The importance of education has always been ingrained in my identity. It all started with my grandmother, a lifelong educator, who instilled in me the value of knowledge extending beyond textbooks. She taught me invaluable life lessons, including how to be a productive and contributing member of society. I hold the memory of my grandmother close, as she was not only my first but also my most influential teacher.

         From a young age, I knew attending college was my aspiration. Neither of my parents had pursued higher education, so I would have been the first in my immediate family to earn a degree. However, a persistent cloud of doubt loomed over my academic future due to my learning disability, dyslexia. It fueled my fears and anxieties, creating doubt in myself and my abilities. In fourth grade, my teacher played a crucial role in alleviating those worries. Their unwavering support and consistent reminders that dyslexia did not define my intelligence reassured me. With determination and hard work, I could overcome any challenge. Their belief in me and constant encouragement gave me the confidence to strive harder to reach my goals. Since that transformative experience, I have sought to ignite the same flame of confidence and drive in others.

         Considering my learning style, I am naturally drawn toward two learning theories: Constructivism and Cognitivism. Constructivism holds immense value, especially in higher education and among adult learners. It considers the students’ background and past experiences. I am a hands-on learner, and I strongly believe in problem-based learning, where real-world problems or scenarios are presented to students, requiring them to apply the knowledge acquired from the classroom alongside their personal experiences. This approach encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, allowing students to understand the subject matter better.

         Again, drawing from my personal experiences, I am a firm believer in Cognitivism in education. This theory emphasizes the importance of tailoring instructional methods to suit individual learners, enhancing their chances of success. Two of the many instructional approaches stand out: problem-solving activities and case studies. These approaches engage learners in cognitive processes such as analysis, utilization of critical thinking skills, and the practical application of knowledge. As an instructor, it is vitally important to strike the right balance of content, avoiding overwhelming the learners and fostering an optimal learning environment. Examples provided for both Constructivism and Cognitivism have been thoroughly researched regarding their effectiveness in the classroom.

         As an instructor, it is essential to assess the learners’ comprehension and the effectiveness of the instruction provided. I strongly advocate for conducting immediate post-instruction evaluations encompassing a comprehensive review of the learning objectives, the overall learning experience, and the instructor's effectiveness. To ensure a straightforward and robust evaluation process, it is crucial to clearly define the desired outcomes and establish measurable metrics. Considerable thought must be given to tailoring evaluations to align with the delivery style, whether in-person, synchronous, or asynchronous.

         My journey has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the transformative power of education. I can create an inclusive and empowering learning environment by incorporating the principles of Constructivism and Cognitivism into my teaching philosophy. I am committed to helping all learners thrive by providing individualized support and establishing strong interpersonal relationships. I am dedicated to evaluating the effectiveness of my instruction and continually improving my teaching methods. Through the power of education, we can improve the lives of our learners and contribute to building a better society.