Teaching Philosophy & Practice

I remember summer days playing school and gymnastics with the children in my neighborhood. I “registered” kids through our trellis fence and planned activities for them to learn. In high school and university, I spent summers teaching kids how to swim and play tennis. What has shaped my approach to teaching since my formative years?

Close observation and being curious:

Walking alongside families, children and youth experiencing difficult life and health challenges expanded my appreciation of the enormous strengths and resilience mobilized to overcome challenges and barriers.

Athabasca students carry multiple roles and roles outside of being a student like parenting, taking care of parents, and increasing career demands. Curiosity and compassion are my first principles for supporting students to succeed

Influence of problem based learning:

Problem based learning supports learners achieve their priorities with meaningful resources and opportunities and in collaboration with colleagues and groups to promote critical thinking and self-reflection skills necessary for their work in dynamic and challenging work places.

Adapting, listening, watching and learning:

My goal is to create a virtual and collaborative learning environment where students co-construct knowledge, expand their understanding of complex ideas and make relevant real world applications within their professional realms.