Teaching

My Philosophy in Teaching

I view my primary goal as a teacher as one of helping students to become independent and creative thinkers. In Chemistry, as in most science disciplines, students are taught material principally through a discussion of how to solve problems. Unfortunately, students have a tendency to interpret this emphasis on solving problems as list of ways to get the right answer. While getting the right answer is important, I prefer to focus on the problem-solving methodologies themselves. To this end, I try to use approaches that help students conceptualize, interpret, and relate ideas and observations to the larger body of knowledge that they have already assembled. In short, I try to help my students develop the critical thinking skills that form the basis of how chemists think. In so doing, I hope to also help them develop a stronger sense of self-confidence, an appreciation for the role that chemistry plays in our everyday lives, and a set of physical problem-solving tools that will be beneficial in many other disciplines. I enjoy teaching and enjoy the material, and strive to make class an interactive and energetic place.