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I have been teaching science for over twenty-five years. What I like about teaching is the chance to take complex scientific topics and explain them in ways anyone can understand. I also get to practice my communication skills every day. Whether it be in person, in front of a classroom of teenagers or in front of aspiring medical professionals at community colleges, my goal is to connect: for them to hear me, but more importantly, for me to hear them and find what they need in the conversation.
I have taken many risks to see what works for students and what doesn't. In my opinion, risk-taking is the hallmark of a great educator. I've learned to never be afraid to switch gears when I detect that one approach is not working for students! After I began teaching at community college, I observed that my students learned primarily through listening, watching and repetition. So I created my first lecture video. The next week, driving to the community college, I heard my video blasting from a student's car radio, as he studied my words in traffic. This was so inspirational. Students could learn while driving too. I created over two hundred videos that year, and drew many of them by hand. Since the pandemic, I've observed that people want and need direct connection with people. Me too! I am so enjoying my time back in one-on-one and group conversations in person. Artificial intelligence will never replace being in a room with another live person! |
