NFE Reflections Budruk 2006-7
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MCC New Faculty Experience Reflections, Dr. Asmita Budruk, Physical Science (Chemistry), Mesa Community College, Contact me (mailto: abudruk@mail.mc.maricopa.edu)
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My Teaching Philosophy
During last 13 yrs of my career as educator/professor in Chemistry, my philosophy of teaching chemistry has traveled, expanded and continues to evolve. Chemistry is a baseline subject for all the students aspiring to pursue Science disciplines. With its varied branches and scope of studies the subject Chemistry has the potential to inculcate scientific attitude amongst its students. I believe that learning in Chemistry occurs if following 5 things are taken care of:
• Step by step logical presentation of subject matter. • Explaining concepts with analogies related to their everyday life. • Motivating the learners by constantly addressing as to ‘why’ we are learning a particular topic and where is its application in the big picture. • Peaceful time to practice. • Lastly but not the least, providing feedback opportunities to see how their practice worked.
The instructor who is aware of these fundamentals of learning process can serve better at his /her job of aiding the student centered learning. The instructor needs to be thorough with her knowledge, motivated, interested in the subject and above all, wanting to help out the students by making things simple and lucid. For process of learning, it is very necessary that the students do not lose their perspective and the bigger picture. I feel this is especially true when we are touring them through the intricacies of the subject . As an instructor, keeping up perspective of the students is my most fundamental job. This perspective leads to learning and prospering in this subject.
To accomplish this, I see myself making use of variety of teaching methods based on different learning styles. This is very vital for diverse student populations. These styles are --Visual, audio-visual, hands on experience, problem solving , questioning, co-operative learning, group learning with instructor’s active presence as needed. Based on the topics, a wise choice can be made. My major goal is accomplishment of student learning and creating excitement and interest for Chemistry amongst students. Explaining the newer and complex concepts by giving analogies really helps. I see student faces lit up and they resonate with the concept instantly when I give analogies from their own everyday lives. For example---- Limiting reactant concept in Stoichiometry can be explained by analogy of an Ace sprinter trying to walk with his toddler (slow walker--limiting reactant ). He must walk with the speed of his toddler if he wishes to go with him. Thus lesser reactant limits the production (the speed of their walk). His enormous speed (reactant which is in excess) cannot be put to use in his stroll (reaction) with his toddler.
The students can thus begin to identify with the subject on a personal level. This is a big step towards their learning and building up their interest in the subject. Thus all our goals of students learning to appreciate Chemistry , developing critical thinking in the subject, improving their problem solving skills, working effectively in groups, and ultimately, developing their interest for life-long learning can be realized.
Logical presentation, flow diagrams, step by step approach followed by befitting analogies are important part of my lecture. This is especially so for the fundamental level or beginner classes. At higher level classes, in addition, a large amount of information, recent updates and throwing light on research horizons have to be an essential part of lecture. I also see huge potential in making use of classroom technology which is growing and getting updated by leaps and bounds. Molecular structure and certain physical processes are understood with unbelievable ease by viewing three dimensional colorful models and movies. These gifts of technologies, can also be a blessing when used relevantly.
Above all, reaching out to student’s needs, by directly asking or intuitively recognizing the areas they need extra help, has no substitute if student success is the aim. I try to encourage students to come forth and communicate their difficulties so that they can be helped.
Understanding of MCC Culture Gained through NFE
Every institution has its own environment and culture. MCC too being one of the renowned and older institutions has a tradition and culture of its own. Though an older institution in the valley, MCC culture is very dynamic and that can be see in that fact that MCC as an institution has been growing and continues to assimilate newer areas of education field.
As a newcomer, it is very necessary to get to know the workplace as early as possible. This saves a lot of time and misconceptions and can make a new employee effective and efficient from the get go. NFE proved to be a very important platform event to accomplish this. In the year long NFE programs, every time the new members were briefed and introduced to a new facet of MCC, District initiatives and activities by way of presentations and/or discussions. Help was offered to make us aware of the happenings at MCC, deadlines and how to go about the system.
Impact of NFE on my Approach to Teaching
Ideas shared and the articles discussed at the NFE meetings were healthy reminders of the intricacies of the education process and polished up many a thoughts in my teaching approach.
Reflection on my Experience in the NFE Community
For me, the best rewarding experience of being part of NFE community and attending the NFE meetings regularly was that NFE meetings offered a platform where all the new faculty members could meet regularly. We all instantly felt as part of a chain of newcomers to the same institution.
We got a chance to share our unique experiences and concerns and actually the meetings would be a ground where exchange of insights and experiences took place in a very enthusiastic atmosphere.
Reflection on My Future as a Member of the MCC Community
NFE meetings oriented us on many important topics in the MCC system. It gave us knowledge of various initiatives and activities on the campus and also in the district. This has already made me focus my attention to a few areas where I would like to volunteer and work and soon as the years pass, new avenues will be inviting my attention! But I was introduced to these at NFE and NFE was the starting point.
I am very sure NFE will continue to orient the new employees effectively.
