Experience Summary
Most high school students don't get the chance to teach their own geometry classes. With our teacher in the back of class, I lectured from the book, guided my peers’ board work, and answered their questions. Since then I have incorporated training and education in everything that I do. As a manger in two very different industries, I succeeded in delivering exceptional production and service by training my teams and giving them opportunities to become accountable for their performances. While a graduate sociology student, I jumped at the special invitation to adjunct for a semester in addition to my teaching assistant duties and found it to be even more rewarding than I imagined. During both of my graduate programs, I found that guiding study sessions and offering a variety of tutoring assistance and training (such as three languages, history, philosophy, fitness) became central to my success.
Teaching Style
The model of students as empty vessels filled by professors’ pontifications has too long prevented the former from accessing their full potential as learners. When students are given the trust and challenge to handle material maturely, they rise to the occasion. This may be through discussion, Q&A, or independent assignment, as long as the student is given the opportunity to excel. An educator's responsibilities are to find which method that best offers students the chance to use their unique skills to succeed and then to make subject material relevant to one’s daily life and future. This develops accountability, drive for further education, and development of the student’s own inherent talents. A student thus taught is more confident in their achievements and better prepared for life in the classroom and beyond.