Educational Background
M.A.E. Truman State University, Kirksville, MO
B.S. Northeast Missouri State University, Kirksville, MO
Teaching Philosophy
Constructive Learning
The learning cycle is employed in most of my courses, specifically the science
classes. All three stages of the cycle are visited when new material is introduced.
(The phases of the learning cycle are Exploratory, Concept Development, and
Concept Applications.) Students often are required to explore a topic without
any previous instruction either through a laboratory activity or through research.
After students have explored the concept, time is spent in discussion developing
the concept, and finally, the information is incorporated in an application
activity.
Hands-On Learning
Most of my students tend
to be concrete learners just entering the abstract developmental phase. As
a result, many of my courses are taught as hands-on classes including the
math classes. For example, when basic algebra students experienced difficulty
with algebra, I introduced bears and blocks as a hands-on method of doing
algebra problems. This new technique allowed my concrete learners to first
develop the concept and later transfer their understanding to abstract equations.
Although they learned algebra with bears, they were able to do the problems
at the end of the unit without them and had fun learning.
Mastery Learning
Mastery has been incorporated
into my lower level courses slightly. I implement mastery learning when the
concepts are traditionally difficult. This technique has alleviated student
stress and substantially altered the success rate in some courses. My other
courses also have mastery learning available per individual student request
and consideration.
Cooperative Learning
Students can benefit
from cooperative learning in many ways including improvement in academic achievement,
ethnic relations, social skills, and self-esteem. Traditionally, my students
work in cooperative groups in order to accomplish activities. I frequently
evaluate their cooperative skills and have students self-evaluate and peer-evaluate
as well.
Use of Technology
All classes make use of the library, Internet, word processing, and presentation
programs. Some classes use iClickers and a SmartBoard. In addition,
the physics course uses PASCO software. New technology in photogate
timing, motion detectors, and smart pulleys have been introduced to the physics
courses.
