Teaching Philosophy

I have found that students are best motivated by practical coursework applications. Towards this end, I intentionally structure my courses to develop the science-practitioner model. At the beginning of every course, I survey students to get an initial understanding of their backgrounds and interests. I attempt to gather information and use it as a tool to help them understand the importance of collecting data and emphasizing the end-users in their projects. This survey not only provides me information as an instructor, but I also use it as a tool to discuss statistics and data analysis methods with my students. I encourage students to be self-directed learners and to embrace the ability to grow and learn. I strive to make students active participants in their learning process because autonomy helps foster their growth. Towards this end, I intentionally seek to integrate activities and opportunities for students to explore and learn in a safe environment, with the opportunity to practice newly acquired skills through experiential methods. Students are not passive learners in my classroom.