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Simply put, I want to give students many chances and many opportunities to write and explore the world of words. I believe that we learn from our mistakes, along with the possibility to start anew with each new assignment. I consider writing as merely one tool in a box of creative possibilities for individuals who want to express themselves. That expression can take many forms, but I believe that writing sits at the core of all those forms. Artists who can write about their process tend to understand their work on a more fundamental level. Inherent to writing is the opportunity to explore different forms and different approaches to the subjective task of understanding. By providing students with many different opportunities to create with words, I believe students will improve in their technical abilities as long as they are provided with adequate feedback and careful direction. I also recognize six tenets that support my teaching philosophy: |
1. Create a Safe Place
I believe that students thrive when they can take chances and explore
the limits of their abilities. Part of the success of writing comes
from learning the conventions of English. I trust that students will
accept more risk when they understand that the mechanics of the
classroom will focus on progress, learning and acceptance rather than
humiliation and rejection. Creating a safe place invites risk — and
risk invites learning.
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2. Familiarity and Consistency
I believe that students need a certain amount of familiarity and
consistency to trust in the educational process of the classroom.
That involves the confidence that students will be treated fairly and
that they can depend on a predictable routine in which to explore new
educational outcomes.
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3. Finding and Sharing Joy
While I understand that we each bring different desires to a class
like English 101, I believe that recognizing the passion that
students have with certain forms of literature helps acknowledge
their growth in learning how to write more successfully.
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4. Creating Connection
The opportunity to create a community of learners can only help with
the growth of the students. I believe that when students feel seen,
when an instructor knows their names, when we can operate like a
cohesive unit, learning happens at an accelerated pace.
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5. Offering Support
I understand that many students come to a beginning writing course
with disillusionment and often with a label as a “bad writer.” I
believe that encouraging students to try new ways of communicating
can only strengthen their abilities.
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6. Disruption
While this tenet may seem contrary to the other aspects of my
philosophy, I believe that students respond to disruption with
strength and resilience. This disruption might be as simple as
meeting in a different place, rearranging the chairs in the classroom
or mixing up the routine.
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