Cultivating Knowledge: My Teaching Philosophy

Welcome, fellow academics and future horticulturalists! For over two decades, I've had the privilege of fostering a love for horticulture in students at the University of Duhok.  This journey has instilled a deep belief in the power of education to empower and inspire. Today, I'm excited to share my teaching philosophy, a blend of experience and personal conviction, designed to make your learning journey as enriching as possible. 

Education: A Journey, Not a Destination

Education, at its core, is a journey of exploration and discovery.  As Aristotle said, it's about "exercising all the faculties to the fullest extent."  Think of it as nurturing the potential within each student to become a well-rounded contributor to society.  My role, then, is to act as a guide, fostering a love for learning and the tools needed to navigate the fascinating world of horticulture.

Learning: A Collaborative Exploration

I view education as a two-way street, a collaborative exploration where both student and teacher actively participate.  Gone are the days of rote memorization and passive lectures.  My classrooms are vibrant spaces for discussion, where I encourage questions, diverse perspectives, and a healthy dose of curiosity.  By delving into the "why" behind the "what," we start on a deeper understanding of the fascinating world of horticulture.

Unlocking Potential: A Student-Centred Approach

Learning is a two-way street. Gone are the days of passive lectures!  My classroom is a dynamic space where active participation is encouraged.  Through discussions, group projects, and hands-on activities, I aim to "enter the student's mind" (Langeveld) and understand their unique perspectives.  This allows me to tailor my teaching methods to individual learning styles, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Continuous Growth: A Lifelong Learner

Just like my students, I believe in the power of continuous learning.  As Socrates reminds us, "education is the bringing out of the ideas of universal validity."  Therefore, I am constantly exploring new research, pedagogical approaches, and technologies to enhance my teaching.

A Glimpse into the Orchard: Courses I Teach

Over the years, I've had the privilege of teaching a diverse range of courses within the Department of Horticulture at Duhok University. Here's a taste of some of the exciting subjects I cover:

• Stone Fruits Production: Dive deep into the world of peaches, apricots, and other delicious stone fruits, learning everything from planting and propagation to pruning and harvesting.

• Design and Analysis of Agricultural Experiments: Master the art of agricultural research, equipping yourself with the skills to design and analyse experiments using powerful software like SAS and Excel.

• Deciduous Fruit Production 2: Expand your knowledge beyond stone fruits by exploring the fascinating realm of fig, pomegranate, and a variety of other deciduous trees.

• Small Fruit Production: Learn the intricacies of cultivating delicious berries like strawberries and raspberries, mastering techniques for planting, propagation, and marketing.

• Biostatistics: Unleash the power of statistics in agriculture, equipping yourself with the ability to collect, analyse, and interpret data using cutting-edge software and manual methods.

Sharing the Harvest: A Passion for Collaboration

I consider myself fortunate to be part of such a vibrant academic community.  I firmly believe in the power of collaboration, and I'm always eager to connect with fellow educators and students to share knowledge and inspire one another.

Feel free to explore this website further and discover more about my teaching philosophy, research interests, and publications.  If you have any questions or simply want to chat about the wonderful world of horticulture, don't hesitate to reach out!

Welcome to the Orchard of Knowledge

This website serves as a window into my teaching philosophy and the courses I offer.  Whether you're a budding horticulturist or an experienced student, I invite you to join me in this exciting journey of discovery.  Let's explore the wonders of horticulture together!