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Dr.
G.s Teaching Philosophy |
To
know it is to understand why.... |
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I believe that
education involves four separate but interdependent factors. When I plan
any course I teach, I have all four factors in mind. The factors are:
++Acquiring or enhancing academic values (Among the academic values I
include honesty, objectivity, accuracy, thoroughness, and being
systematic.)
++Acquiring knowledge of a particular discipline (In my courses, the
discipline is psychology and knowledge of it involves learning methods of
inquiry, theories, principles, facts, and applications.)
++Improving the ability to learn independently (To learn independently,
one must be able to seek out relevant information and, having done so, one
must be able to read, analyze, organize, and synthesize that information.)
++Refining communication skills (Being educated implies that one be able
to write and speak in a logical, clear and effective manner.)
As a teacher, it has been my observation that many students need
additional practice to become strong, critical, fearless, independent
readers. Because I believe that reading ability contributes to all four
factors described above, I stress independent reading in all my courses. |