I am a passionate and strong supporter of academic integrity and teaching excellence. I believe that it is the purpose of today’s professors like me to protect high educational standards and reach quality learning outcomes, as well as ensure the satisfaction of students with their learning process. This is what motivates me to teach as I am a very socially responsible person and like to help people. Graduation of students is my main goal as nobody should need to drop out of their academic program. I am here to ensure that every student crosses the finish line.
As a professor, I support the transformational learning approach. I am a coach and a vessel for learning. To me transformational learning is a process of getting beyond gaining only factual knowledge to also change by what one learns in some meaningful way. I believe that true learning is a transformation that takes place between a professor and a student, as well as between students themselves within a collegial learning community. In this process, all parties are transformed. It is the responsibility of the teacher to ensure that the student experiences a positive educational transformation. I also believe in constructivism, andragogy, and adult learning theory especially when teaching nontraditional students in an online environment. I use these models and theories to advance my students’ learning and to provide them a positive learning experience.
I also feel that good learning must be participative, and learner centered. Learners learn better when they are active participants in their own learning process. The interaction within the learning environment is a vital part of the learning process, alone with field experiments and other practical learning experiences when possible. Effective use of multimedia is also important, as well as catering to different learning styles and accommodating the needs of students’ busy lifestyles. Today’s learners are diverse, and this diversity must be acknowledged and embraced in critical group discussions and activities. Learners learn from each other and sharing personal experiences to apply and understand learning concepts is very important. I am here to empower my students and to help them to gain self-efficacy. My role is to make their learning engaging, effective, and efficient.
Learning should be applied so that learners learn the real skills needed by their employers in today’s demanding jobs. Core job requirements are an essential building block, and it is important for learners to be able to build independent worldviews and be critical thinkers, as well as develop their character. I also feel that good teaching utilizes blended delivery models. Online learning can supplement regular classroom learning in many beneficial ways. I am very experienced and knowledgeable about the state-of-the-art learning technologies and feel that these should be integrated into our teaching methodologies to meet the needs of the new generations.
In the end, teaching is serving. My knowledge and expertise are only as good as my ability to transfer knowledge to others. It is my task to help students to learn and to apply what they have learned to their work and life. I am here to improve their lives, and to open their eyes to lifelong learning.
