Over last four years of teaching first as a TA and then as an instructor, I became more aware of the limited attention span and limited classroom participation present in students. Student engagement therefore became the primary focus of my teaching philosophy. My focus is not only limited to show how make things work, i.e. solve a problem, apply the right equation, or follow the correct methodology, but to constantly show how to learn through failure, determine ways to correct them and critically evaluate factors that inhibit their cognitive abilities. Factors could range from limited attention span (given the constant exposure to electronic and social media) to personal issues.
While a student seeks to invest into one's future with college education, I realized from my experience that merely presenting ideas on paper, slides or board would fall short to generate substantial interest in the topic. Rather it involved asking them to define a term, explain and formulate a concept in their own words, determine corrective actions and relate to other modules. I believe it is essential to develop material and curriculum, where students view them as an investment in their future whether at work, industry, research and academic environment.
Education transforms individuals.
I believe that no one should be left behind when it comes to seeking quality education, since that gives one the chance to rewrite one's future, overcoming challenges and limitations of the past. As scientific development progresses with freedom of thought, my role as an instructor serves to build a platform to help them gain comprehension, followed by analyzing essential processes, apply in diverse set of situations and finally evaluate them based off informed decision-making that comes from gaining essential skills from continued practice and training. Therefore my primary role as an instructor is that of a compassionate, reliable guide.
