Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher, I look for opportunities to connect with the body, the holistic view of ourselves as individuals, and how they interconnect in life. Having experienced the benefits of personalized attention and small student-to-teacher ratios throughout my education, I am devoted to fostering similar environments, prioritizing individualized attention and cooperation. Establishing spaces conducive to consistent and constructive feedback is foundational in guiding students as facilitators within creative education.
I focus on fostering an inclusive, student-centered learning environment while drawing from historical research. My decision to teach stems from a profound desire to inspire and guide learners, empowering them to realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to society. I envision a classroom where students flourish as learners, educators, and effective communicators.
I employ diverse teaching methods, which helps to understand that students possess unique learning styles. I integrate all five senses within my lesson plan to accommodate different learning styles. I prioritize active learning, collaborative projects, and real-world applications for students to enhance their comprehension and retention. One big part of my teaching philosophy is incorporating spaced repetition. “For example, because students learn best by encountering the same material in briefer sections overtime.” (O’Brien, Julianne) I design various exercises to foster peer interaction and critical feedback. For instance, the "project trade" exercise encourages students to interview each other about their work, promoting active engagement and understanding. Venkatesh speaks on how this allows “everyone to witness and comment upon the variety of approaches to an assignment, and it allows me as an instructor to evaluate their work.” (Ventakesh, Urmila) Full-class critiques provide a platform for diverse perspectives and constructive commentary on different assignment approaches.
I am most focused on providing feedback and peer review assignments to gauge student learning. These play a pivotal role in the classroom, providing actionable insights to students while fostering continuous improvement and a growth mindset. Peer review, critical thinking, and effective communication are pivotal foci within the "creative classroom."
My strengths as a teacher lie in fostering a supportive and motivating atmosphere. I prioritize student engagement and mentorship, helping to create a safe space where students feel encouraged to explore, question, and take intellectual and physical risks. Building strong connections and rapport with students is fundamental to my teaching style. I aim to unearth students’ existing knowledge through sustained interactions, encouraging reflection and empowering them to fortify their understanding. I prioritize regular one-on-one meetings in studio settings, facilitating discussions about their objectives and project approaches. These interactions build a collective understanding of expertise and interests within the class.
Learning is an ongoing, transformative process where individuals construct meaning through experiences, reflection, and application. Teaching involves guiding, facilitating, and inspiring learners on their unique educational journeys, nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning.
My overarching goal for students is to foster holistic growth, equipping them with subject knowledge and essential life skills such as resilience, adaptability, and empathy. Continuing growth as an educator through research, professional development, and innovative pedagogical practices remains a primary objective.
Teaching Resume