MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My teaching philosophy is grounded in the conviction that education is pivotal for societal transformation. I am committed to fostering an educational experience that extends beyond traditional cognitive learning to embrace relational learning, recognizing the profound importance of the learning process itself. My approach is characterized by customizing instruction to engage directly with my students' diverse worldviews and inquiries, facilitating active exploration of the world around us.
My own educational journey, enriched by exposure to various teaching methodologies within different cultural and institutional frameworks across the social, sustainability, and interdisciplinary sciences, has deeply influenced my pedagogical approach. Collaborating with award-winning educators has further expanded my repertoire of effective teaching strategies. Yet, I remain a steadfast proponent of lifelong learning, always seeking innovative ideas, methodologies, and techniques that resonate with my students' diverse learning preferences, foster analytical and adaptive thinking, and enhance cross-cultural understanding.
““Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn” ”
In my role, I see myself primarily as a mentor and facilitator, guiding the learning journey. Acknowledging that I do not possess all the answers, I focus on providing robust support, resources, opportunities, and a nurturing and inclusive environment that empowers students to unlock their creative potential. My teaching methodology emphasizes reflective, interactive, and group learning, incorporating collaborative exercises, role-playing, and concise, guided lectures to create an immersive and dynamic classroom experience. Over the last two years, I have integrated social simulation exercises into my curriculum to prompt students to engage, analyze, and navigate complex sustainability challenges.
Drawing from my experiences as a 'visible minority' international student in Canada and Japan, I offer empathetic support to international students, ensuring their success in my courses. I also prioritize connecting academic learning with practical and policy applications, inviting sustainability practitioners and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds into the classroom, including Indigenous mentors, policy experts, and resource managers, to enrich the learning experience. These initiatives underscore my belief in the transformative power of education, facilitated through diverse learning modalities, engagement, and impactful experiences.
COURSES TAUGHT
McMaster University, Academic Sustainability Programs
University of Winnipeg, Geography & Environmental Studies, University of Winnipeg
ENV-4614-051: Campus Sustainability
University of Saskatchewan, School of Environment & Sustainability
ENVS 807: Sustainability in Theory and Practice (Co-taught with Professor Maureen G. Reed)
ENVS 401: Sustainability in Action (Co-Taught with Dr. Phillip Loring, Dr. Colin Laroque, & Jaylene Murray)
University of Ghana, Institute for Continuing & Distance Education
GEOG306: Research Methods
GEOG101: Elements of Human Geography
GEOG205: Introduction to Weather and Climate
GEOG302: Introduction to Resource Analysis