Statement of teaching

“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place” — George Bernard Shaw

I think about this often.

Education is essentially the pursuit and sharing of knowledge. Effective communication is paramount. In looking at The 5 Methods of communication: verbal communication, nonverbal communication, written communication, visual communication, and listening; listening is perhaps the most important.

A divergent thinker is capable of looking at things from multiple perspectives and potentially more equipped to communicate effectively. Three things that undoubtedly contribute to this aspiration are experience, open mindedness and critical thinking. The older I get and the more people I interact with, especially from diverse backgrounds, the stronger I am at understanding; and it’s from this place I am more adept at communication. 

One of the main components of my job as a professor is teaching students how to see. It is extraordinarily rewarding when the light bulb goes off; I love being privy to that. There is also a sense of resolve when a student moves from one space to another, because there’s no going back. This happens at different times for each student. My charge is to guide, encourage, and facilitate by setting the stage, asking the right questions, making applicable suggestions, and when appropriate: pause and listen.