Teaching Philosophy

       " The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery."

Teaching is not just providing information to students. Effective political science teaching inspires curiosity to better understand the world and encourages active learning.

I believe it is my job to create the conditions that enable students to learn; this means making the material accessible and encouraging an environment where student-teacher interaction flourishes. This, I believe, allows the student to become an active part of the learning process, discovering knowledge rather than absorbing it.

My classroom atmosphere is relaxed yet professional. I want students to feel comfortable asking questions and discussing their points of view. I also want students to be made aware of my classroom expectations and their subsequent responsibilities. I use in-class and out-of-class assignments as diagnostic tools to encourage students to practice concepts/theories and lets me understand the clarity of my presentation.

Past TAed Courses

POLS 202, An Introduction to American Politics -- Wi08 (Albertson) and Sp08 (Smith)

POLS 203, An Introduction to International Relations -- Au07, Au08, Au09, Au10 (Mercer), and Wi09 (Caporaso)