Workshop Description:
I attended the workshop “Understanding the University Context: Aligned Teaching w/ Different Institutional types and Missions,” led by Rique Campa, Melissa McDaniels, and Judith Stoddart on May 11, 2017 to satisfy core competency #4. The facilitators discussed the six different types of higher education institutions in the U.S., their relative focus on teaching and research, and how to curate a teaching philosophy to a particular institution.
Artifact and Rationale:
The facilitators provided samples of institutional mission statements and statements on teaching. This document proved exceedingly helpful in understanding how to gauge an institution’s emphasis on teaching and what kind of teaching it values. In their discussions on this topic, the facilitators made it clear that looking at an institution’s mission is the best way to see how my skills as a teacher align with the institution’s goals.
Reflection:
This workshop taught me that each institution is different and, thus, my teaching philosophy must specifically geared towards the institution I am applying for. I also learned that teaching is context sensitive, in that I must always consider where, for whom, and what I am teaching.
As I begin to think through my own teaching philosophy, I need to reflect on my own pedagogy. What are the main goals I want to articulate for my students? How does my teaching style, including the use of technology, facilitate these goals? All of this must also be considered in context of what type of institution I apply to.
I can apply the knowledge learned during this workshop in the writing of my teaching philosophy. The facilitators listed a number of do’s and don’ts for the process, such as don’t start the statement with myself, but rather the students; write for a general audience, not disciplinary; and, use specific learning moments from classroom experience.