Teaching Philosophy Statement

My teaching philosophy is grounded in the constructivist approach, which views learning as an active process where students develop their understanding through experience and critical reflection. This perspective was reinforced by participating in a pedagogical theory and practice course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Through this course, I reflected on my experiences as a student and a teaching assistant. I strive to create a classroom where students feel empowered to challenge preconceived notions, think critically, and engage in meaningful discussions. To achieve this, I center my teaching practice around three core principles: engaging students in collaborative tasks, encouraging critical thinking, and cultivating an environment of reflection.

Engaging Students in Collaborative Tasks: I believe in the adage that ‘No one is an island,’ which generally applies to our interconnected world in life and learning. The idea is that we need others to thrive. This applies to the learning environment as students learn from each other by allowing students to share different perspectives. As a teaching assistant, I implement collaborative exercises like group projects/presentations in my course design. For example, as a teaching assistant, I utilized collaborative classroom exercises, ranging from group discussions/presentations to debates. These activities provide an avenue for students to share their perspectives and vice versa. This exchange of perspective promotes critical thinking as they are encouraged to analyze. This approach aligns with my second teaching practice, which focuses on fostering critical thinking skills.

Encouraging Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is essential for students to acquire the appropriate skills necessary for evaluation. I encourage students to challenge assumptions and evaluate evidence. For example, during group discussions, I often give students additional time to think through their thoughts before opening them up for general class discussion. It is also important for students to absorb the information given and think through it critically. I welcome students to share additional thoughts and ask questions during this phase. This encourages independent reasoning skills and prepares students to apply their knowledge.

Cultivating an Environment of Reflection: Reflection is an integral part of learning. Students can hold themselves accountable for their learning by reflecting on the materials. To support this, I engage students in verbal or written reflective exercises, where they are encouraged to articulate their thoughts. For instance, before and after the start of a class session, students are asked to reflect on the materials. Through these exercises, students will practice organizing and expressing their thoughts concisely, a valuable skill in academic and professional contexts.

By integrating these strategies into my teaching philosophy, I aim to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment that empowers students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and reflect on their experiences. This approach not only enhances their academic skills but also prepares them for success in their future endeavors. With my experiences working as a teaching assistant (both online and in-person), I have learned the importance of creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment. I have seen how students can thrive by encouraging active participation. This experience taught me to prioritize clear communication, provide timely feedback, and use appropriate tools to enhance learning.