Instructional Philosophy
Engagement and Collaboration
I believe that it is important to create a learning environment that is rooted in encouragement and collaboration. This is especially true in a virtual (online) learning environment. I engage my students with learning activities that foster collaboration. For example, VoiceThread allows active learning groups to flourish by allowing students to video and/or record responses to demonstrate their knowledge. Hearing and seeing peers allows students to form connections and a feeling of belonging in the virtual classroom. I believe that knowledge is obtained and retained by being part of the learning process. This engagement allows me, as an instructor, to fully engage with all my students.
Meeting Student Needs
It is important for me to meet the individual needs of all my students by (1) understanding the social influences on learning, (2) being fair and genuine, (3) understanding individual learning styles, (4) helping students link new knowledge with old knowledge, and (5) creating student-centered activities that address their unique learning needs. This is done by incorporating group learning and creative activities that foster interpersonal and intrapersonal growth. To meet the strengths of my students I have assignments in which students can choose how they demonstrate meeting the learning objectives. For example, with a clearly written rubric, students can choose to do a video, VoiceThread, Prezi, or an APA written paper. Creative projects allow students to use their strengths and retain what they’ve learned.
Active Learning Opportunities
I believe in incorporating active learning opportunities that promote the application of learned material. This includes service learning opportunities and activities that connect the students to the community. Students are encouraged to find service opportunities and use their advocacy skills to meet a need in their community. For example, one of the assignments for my Foundations course is to conduct an interview with a professional counselor working in the field and explore the needs of the surrounding community. This allows students to explore different specialties, network with professionals, and explore the diverse make up and needs of a community. We then have discussions on what best practices and service learning activities can be used to best meet these needs. Turning theory into practice strengthens the connection between classroom learning and community service.
Feedback
Feedback is essential in helping me improve and refine my teaching. Here are some selected student evaluation comments I've received throughout the years: Student Evaluations
Teaching Interests: Abnormal Psych. & DSM 5; Evaluation Methodologies; Parent Education; School Consultation; Creative Arts in Counseling; Professional Identity; Lifespan Development Issues; Development of School Counseling Programs; Supervision and Internship; Expressive Arts Therapy: Group Work and Dynamics
I believe that it is important to create a learning environment that is rooted in encouragement and collaboration. This is especially true in a virtual (online) learning environment. I engage my students with learning activities that foster collaboration. For example, VoiceThread allows active learning groups to flourish by allowing students to video and/or record responses to demonstrate their knowledge. Hearing and seeing peers allows students to form connections and a feeling of belonging in the virtual classroom. I believe that knowledge is obtained and retained by being part of the learning process. This engagement allows me, as an instructor, to fully engage with all my students.
Meeting Student Needs
It is important for me to meet the individual needs of all my students by (1) understanding the social influences on learning, (2) being fair and genuine, (3) understanding individual learning styles, (4) helping students link new knowledge with old knowledge, and (5) creating student-centered activities that address their unique learning needs. This is done by incorporating group learning and creative activities that foster interpersonal and intrapersonal growth. To meet the strengths of my students I have assignments in which students can choose how they demonstrate meeting the learning objectives. For example, with a clearly written rubric, students can choose to do a video, VoiceThread, Prezi, or an APA written paper. Creative projects allow students to use their strengths and retain what they’ve learned.
Active Learning Opportunities
I believe in incorporating active learning opportunities that promote the application of learned material. This includes service learning opportunities and activities that connect the students to the community. Students are encouraged to find service opportunities and use their advocacy skills to meet a need in their community. For example, one of the assignments for my Foundations course is to conduct an interview with a professional counselor working in the field and explore the needs of the surrounding community. This allows students to explore different specialties, network with professionals, and explore the diverse make up and needs of a community. We then have discussions on what best practices and service learning activities can be used to best meet these needs. Turning theory into practice strengthens the connection between classroom learning and community service.
Feedback
Feedback is essential in helping me improve and refine my teaching. Here are some selected student evaluation comments I've received throughout the years: Student Evaluations
Teaching Interests: Abnormal Psych. & DSM 5; Evaluation Methodologies; Parent Education; School Consultation; Creative Arts in Counseling; Professional Identity; Lifespan Development Issues; Development of School Counseling Programs; Supervision and Internship; Expressive Arts Therapy: Group Work and Dynamics
