NFE Reflections Cheroske 2006-7
From CTLpedia
MCC New Faculty Experience Reflections, Alexander G. Cheroske, Life Sciences, Mesa Community College at Red Mountain, Contact me (mailto:cheroske@mc.mail.maricopa.edu)
My Teaching Philosophy
My ideas on teaching and what makes a good teacher were created when I was a college student. Early on, it was evident to me when you had an instructor that really cared about student learning and one that obviously "had better things to do." During my university years, professors that approached their teaching as a seemingly bothersome part of their job, lacked the enthusiasm and drive to spend the time and effort facilitating student learning. They "clocked in and out" seemingly without regard to student needs. On the other hand, professors that had pride in their job and enjoyed their part in their students education, not only had showed their exuberance during their interactions with students but also consistently spent time improving their teaching techniques. My experience with these memorable instructors, influenced not only my career path but how I conduct myself now that I am an instructor myself. I see my job as being a facilitator of student learning. Ultimately the task of learning the course content is upon the students, but my task is to do anything to aid them in the process. With the diversity of learning styles and backgrounds for students (especially diverse in a community college setting), I believe that varied teaching techniques and formats (e.g. Powerpoint, chalkboard, movies, current news articles, student-led activities) will not only aid the diversity of students in the classroom but also will allow them access to the material in various ways. This varied approach should help to keep students "tuned in" and participating during class as well.
Reflection on Scholarly Teaching and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
NFE discussions and readings have been great in reminding me (even with my being a "young" educator) that effective teaching requires consistent modification/improvement. Many times, once we make a set of lesson plans, we may think that our work is "done" for a while but consistent self-review will always help us to become better instructors. These updates can be changing particular sections of a lecture that didn't translate well to the students, interjecting current research/news within a particular topic or bringing in additional information from other sources. It also can be changing the teaching technique for delivering that information as well. Not only should changes in content be made but also changes in how we effectively communicate the information also is critical.
Understanding of MCC Culture Gained through NFE
Throughout the year, Jonelle has secured a wide diversity of guest speakers demonstrating the diversity of opportunities and responsibilities of being a MCC faculty member. Without this information, many aspects of our job would be a mystery. A written summary of these various aspects of MCC culture and contact people may be helpful for later reference.
Impact of NFE on my Approach to Teaching
My response to this question is partially addressed in the scholarly learning/teaching question above. Through NFE readings and discussions with other faculty, it has been very informative learning details about how different instructors and different disciplines approach their teaching. Most techniques can be applied in a variety of settings and its been refreshing to get new ideas and ways to apply them within my own area.
Reflection on my Experience in the NFE Community
NFE has not only given me a good knowledge of how MCC functions and my role within it, as well as teaching and learning techniques, but also given me a diverse cohort of colleagues with which to associate. Quite often, faculty members exist in a limited discipline specific arena and rarely converse (dare, I say socialize?) with other faculty members. NFE has not only created contacts for us around the campus but has also given us a better idea of the diversity we have here at MCC.
Reflection on My Future as a Member of the MCC Community
I was ecstatic to receive my job offer at MCC and foresee a long, enjoyable, enriching career here. My experience with NFE has certainly strengthened my assessment that MCC is a great place to work. The support from Jonelle, CTL and other programs are a great asset to MCC and the Maricopa district as a whole and should be lauded and recognized as such.
