TEACHING FOLIO
My Teaching Folio
I'm Dr. Dilshad Abduljabbar Haleem, and I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience in water resource engineering with the next generation of engineers. This Teaching Folio offers a glimpse into my approach to teaching, the subjects I cover, and the experiences that have shaped my journey as an educator.
My Teaching Philosophy
At the heart of my teaching philosophy lies the belief that effective learning is an interactive process. I strive to create a stimulating classroom environment where students are not just passive listeners but active participants. This means encouraging questions, discussions, and hands-on activities that solidify theoretical concepts and foster critical thinking skills.
A Seasoned Educator
Since joining the University of Duhok as a faculty member in 2004, I've had the privilege of guiding students through various water resource engineering courses. My teaching experience has allowed me to refine my methods and adapt them to cater to diverse learning styles.
The Depths of Water Resource Engineering
My teaching repertoire encompasses a broad range of subjects within the realm of water resource engineering. These include:
Hydrology (focusing on the study of water movement and its distribution)
Hydraulics (exploring the behaviour of fluids in motion)
Water Resources Management (addressing the sustainable development and use of water resources)
Water Treatment (delving into the processes of purifying water for consumption and irrigation)
Learning that Lasts
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is witnessing those "aha" moments when a complex concept suddenly clicks for a student. I vividly recall a student who initially struggled with water flow calculations. Through personalized guidance and real-world examples, they finally grasped the principles and went on to excel in the course. These moments fuel my passion for teaching and remind me of the lasting impact educators can have.
Meeting Students Where They Are
I believe in a student-centred approach. I take the time to understand each student's strengths and weaknesses, tailoring my teaching methods to cater to their individual learning needs. This may involve providing additional support for those who require it, or offering challenging projects to stimulate advanced students. Ultimately, my goal is to empower every student to reach their full potential.
A Commitment to Growth
Just as I encourage my students to embrace lifelong learning, I am committed to continuous professional development. I actively participate in faculty training workshops and conferences, staying current with the latest advancements in water resource engineering pedagogy and research.
The Power of Effective Teaching
Evidence of teaching effectiveness is multifaceted. Positive student evaluations are always gratifying, but I also value seeing my students excel in their chosen fields. Several of my former students have gone on to secure prestigious positions in water resource management agencies and consultancies, a testament to the strong foundation they received in my courses.
A Journey of Discovery
Teaching is far more than just imparting knowledge; it's about igniting a passion for learning. I am honoured to be a part of my students' educational journey, and I look forward to guiding them as they navigate the exciting and ever-evolving world of water resource engineering. Feel free to explore the other sections of my Academic Digital Portfolio to learn more about my research and administrative endeavours.
A Teaching Philosophy Testimony
A Student's Perspective: Dr. Haleem's Interactive Classroom
Forget rote memorization! Dr. Haleem's water resource engineering class was a thrilling deep dive into real-world problems. We weren't passive listeners; we were warriors in an interactive battleground, tackling complex scenarios like failing irrigation systems in developing countries. One minute we'd analyse case studies, the next we'd brainstorm solutions using cutting-edge software.
His passion for the field was contagious. He wasn't just explaining concepts, he was sharing his excitement about the potential of water resource engineering to solve global issues. This ignited a fire in many of us, myself included. But Dr. Haleem wasn't just about grand ideas. He cared about our individual understanding. He encouraged questions, challenged assumptions, and welcomed us into his open-door office for extra guidance.
The most valuable aspect? His research focus. He didn't just present established theories; he brought research to life by sharing his work on wavelet-based modelling and its applications. He even involved some of us in his projects, giving us a taste of the research world. Dr. Haleem's teaching wasn't just about knowledge transfer; it was about empowering us to become critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and future water resource innovators. He equipped us with the skills to not only understand the challenges, but also develop creative solutions for a sustainable water future. And for that, I'm incredibly grateful.