Creating and Fine-tuning Your Philosophy of Teaching
Dr. Bill Buskist, Distinguished Professor in the Teaching of Psychology at Auburn University, presented a CTE workshop April 22, 2005. In the workshop, participants explored their philosophy of teaching and the impact of that philosophy on their effectiveness in the classroom.
According to Buskist, the philosophy of teaching statement details a teacher's experience and classroom activities and provides an introduction to who he/she is as a teacher. To write one, teachers should reflect on their values and personal views on teaching, and write freely about their beliefs on education.
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To stimulate reflection before writing the teaching statement, Buskist suggests the individual undertake the following tasks:
 List up to five core values, such as a respect for others, strong work ethic or sense of humor.
Briefly describe the ways these values are reflected in everyday life.
List up to five qualities admired in the teachers you've had.
Describe the extent to which you possess these qualities and use them in the classroom.
"Teaching statements are as unique as the people who write them," Buskist adds. "That reflects the idea there is no one way that makes a master teacher a master teacher. [The teaching statement] centers on the core values as a person and on your personality and how those personality traits and values are expressed in the classroom."
Although there are no mandatory components of a teaching statement, Buskist suggests individual’s statements may address the following questions:
How do you think learning occurs?
What is the role of the teacher, and how do you plan to provide feedback and assessment to students and account for different learning styles and abilities?
What are your main goals for students?
What actions can you take to reach these goals, such as how do you plan to develop instructional materials, mentor students and conduct classes?
What are your plans for professional growth as a teacher?
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Pratt Heins Teaching Award for 2005
At the 2005 UNK Convocation, Daryl Kelley was awarded the Pratt-Heins Teaching Award for 2005. Daryl, a professor of sociology, has been at UNK since 1986.
Kelly was one of the founding members of the UNK Teaching Circle. He has worked to help new students adjust to their academic responsibilites and to foster a sense of commitment that goes behond campus boundaries. Congratulations to Daryl for his outstanding efforts in teaching at UNK. |
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Teaching Conferences
The Center for Teaching Excellence provides funding to assist faculty in attending conferences on teaching. Access a list of conferences for 2006 at
http://www.unk.edu/acad/cte/index.php?id=2021
To get information on how to apply for funding, click on this link:
http://www.unk.edu/acad/cte/index.php?id=1679
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CTE Events for Spring 2006
Thursday, February 2nd at 12:30-1:30 in the NSU Cedar Room
" Thinking Critically About Critical Thinking: Transferring Your Expertise to the
Online Classroom". Jean Mandernach
Co-sponsored by CNSS and Continuing Education
Tuesday, March 7th at 3:00-5:00 location TBD
"Meeting the Needs of the "Millennials" in Higher Education". Richard T. Sweeney
Co-sponsored by COE
Thursday, March 30th at 12:00-2:00 in CMCT 101
"Cultivating Campus Cultures That Value Student Success" -Teleconference
Co-sponsored by First Year Program
April TBD
"Assessing Student Outcomes in the Performing Arts" -TBD
Co-sponsored by CFAH and the Office of Assessment
Thursday, April 20th at 12:00-2:00 in CMCT 101
"Shattering Barriers: Transforming the College Experience for Students of Color"
Teleconference
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CTE Advisory Committee Members 2005-2006
The CTE advisory committee members for 2005-2006 include the following faculty, staff and students:
Jeanne Butler--Director of Center for Teaching Excellence/Assessment Coordinator
Daryl Kelley--Faculty Senate
Julie Schaffer--Graduate Council
Janet Wilke--Library
Mary Rittenhouse--B&T
John Falconer--Sponsored Programs
Ken Nikels--Graduate Council
Patricia Cruzeiro--COE
Susan Honeyman--FAH
Trecia Markes--NSS
Teresa J. Donze--Student
John N. Auwerda--Student
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Your comments and contributions are welcome!
Please send any comments or suggestions for the newsletter to teachingcenter@unk.edu. If you have information that you would like presented in the newsletter or would like to write something for one of the editions, please contact Jeanne Butler at 865-8495 or by email at the Center.
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