My Teaching Philosophy

I cannot teach anybody anything; I can only make them think. – Socrates (470–399 B.C.)

I view the role of the teacher as the bridge between two worlds. The teacher must make sure that the student learns not only what is out there, but more importantly how to reach to it.

These two worlds are constantly changing and the teacher is called to establish a healthy relationship between them that will eventually continue on its own.

I believe that all students have strengths, and that it is the goal of education to assist students in identifying and building upon these. So; I routinely design my instruction using the research-based learning cycle; this cycle provides the framework for me to encompass a repertoire of effective strategies, which can accommodate individual preferences, engage diverse learners, and help establish a respect for differing preferences and perspectives. The complication of those students coming with different levels of maturity, interest and motivation; challenge me to make course materials accessible to all of them.

I plan and implement lessons that clearly identify the lesson objectives, anticipatory set, strategies for effective student engagement, and assessment options to measure student mastery. This helps me teach with both clarity and focus.

I am trying to use slide presentations, group discussion, case presentation, practical sessions and videos; as needed. I promote both individual and group work inside and outside the classroom; the first makes the student independent, whereas the latter sparks collaboration.

My personal experiences contribute to my philosophy today in that the most meaningful learning takes place when students are motivated and interested. It is my belief that the way to achieve this is by giving students a voice in the learning process, and by assisting them in finding connections in the curriculum with their own life and interests; by allowing students to bring their own stories, experiences, and ideas into the classroom.

In developing and teaching a course, I consider the following ingredients necessary and valuable:

·         Lectures, as the vehicle for accessing the material effectively.

·         Discussion, as a way of developing critical thinking.

·         An up-to-date textbook, serving as the back-bone of the subject being taught.

·         Supplemental readings, for discussing the current trends in the field.

·         Regular homework and exams, as evaluative feedback and as a safeguard for having all students on the same page.

As my students change, I change. As my discipline grows and matures, I am constantly enjoying the challenge of passing that knowledge on to my students. However, the foundations of my educational philosophy will continue to guide me in the way which I interact with students and teach within my classroom.

It has been said that a teacher plants seeds in the student’s soul. She may not live long enough to see the fruits of that effort, but the student’s life is inevitably touched forever.