In addition to my experience as a teaching assistant and a part-time lecturer, I have sought other opportunities to improve my teaching. I am a part of the Certificate for College Teaching program at Duke University, where I am learning to become a more effective teacher through coursework on pedagogical techniques. I have completed three courses so far in this program. I have taken (1) Fundamentals of College Teaching, (2) College Teaching, Diverse Learners and Contentious Issues, and (3) College Teaching and Visual Communication. 

 

In Fundamentals of College Teaching, I learned techniques to increase student participation, enhance student experience within the classroom using active learning exercises, and communicate effectively through developing course objectives and a course syllabus. College Teaching, Diverse Learners, and Contentious Issues focused on developing cultural competencies and learning inclusive instructional practices to create a more inclusive learning environment while promoting critical thinking and higher-level learning in our students when teaching contentious topics. Alternatively, College Teaching and Visual Communication introduced me to web design, graphic design, effective presentation skills, electronic teaching portfolio development, and exploration of other instructional technology for college teaching.

 

Further, I am completing a Certificate in Effective College Instruction endorsed by the American Council on Education (ACE) and The Association of College and University Educators (ACUE). This 22-module course prepares college educators to gain a foundation in evidence-based teaching practices that increases student motivation, engagement, and lifelong learning. I incorporated many of these practices into my classes, such as tools to mitigate the impact of implicit bias in an online learning environment.

 

I have also participated in a Teaching Triangle program. The program requires participants to be observed while teaching and to observe other faculty or graduate students teaching. The goal is to get and provide written positive, constructive feedback on classroom instruction to help identify and reinforce methods and behaviors that were done well by a teacher. This program allows reflection on teaching to know what to improve/change when teaching and what works well during instruction for students. Here is my most recent observation and reflection process that shows being observed and observing others.

 

I commit to attending and actively participating in pedagogy workshops held through academic institutions to increase student success in all my classes.