“I never teach my pupils, I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” ― Albert Einstein
Teaching
My teaching philosophy is rooted in a common sense, process-based, active-learning based framework. This includes for both lecture, lab, and field activities have students engaged in projects - small and large. Rather than teaching to students, I try to build up a framework for them to teach themselves and each other. This is often in the form of think-pair-share activities during lecture, and during lab periods exercises that encourage group work. Students don't learn by copying down words on a slide; they learn by doing. I endeavor to teach more with less, creating better geoscientists, not better models of whatever textbook I choose for a class.
Being a field geologist, including examples from the field, taking students on field trips, and encouraging students to connect material from lecture to something seen in the real world. Given that many students may not continue on in an academic career, providing examples of processes within the broader context of society is also important.
My CV has a list of courses I have taught or participated in designing.
Diversity
"As of 2008, the proportion underrepresented minorities comprised 23 percent of all enrolled students and 16 percent of all graduates at four-year universities. Yet, in geoscience university programs, less than 10 percent of geoscience graduates at all degree levels are underrepresented minorities. Compared with other science and engineering fields, the geosciences confer the lowest percentage of Bachelor's and Master's degrees to underrepresented minorities. " -2011, Status of the Workforce Report, American Geological Institute
The issue of diversity in the workforce and in our geology majors, graduate population, and faculty body is very important to me, and I take it seriously. The more our classes, majors, teachers, and geoscientists in the world look like the people who live in this country; the better science and science communication we will have. I will take active steps to try and recruit students from diverse backgrounds into the geosciences and be a mentor that creates a safe space for all students. I seek to be aware of stereo-type threat and imposter syndrome in my classes and with all students.