Heidi

Certified Tutor

I believe the fundamental goal of teaching is to foster learning. Learning takes place in many different contexts. Although everyone is capable of learning, a student's desire to learn is a vital pre-condition to effectively master new concepts and skills. I feel I can influence a student's desire to absorb information by understanding their learning style. People have multiple learning styles: some learn best in lecture atmospheres, some are more engaged by discussion, and others absorb knowledge best when they read and reflect on what they have read. The classroom setting can encourage or inhibit learning depending on the dominant learning style of each student. Accommodating different learning styles creates an atmosphere that is conducive to learning.

In addition to addressing different learning styles, flexibility is also a critical component to teaching. As an instructor, it is my job to ensure that learning is taking place all the time which is accomplished by breaking down barriers and observing my student's behaviors. While being prepared for class is critical, it is important to be able to deviate from the plan in order to ensure learning is taking place. No two students or classes are the same and what worked for one class may not be as effective for another class. Even from one class session to another, their mood can change. Students have a lot of on their plate, and sometimes they will come to class energized while other days they may be disengaged. I feel it is my job to identify these moments and adapt the lessons to re-engage them, maximizing our learning opportunities.

I see my job as a facilitator because I am creating an atmosphere of learning by guiding students and encouraging their participation through both in-class discussions and online discussion boards. I encourage learning by creating a relaxed environment for students, stimulating conversation about concepts being presented, and organizing material in a way that makes it easiest to understand. I treat subject matter as interconnected, emphasizing that everything students are learning fits together into a holistic understanding of the world, from which they develop their own personal worldview. This approach is accomplished by bringing in real world projects to my classes. When students work on a project that connects to the course material but also has real-life practicality, they put greater effort into their final product. They appreciate the chance to work on something that will be used by an organization (e.g., Submitting real grant applications) rather than just filed away or discarded.

One of the most important concepts I hope to impart to students is that learning is a process that never ends. For me, the learning process includes improving myself professionally. I want to read more about formal learning theories to expand my understanding of how learning takes place. As I continue to instruct classes, I also aim to enhance my comfort and confidence in front of classrooms and audiences. Finally, I plan to experiment with different methods and means of presenting information to classes in order to improve the learning atmosphere I create for my students. I continue to grow my professional network and share best practices with colleagues whenever possible in an order to keep my material relevant and adapt with the times.

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."
- W.B. Yeats