preview

The Statement Of Teaching Philosophy

Better Essays

Statement of Teaching Philosophy Michael Robb, Ph.D. January 2015 Undergraduates in introductory psychology courses are often fascinated by the unique experiments and observations that reveal insights into human nature. It can be challenging, but also more rewarding, to help students understand the theories that try to make sense out of research. However, when students are able to understand psychological and educational theory, they are better able to construct the story of the human experience from birth through adulthood. As a teacher, the value and excitement lies in connecting the research and theory to students’ own lives, and to their professional development. To the extent that my teaching supports content knowledge, but also an …show more content…

In my experience, I have noticed two types of people who work in children’s media: the producers, who create the product, and the educational and psychological advisers, who guide using their academic background. However, there are very few people who do both. In my opinion, this disconnect hurts the product and lessens its impact on the desired audience – children, families, and teachers. My work history has been a journey exploring how to integrate and apply my academic background in ways that positively impact people’s lives, and it is why being an effective teacher means more than just equipping students with information. I believe it is vital to purposefully and thoughtfully connect coursework with practical applications, and equip students with the intellectual tools to foster critical thinking and life-long learning. These tools, rather than specific facts, are increasingly important and valuable in the job market and for later life success, where new information can rapidly alter how we understand scientific data. Many students graduate college without these tools, and I believe these individuals are dramatically limited in their ability to participate in, and with, the dynamic pace of modern society. On the other hand, students with these intellectual resources are prepared to not only participate in, but play

Get Access