Teaching is a chance to share something I'm passionate about and to help others find a connection to the topic in ways that are important to them. When I teach, it's a creative and interpersonal process that challenges me to translate fascinating information into real-life value, and I do that by holistically engaging my students in both reflection and action. When I use my relational approach to get on the same wavelength as my students, and when they take me up on my invitation to share their needs and thoughts, we can cover great ground not only in the subject matter but in their movement towards their goals that brought them to the class in the first place.
I've been able to put this perspective to use in the undergraduate and graduate courses noted below. Here are a few of my favorite ways to create an effective learning environment...
I've been able to put this perspective to use in the undergraduate and graduate courses noted below. Here are a few of my favorite ways to create an effective learning environment...
- Integrating discussion throughout the lesson to engage students and help them learn from their own and others' perspectives
- Livening things up by sharing examples and stories, especially when I can speak from my own or past students' experiences
- Tapping into different ways of learning and knowing by using images in lecture, and visual/creative assignments or in-class activities
- Incorporating powerful "guest speakers" through videos like TED talks and short clips of researchers translating their findings into real life implications
- Structuring courses with student development and diversity in mind, including assignments that can be tailored for individual goals
- Balancing challenge and support through scaffolding new experiences into small steps, with peer support and instructor check-ins
- Actively and openly seeking and using student feedback, especially through anonymous surveys twice per semester
- Keeping up-to-date on relevant context, and sharing in class and via class hashtags
- Clarifying expectations and prioritizing communication to help students take responsibility and know how to seek help; I respond to their concerns and grade their work in timely and caring ways, and my students have expressed appreciation for that
Teaching experience
Course Creator & Instructor, "The Art of Getting Hired"
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences/Career Resource Center, Gainesville, FL 1 semester of course development 4 semesters teaching (live and online, undergraduate)
Instructor, “Career and Lifespan Planning” College of Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 5 semesters (live and online, undergraduate) Adjunct Faculty, “Career Counseling” College of Education, Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, AR 2 semesters (online, graduate) Teaching Assistant, various courses College of Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 1 semester each
|
Above: flyer promoting "The Art of Getting Hired" course
Below: textbooks and resources for courses I have taught |