Teaching philosophyThere are a few crucial learning objectives that I strive to deliver when teaching. One is conveying my passion for Biology and eliciting that same passion and wonder from my students. Secondly, I hope to establish very firmly the fundamental concepts of biology and the scientific method, so that they can serve as building blocks to any career that my students choose to pursue. Last but not least, I believe that concepts in biological sciences are like a million-piece puzzle, the understanding and resolution of which require problem-solving skills, persistence, grit and the ability to adapt and learn new things every day. When assessing my different teaching styles for impact, lectures that are often interactive or perhaps those that follow the hybrid-flipped classroom model have been the most impactful. A flipped class provides several advantages, it enables the students to familiarize themselves with the material prior to class, and an interactive lecture reinforces some concepts while dispelling some other misconceptions. Further work assigned in class helps with crystallizing of concepts. For biology and related sciences, lab classes or research experiences are exemplary avenues for solidifying concepts learned in lecture and for understanding the scientific method. A group of 4-5 students will have my undivided attention as they work through the assigned experiment testing their problem-solving skills, while encouraging collaborations and discussion amongst peers, which is another milestone essential to biological sciences. I create a safe and supportive learning environment by learning about my students and encouraging questions and enforcing at the very outset that no question is a bad question. This also increases student engagement, which is critical in this digital age. I also firmly believe that there is no one perfect formula to teaching effectively, different students require different approaches, so I tailor and adapt my teaching strategy both in classrooms and in labs based on my audience.
Courses I teach at Fisk University
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Some examples of the fun we have in class
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