Teaching Philosophy

I firmly believe in the long term success of student centered learning. Effectively designed courses are structured around the theory of "student-centered learning." This term is more of a broad umbrella to describe approaches to learning that actively pull a student into the process of learning. Student-centered learning is derived from theories that contrast with the model of the "expert teacher" learning model in which students passively receive valid information from a professor.

If we contrast student-learning with traditional lecture-based models of learning, we see that the change involves a shift in power. In general, student-centered learning positions the instructor as a facilitator of student learning, rather than the deliverer of expert information. Rather than delivering expertise directly to students, an instructor effectively utilizes that expertise to guide students through a process to meet learning objectives. Student-centered learning also requires more accountability from the student, as the process of learning does not move forward without the student's active engagement in the inquiry process. The core elements of Student-centered learning are:

• The learner has full responsibility for her/his learning
• Involvement and participation are necessary for learning
• The relationship between learners is more equal, promoting growth, development
• The teacher becomes a facilitator and resource person
• The learner experiences confluence in his education (affective and cognitive domains flow together)
• The learner sees himself differently as a result of the learning experience

Research has validated the legitimacy of student-centered learning for online courses since their inception. Student-centered learning is less bound by a physical time and place and its reliance on clearly structured, articulated goals and measurable competencies translate into an effective learning experience.

Student-centered objectives clearly articulate what behaviors or products the student will be able to demonstrate after the learning has occurred. When a student is learning in physical isolation, understanding exactly what you will be held accountable for and having a clear vision of your objectives is important to encourage success and continued engagement.