Teaching Philosophy

One of my major goals as a science educator is to demonstrate the relevance of biology to students. Since biology is the study of life itself, it is easy to demonstrate the significance of biological concepts, but I try to customize each class by giving examples based on the specific interests of students. Since students' interests vary, especially in a non-majors course, I begin each course by asking students what they would like to learn about. Throughout the semester I integrate those topics that are most requested by the students, and also include examples from my own research. For example, in an introductory biology course, several students wanted to learn more about human diseases, a very popular topic. Throughout the course, I talked about several different diseases, integrating them into a variety of course topics including molecular cloning, genetics, and human reproduction. I believe that by piquing students' curiosity in the classroom, they will be motivated to learn more about biology on their own.

I believe that my role in the classroom is to provide a framework of knowledge upon which students can build, and to describe some examples of relevant applications. In order to help students begin to think like a scientist, I encourage them to form hypotheses and discover knowledge on their own. One way that I achieve this is through the use of case studies. After presenting students with some basic information about a subject, they meet in small groups to work through a real life scenario. Students must analyze information and apply their knowledge to solve a pertinent problem. To add interest to the topic of molecular cloning, for example, I created a case involving the creation of recombinant protein vaccines for the prevention of a disease affecting our soldiers in Iraq. Students learned about the principles of antibodies and vaccines and were introduced to an important pathogen, in addition to a relevant application of recombinant cloning. Student feedback has been very positive regarding the case studies, and my students look forward to them as a welcome break from the traditional lecture format and for the opportunity to discuss concepts in a group environment.

While the main focus of my teaching will always be to educate the students, I also hope to continue my own education through my teaching experiences. By creating an atmosphere of trust and honesty in the classroom, I hope that students will be open to share with me how they feel the class could be improved. I strive to improve my courses by conducting mid-semester evaluations. In addition to providing me with valuable feedback, this also gives students a chance to be heard and makes them feel more invested in the course. By considering students' interests, listening to their feedback and presenting them with relevant applications of biological principles, I create for my students a unique and customized learning experience that leaves them with a greater appreciation for the fascinating world of biology.