Teaching PhilosophyMy approach to teaching is strongly influenced by my diverse educational experiences as an undergraduate at Knox College and graduate student at the University of Illinois. Specifically, my liberal arts background emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary work, strong faculty and student relationships, and development of critical thinking abilities, while my graduate school experiences have cultivated my skills in scientifically rigorous research, creative problem-solving, and ability to communicate ideas through teaching. As an instructor, I use active learning and individualized mentoring to help my students develop these skills as well.
A central goal of my teaching philosophy is to present course material in a way in which students feel connected to science and see its relevance to their lives. For students interested in social issues, this may involve teaching the underlying causes of global issues such as disease, food availability, and climate change. Students interested in pursuing careers in biology are provided opportunities to assume active roles and participate in the scientific process through review of primary literature, data collection, and writing research papers that address future directions for the field. In addition to developing a connection to science, my students also form personal connections in a classroom environment that facilitates exchange of ideas. I feel strongly that cultivating scientific interest is better achieved when students take ownership of their learning process through active participation, specifically group discussions. While students learn to engage their peers in meaningful discussions, I also value strong student-instructor relationships. I maintain an approachable demeanor that invites students to express concerns about the class and seek additional explanation of course concepts. Objectives
|
Sample teaching Documents
Below are sample documents I have designed for courses in the past. These documents reflect many aspects of my teaching style. From lectures to lesson plans, I use an organized structure that directs attention to key points. I also rely heavily on visual aids to engage audiences and communicate ideas. For example, I develop class exercises that require students to interpret the results of scientific studies using figures. Concepts in lecture are explained with the assistance of diagrams and illustrations.
Lectures
Students Exercises / Worksheets
Teaching Resources / Lesson Plans
Students Exercises / Worksheets
- Ecology Merit Workshop: "Community Ecology" Exercises
- Ecology Merit Workshop: "Nutrient Cycling" Exercises
Teaching Resources / Lesson Plans