My Teaching Philosophy:
I am drawn to the rewards and challenges of teaching because it is a two-way learning experience. I feel that the reward is seeing the light bulb of discovery go off in students and helping them develop their selves. I am drawn to challenges because it gives me the opportunity to be creative in finding a solution to a roadblock.
I am prepared to teach English Literature, I am interested in having students read novels write research papers and discuss the prevalent issues in the book. My objective for student learning is development, insight, being able to provoke thought, and reading and verbal skills. These objectives are tools needed to function in a professional, and intellectual setting. Students should gain an understanding of foundational concepts in the field, sophistication as critical thinkers, or the ability to write concise and well-supported arguments.
My teaching approach is that I will pick books, and movies that relate to one another. Discuss the book and movie, allow the students to write a paper on either subject or both. I plan to open the student’s minds on subjects and areas and enlighten them on issues that would normally be unnoticed. I incorporate the movies in order to gain another way of learning and to give the students variety in the classroom. I prefer leading discussions and some group work. I would use group work depending on the assignment and the outcome I would want for a project. I felt that in undergraduate school and in high school lectures were one-way type of communication, at times the students’ mind would wander or they would become complacent. On the other hand, leading group discussions the students are more engaged and there is a two-way communication and people become more interested in voicing their opinions. Also it is another way of grading students in class participation as well as a way of knowing which student read the assigned work or not. If I run into a challenge where the student is not interested in a topic, I would try to open their mind in seeing something that might be of interest. I would approach teaching non-traditional students in the manner that works best for that individual. I feel that different learning styles are subjective; the main goal is that students are learning and being able to pass tests and graduate.
I would know if I am meeting my objectives by evaluating my students and monitoring their progress. I would like to schedule individual meetings to discuss assignments, issues students may have or grades and how they might improve.
I would use student’s evaluations to see where the students are lacking and how many were falling behind in an area. I would have to step back and become creative in finding a solution. If I noticed I was having difficulty in student participation I would let the students know that they get points in participation and if they would get an answer correct that would be additional points.
I have learned from different teaching experience that as the professor one should always have a way to break the silence in class during a group discussion, and one should always have a way to end a heated debate. I find that educating our future is always a worthwhile accomplishment.
Let's hang out and discover the Arts! Poetry, & Photography is my specialty. I would love to share my passion with you.
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