TEACHING LEARNING

A person who asks is a fool for five minutes. One who never asks is a fool forever.

It is my sincere belief that you do not truly learn something until you teach it. With that in mind, I try to use demonstrations (with a predict, observe, reflect model), active engagement (via iClickers), and peer instruction (group problem solving) in my classes. I feel it helps students to be able to fully articulate what they are learning to think about the subject as a real thing, and not just a description in a textbook. I love physics, and I really enjoy helping students to learn about the laws that govern everything in our universe!

Don't get me wrong; there are thankless tasks associated with teaching. Creating long exams and checking them meticulously for potential errors or ways they can be misinterpreted, grading large numbers of assignments, and administrative activities like entering grades into a spreadsheet. It can also be incredibly disheartening to have a student who doesn't want to put in the necessary effort to succeed. And there are days when I wish my research or service activities could take precendence, but I have to prepare for class...

All the hard work and effort is worth it if I see even one "lightbulb moment" in a single student in a semester. I feel honored to share in that experience of having all the pieces fit together. I have enjoyed teaching various subjects at different levels, which helps to reinforce my own knowledge and understanding, and my students continue to surprise me with their fresh perspectives and unique observations. In my mind, teaching is one of the noblest professions, and I strive to be the best teacher I can be.