What is your teaching philosophy?

As an educator, I strive to encourage excellence in my students and myself. Course material should be challenging, interactive, and relevant to current issues and events. I believe that using a variety of multimedia including the latest technology is an effective away to complement traditional course lectures. I feel that I can encourage students to seek new knowledge and explore their own ideas by an enthusiastic presentation of both what is, and what is not known about subjects. Using real world examples brings new knowledge that will be useful and effective once my students are required to use these skills in the real world. It is important to be prepared and have the relative understanding of what is happening in any business situation. Education is the best method to prepare students for a variety of scenarios. In my interactions with students, I endeavor always to be respectful, especially when dealing with differing opinions that may arise as a product of the subject on which we are working. I want my students to learn to think critically, not merely to accept my ideas and opinions. Two-way communication is key to increased development of critical thought of both students and teachers. This will allow me to continually improve my teaching methods and to help me grow as an educator. My drive to pursue higher education and become successful in business was due in part to several teachers who inspired me and helped me learn the skills necessary to accomplish these goals. I would like to be a catalyst for other people to pursue their dreams and encourage them to go beyond the basic requirements of coursework. In order for someone to have an experience with some subject, there has to be a deep connection made in the mind of the person having the experience. This connection is often life changing and leads to a deeper understanding of a subject. Of course there is a difference between simply experience something and having an experience with it. The teachers’ goal should be to create the atmosphere in which students are able to have an experience with learning the subject or topic at hand. Education provides the tools to make informed decision, synthesize ideas, and critically evaluate relevant issues in the business community. I believe that the idea of being a lifelong learner can only be instilled in the students if the teacher is himself or herself a lifelong learner. Teachers must be attentive to learning the unique characteristics and also the needs of their students. With a passion to educate and inspire, a teacher can challenge their students to excel, and in turn, possibly inspire their students to become lifelong learners.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

Say hello and get to know the student.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Suggest resources to look up new information. Offer ideas to seek other areas to find out more information about the subject matter.