Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, there are three areas that I focus on: What I can do for my students, what my students can do for themselves, and what I can do for myself.  It is my job to do and give my best to my students. I expect to be organized, prepared, transparent, fair, and interesting for my students. Before classes begin, I have planned goals, assignments, and activities for the students. Classes are broken up between short lectures, videos, individual reflections, group discussions and activities, and class discussions. I bring in real life examples to show applicability of the information being taught. At the beginning of each semester, students are given specific information regarding assignments, grading, expectations, and any other relevant information for the class. The syllabus is long, but covers a lot of information including assignments, schedules, grading assessments, and required readings. However, I stillreserve the right to make changes during the semester if needed. Additionally, I give my students a list of expectations. This includes class rules, student expectations, and instructor responsibilities. I expect a lot from my students and let them know from the beginning. They should begin with all the information they need to complete the course to their desired outcome. Students are ultimately responsible for the grades that they receive but it is my responsibility to give them the tools and the means to do so and will be available to them during their journey.
      I want my students to learn where to go to find the answers, to learn critical thinking skills. I do not expect memorization of information, but I do expect that theylearn how to use information and where to find it. The world outside the classroom does not require memorization and isolation and I can begin to teach my students what to expect after graduation. I tell the straight out, they will never have a manager hand them a blue book, point to an empty room, and tell them to answer a few questions (by themselves) for the next 2 hours. Instead, quizzes and tests and open book/open notes. Students need to learn where to find the information that is asked of them. Additionally, they will be allowed multiple attempts to obtain the assessment score that they want. Another example of how they are responsible for earning their own grades. They can continue until they have a perfect score or stop when they feel their score is acceptable to themselves. Students will also be encouraged to work together in discussion and assignments.I also want my students to learn that they now have responsibilities. Responsibilities to themselves and I will give them the tools and directions that they need to meet those responsibilities in my classes. Every one of them is responsible for their own success. Ultimately, if my students can leave my classroom with at least one nugget of knowledge that they will use in their futures, I will have succeeded.As for myself, I will always continue to learn. Through reading, conferences, and discussion with colleagues, I will continue to learn about what is happening within my field. I will continue to search for and try new teaching methods to engage students and myself. I will continue research and collaboration to answer questions and further academic understanding. Also, I will continue to take more classes as a student so as to not loose touch with what being a student entails. Finally, I will work with my collegesand departments in order to provide our students the opportunity for the best education and tools that will bring them the success that they strive and dream for.
     At the end of a semester, I don’t want my students to be able to regurgitate a collection of theories and names. I want them to walk out of my class with suggestions, possibilities, and plans. With ideas that they will take to their jobs, internships, parent’s companies, their own companies, and into their lives. I want them to take the knowledge that they have gained and not just live it, but experience it.