Teaching

I firmly believe that a teacher's role goes beyond merely imparting knowledge; it's about equipping students with the essential tools they need to thrive in both their academic journey and life beyond the classroom walls. As an educator, my ultimate goal is for my students to not only grasp the profound significance of what they're learning but also to apply it meaningfully in their daily lives, regardless of the career path they choose. I aspire to ignite a genuine passion for the subject within them, empowering them to share their newfound interest and knowledge with others.

Creating tools to become lifelong learners

My ultimate goal as an educator is to instill confidence in my students by the end of the course. In the dynamic field of biomedical sciences, the ability to effectively present data and connect various learning modules is crucial; after all, biology doesn't exist in isolation. The pinnacle of my teaching success lies in igniting a genuine passion for the subject, making each class both relevant and engaging.

To facilitate this learning journey, I employ a hands-on approach, providing students with numerous examples to emulate. I believe that imitation is often the most effective learning method, and to imitate successfully, one needs clear models. If a student is unfamiliar with a particular software, I demonstrate its usage and provide a step-by-step guide for data processing. To reinforce their understanding, I assign practical exercises—because practice truly does make perfect! Importantly, I provide immediate feedback on these exercises, bolstering students' confidence and enabling them to tackle more complex tasks with ease.

For instance, introducing students to the intricate world of scientific papers can be daunting. To demystify this process, I've developed a strategy called "Become a Reviewer." In this exercise, students review one or two figures from a research paper, focusing on the rationale behind the experiment, the techniques employed, and the appropriateness of the controls. The ease with which students master this analytical skill has been nothing short of astonishing. What was once a source of anxiety and confusion becomes a clear and straightforward process, equipping them with a valuable tool for dissecting any scientific literature.

Assessment strategies must be tailored to the task at hand. Whether it's summarizing a research paper or describing a specific figure in detail, I ensure that the assessments directly measure their comprehension and analytical skills. Recently, I had the opportunity to assist in a class that utilized Team-Based Assessments, which proved to be incredibly effective, especially in the medical field. For instance, students collaborate in pairs, each analyzing different research papers and then explaining the figures to one another before jointly writing about them.

One of the most enriching exercises for students is designing their own experiments. After presenting them with a problem, students select the appropriate techniques, devise controls, and create mock-up graphs of the data. This exercise encourages critical thinking and fosters connections between various course topics, allowing students to experience what it's like "to be a real scientist" right in the classroom.

Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive regarding this hands-on and practical approach to learning. By engaging them in active learning experiences and providing timely feedback, I aim to empower my students to become confident, analytical, and passionate scientists in their own right.

Feeling accepted in the classroom

To foster an inclusive learning environment where every student feels confident, I believe in sharing my own vulnerabilities and the challenges I've faced over the years. By doing so, I demonstrate that obstacles are not setbacks but opportunities to discover one's own strengths. Addressing the inclusivity policy at the outset of the course is also appreciated by students. I make it a point to highlight the resources available on campus and position myself as a guide to direct them to the help they may require.

Approaching sensitive issues from a scientific perspective can be enlightening. This approach removes personal biases and presents facts as they truly are, often debunking popular myths and stigmas. Integrating current events into the curriculum helps students feel acknowledged and understood. For instance, discussing the rising stress levels in American classrooms or the stress associated with financial hardships can resonate deeply with them. I select relevant research papers on topics such as gender discrimination and its impact on mental health to further enrich our discussions.

To ensure that my inclusivity efforts are effective, I occasionally administer a mid-course survey to gather feedback from students. This allows me to adapt and tailor my teaching methods to better meet the needs of my diverse audience.