to learn and empower students. The purpose of the teacher is to facilitate learning, and all students are capable of learning and demonstrating success in the classroom. By treating each student as capable of learning and expecting success in my classroom, I contribute to the empowerment of my students. In addition, I equip students with critical thinking skills through class assignments and discussion. By empowering students, they will be able to extend their learning and use their developed critical thinking skills beyond the classroom and become lifelong learners.
“Tell me and I forgot. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn”
– Benjamin Franklin, American politician, author, and inventor
Make the course material relevant. I believe that providing a relatable context for course material will make the course more interesting and applicable for the students. Learning should extend outside of the classroom, and I provide assignments or exercises that relate the course material to current events and other ways in which the material has an impact on the students’ everyday lives. Through involving students in the learning process by having them understand and demonstrate the applications and implications of the course material, they will incorporate the course material into their base of knowledge.