Teaching Philosophy and Goals |
Training Responsibilities | Courses in Training
and Development
This portfolio concentrates on my past two years during which I taught
Graphic Communications Courses as a Graduate Teaching Assistant here
at the School of Technology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical
University, Greensboro, NC. I explain my philosophy of teaching,why
I do things the way I do, and give a few examples of putting the ideas
into practice. During the majority of my teaching career I adopted an
unconventional, hands-on style and very few lecture style approaches
to my classes. My career goal is to be a facilitator of training in
a workplace environment, thus my simulation to an extent possible, the
workplace environment. During these years, my approach to teaching has
changed considerably. Many of the points addressed in the following
section will show how my teaching has evolved. I also indicate some
future goals for my development as a Trainer.
Teaching Philosophy and Goals
I base my teaching on the belief that the only way to learn is to practice.
While the process of reading examples and proofs in textbooks and from
lecture notes is valuable, the real learning comes through one's own
efforts at appplying and solving problems, either computational, theoretical,
or process driven. This is achieved mostly through hands-on practical
exercises and class assignments, but also through in-class discussions
and interaction. I view my role as a facilitator for this process.
I must design the framework in which learning can take place, and then
stimulate and nurture the students' development, giving help in terms
of knowledge, techniques, and encouragement. I regularly review my teaching
practices and experiment with new ideas.
My goals in teaching are not just to promote learning of the subject
matter. My primary goal is to have a positive effect on the students'
future professional practice. Part of the impact involves stimulating
students to consider situations from perspectives different from those
they normally adopt. This goal also involves encouraging students to
develop career-long habits of self-motivated learning. I also try to
help the students learn to think logically, learn problem-solving methods
and techniques, and improve writing skills (writing clearly and concisely,
explaining step-by-step processes, providing valid reasons for logical
arguments). In addition, I try to help students see the course material
in a holistic context by requiring them to synthesize the various concepts
of the course by applying them together.
Teaching Responsibilities :
Training Responsibilities:
I will always be aware that each student brings to the classroom a
constellation of
personal and social characteristics related to a variety of factors
such as ethnicity,
gender, language background, exceptionality, etc. As a trainer I will
recognize the
instructional implications of student diversity and know how to turn
the diversity
within and beyond the classroom to advantage by creating an environment
that
nurtures a sense of community, respects differences, fosters learning,
and enhances
students' understanding of the society in which they live.
My Personal Pledge:
As a trainer/ educator I will strive to create an atmosphere that will
nurture to
fulfillment the potential of each student. To the best of my ability,
I shall comply with standard practices and ethical conduct toward students,
professional colleagues, school officials, parents,management and members
of the community. In conscientiously conducting my affairs, I shall
shall exemplify the highest standards of professional
commitment.
Learning should be purposeful.
Courses in Training and Development:
Use the Links on the Left Panel to Navigate to My Reflections and some
contents in these courses.
- Note: The term Students and Trainees are used interchangeably here
to refer to who is benefiting from the teaching or training session.
- In some instances the environment and the techniques employed will
varies depending on whether in a school or workplace setting, otherwise
both are similar as they are Learning Environments.
My Presentations:
Click here to View
( Requires Windows media player, Real player or QuickTime to play.)
An Interactive Intro to my Products of Teaching
Portfolio Click here to View
I was a co-presenter at the 
International Graphic Arts Education Association.
Design and Build Data-Driven Web Sites with Dreamweaver
Dr. Cynthia Gillispie-Johnson
Alex Uzokwe, co-presenter
'Dynamic, fast, visually dramatic, and personalized Web sites are essential
to maintain a leading-edge position. Dreamweaver MX is a highly efficient
environment for generating sophisticated Web applications, making this
demanding task easier. Participants will learn to create and edit fast,
spohisticated, data-driven Web sites with ASP and ASP.NET, and maximize
productivity and functionality with server behaviors.'
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