A) Teaching Philosophy

My values and beliefs about teaching:

My core philosophy of learning is that it is a ‘Life Long' undertaking that, ideally, empowers individuals to meet their needs and fulfil their potential whilst upholding respect for themselves, others, organisations, society and our natural environment. For me learning, and at times unlearning, is foundational to our continued growth as an individual and social being.

Thus, I believe it is foundational to learn how to care for our self, others and our environment, how to connect and establish positive sustainable relationships, how to be creative and contribute positively to our society. This includes learning intrapersonal skills such as self-awareness, self-communication, self-understanding, how to learn, and how to think, as well as interpersonal skills such as relationship skills, co-operation, teamwork, collaboration, social understanding and effective operation within society. In short skills to enable us to be resourceful in meeting our needs. I believe languages, literacy, numeracy, financial literacy, power literacy and caring for our natural environment are key for successful social operation in our globalising society.

My personal values are respect, empowerment and authenticity. I value health and wellbeing as they provided the foundation for life and reaching for ones personal best.

What do I mean by learning?

Learning is an interactive process that promotes the integration of new information and development of skills. It requires an open and curious mindset. Ideally this learning process is in one’s best interest and enables empowerment to meet one’s basic and complex needs and desires, to live a rewarding life and fulfil one's potential as a positive, respectful and contributing members of society. This is consistent with supporting others to reach their personal best.

What happens in a successful learning situation? (How I practice teaching)

In line with my personal value of respect, I endeavour to create a safe and comfortable learning environment by supporting compassionate communication, providing clear statements of expectations, learning objectives, empowering feedback and encouragement.

I encourage relevant self-directed learning, supported by the provision of clear guidelines, whilst promoting challenge through knowing the students and scaffolding to adapt to individual needs. Also by aiming to ensure the program is relevant and thus connects with the learners, who with the gained knowledge and skills are empowered to act in purposeful manner. That is, I use a 'connect and understand for action' approach. I aim to increase 'life long' learning, ‘flow’ experiences, enhance self-discipline and personal achievement.

I am conscious of my role as model for those around me, thus I strive to reach my own potential, practicing my values with kindness and caring.

Further, I have a strong interest in compassionate and non-violent communication, co-operation, collaboration, neurosciences, positive psychology, emotional and social intelligence. As a consequence I endeavour to integrate related strategies into my teaching practice.