Train, Challenge, then Release
My primary aspiration as a mentor/teacher is to teach by example the benefits to being a lifelong learner. The side benefit from this perspective is that I am aware that new teaching strategies and novel educational tools are continuously being developed, or that at any time I may discover my existing methods are not fit for a particular learning situation. As a lifelong learner, I also aim to continuously grow though my teaching experiences as well, so that I might arm my students with the technical and critical thinking skills needed in life, whether they pursue careers in the sciences or become a scientifically-discerning members of the public.
Creating a Safe Learning Space
The creation of a safe learning environment is one of the most critical first steps an instructor must make in his/her educational setting. Creation of this depends on a range from room orientation, to open conversation with and among students. Evaluation of success in creating a safe learning environment can, in part, be monitored by how active students are in class discussions or laboratory meetings. Emphasis on open discussion allows all learners to take advantage of student diversity in the classroom to learn, as different backgrounds bring unique perspectives on problems that can be beneficial to all.
Integrating New Technologies
While teaching and learning remotely is incredibly challenging, the advancement of technologies for virtual pedagogy is incredibly exciting. Applying new tools with varied teaching styles could offer students the options to succeed with the learning paradigm that best suits each individual, as well as expand learning opportunities to communities who might otherwise not have the same level of access or privilege.
Sample Student Feedback
Students were asked to give a rating from 1 – 5, with 5 being excellent and 1 being poor for each category following lecture “Going to the dogs: advancements in canid assisted reproduction” for ANSC 4500 at Cornell University (Fall 2019, n = 62 students responding)
Instructor’s ability to help clarify course material
Score: 4.98 ± 0.13
Comments:
“she continuously checked in to see if we were following or knowledgeable on certain topics”
“good amount of humor interspersed. Energy kept up throughout”
“explained difficult/confusing topics to help us better understand”
Instructor's ability to encourage student participation effectively
Score: 4.71 ± 0.55
Comments:
“asked us if we were following here in good time, also answered questions clearly + completely”
“used a “brownie” point kind of system to stimulate participation
“encouraged student participation but could use question to walk students through research thought process”
Instructor's ability to stimulate intellectual curiosity
Score: 4.94 ± 0.25
Comments:
“emphasized that a lot about canine reproduction is still left to be discovered”
“branched out a bit and covered bits of material that may spark different peoples’ interest”
“lecture framed as to allow us to think of practicality & application of research”
Outreach
Conservation Discovery Day
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA
Boo at the Zoo
National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C.