Statement of Teaching Philosophy
My philosophy of teaching revolves around the belief that every student is a potential goldmine, with emphasis on the word "potential." I strive to help students recognize both their weaknesses and their strengths; I demand that students in my courses do their best – no more and no less. I try to instill in them the desire to achieve, not to please me or their parents or spouses or children, but to please themselves. I make a commitment to the students in my courses and expect them to make a commitment to the courses. My responsibility is to teach students to master skills and to develop knowledge.
My objectives are to produce effective communicators and to foster both cultural awareness and self-discovery through critical thinking. I encourage students to bring to their studies their own experiences, to examine their own convictions while questioning those of others, and to establish their own values. I encourage open-mindedness and a free exchange of ideas.
All aspects of my career, from academic advisement to college and
community service to professional development, are supportive of my
teaching philosophy. My approach is student-centered; I advocate active
learning. My door is always open to students. My concern for them is
not confined to the classroom. I set clear boundaries, but I remain
accessible to students even beyond
their enrollment in my classes. I aspire to treat the students in my
courses
like the valuable human beings with worthwhile ideas that they are.