Reflections
Teaching, to me, is part art and part science. I mean that literally because art supplies are often part of my teaching--I started my professional career as a preschool teacher. While training to be a preschool teacher, I embraced Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and my role as facilitator of self-actualization. I continue to believe it is my primary purpose as an educator. I also strive to be a better teacher today than I was yesterday in order to reach a higher level of self actualization myself.
I believe my strengths are in the flipped-classroom instructional method. As a preschool teacher, my classroom was flipped--I never lectured to 3 year olds and all our activities were hands-on! I've been able to use that hands-on perspective in the college classroom to create activities that apply knowledge in real-world situations. Exemplars: Learning Activities contains examples of my flipped classroom activities. I work particularly hard to develop a positive relationship with students. I believe teaching is a relationship based activity--as is nursing. The better the relationship, the better the learning. What makes a "better" relationship? A relationship based on trust and individualized to support the learner (be it a student or a patient) in building self-esteem and achieving self-actualization. Exemplars: Feedback contains examples of activities I use to connect with students and feedback on student experiences. Scholarship of teaching is the practice of professional teaching. It involves integrating the content expertise and teaching skills to facilitate learning. I continually strive to improve both my content and teaching knowledge and skill. It is the area in which I feel I can learn and develop the most. I strive to incorporate new teaching methodologies, revise content to reflect current research, and respond to student feedback to improve the learning experience. Through Professional Development, I stay up-to-date on current teaching and nursing practice to ensure lectures are accurate and activities reflect best practice. Advising in area in which I would like to focus my professional development. |
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
"The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something." |
Proudly powered by Weebly