Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is rooted in a student-centered approach that fosters growth and development in an inclusive and supportive environment. I organize my teaching approach into three core principles: promoting interaction and discussion, integrating interdisciplinary perspectives, and encouraging effort by providing support both inside and outside the classroom.

Interaction and Discussion

The cornerstone of my teaching philosophy is active student interaction. Lectures alone are not as engaging or stimulating as directed, on-topic discussions. To this end, I employ a flipped classroom model in most of my courses, where students watch recorded lectures before class, freeing in-class time for discussions and collaborative assignments. I encourage students to speak up, ask questions, and share their experiences and knowledge, creating a dynamic learning environment.

Teaching sensitive topics, such as human sexuality or cross-cultural psychology, requires a delicate balance. I approach these discussions with caution to ensure a safe and respectful atmosphere, while also recognizing the value of addressing sensitive subjects to promote intellectual growth and understanding. At The University of Olivet, the diversity of students—spanning racial, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds—enhances the learning experience. I strive to create an inclusive classroom where this diversity is leveraged to broaden perspectives and enrich discussions.

Interdisciplinary Integration

Psychology is inherently multidisciplinary, and I believe in incorporating a broad range of perspectives into my courses to enhance students' understanding and personal development. Specifically, I adopt a comparative, cross-cultural, and evolutionary approach in my teaching.

1. Comparative Approach: By examining animal models alongside human behavior, students gain insights into the biological and developmental underpinnings of psychology.

2. Cross-Cultural Perspective: Understanding whether a behavior is a human universal or shaped by cultural and environmental factors is essential. I integrate cross-cultural examples to deepen students' comprehension of psychological concepts.

3. Evolutionary Framework: Evolutionary theory helps students explore the “why” behind behaviors, particularly those that may seem maladaptive in modern contexts. Including evolutionary insights provides a richer understanding of human behavior and its origins.

This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students see beyond the immediate scope of the course and appreciate the interconnectedness of psychology with other fields.

Encouraging Effort and Providing Support

A central tenet of my teaching philosophy is that students gain as much from a course as they are willing to invest. For motivated students who put in the effort, I am committed to going above and beyond to support their success. I regularly meet with students outside of class and office hours to provide additional instruction and support. I emphasize to my students that they can come to me with any challenges they face, and I work collaboratively with them to find effective solutions.

For students who struggle with motivation, I incorporate psychological techniques and external motivators to help inspire and engage them. My goal is to create a supportive environment that fosters both effort and achievement, ensuring that all students can succeed.

Conclusion

To summarize, my teaching philosophy is guided by three principles: fostering interaction, integrating interdisciplinary perspectives, and encouraging effort through support. In my classroom, students are encouraged to engage actively, share their diverse experiences, and explore the material through a multifaceted lens. By emphasizing a student-first approach, I aim to create an environment where students grow academically and personally, equipping them for success beyond the classroom.