NFE Reflections Ganesh 2007-8
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MCC New Faculty Experience Reflections, My Name, My Department, Mesa Community College, Contact me (mailto:myemail)
My Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy stems from one of Mark Twain's dictums, "Don't let schooling get in the way of education.” I think that the goal of educating college-level students can be achieved by presenting them with more than lectures, rote memorization tasks, and straightforward projects (i.e., traditional schooling). As an educator I continue to strive to move beyond the traditional model of schooling to a point of promoting and encouraging students to learn effectively.
Students at the college level are but a few steps away from their professional careers. I believe that in order to succeed in today’s world an individual must be able to learn from her/his mistakes, be creative, be willing to take risks by exploring new avenues and be prepared to face new challenges each day. How can I prepare my students’ to succeed in this competitive environment? My response is, at least in part, moving them out of their comfort zone by presenting them with realistic problems that have undefined boundaries and encouraging them to seek responses/solutions that might be “outside the box” (other than the ordinary) and yet realistic. My goal is to help students learn to be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers so that they can be valuable players in their future endeavors.
Based on a threefold belief my overall mission as an educator is to:
a) promote critical thinking and problem solving in a positive learning environment;
b) spark enthusiasm for learning; and
c) encourage a hands-on interactive environment where learners learn by actively participating and doing
Reflection on Scholarly Teaching and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
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Understanding of MCC Culture Gained through NFE
The learning over this year has been immense. Thanks to NFE where a variety of topics related to policy and procedures as well as our everyday lives in the college/our departments were discussed. Having a month to digest the information before more was added on - was extremely helpful.
Meeting and learning from faculty and staff from across campus and district over the sessions, has certainly helped us develop connections.
Impact of NFE on my Approach to Teaching
NFE provided a platform to share thoughts and experiences about our teaching lives. Listening to the real life experiences of peers provided insight in a realistic manner. Most importantly by sharing with others the feeling of being alone on the island was eliminated.
Reflection on my Experience in the NFE Community
Format: The format of spreading the experience over a whole year makes a world of difference. The experience has helped me develop bonds with other new faculty members over the year and also learn about various aspects in small steps rather than one giant step.
Mentors: A lively group of mentors engaged us in hands on learning. The mentors certainly added charm and a very special touch to each and every meeting. I am seriously considering becoming a mentor next year.
Collegiality: Collegiality has developed as we have spent a whole year on the NF boat.
CTL: The hub of our life as faculty at the college. This experience has enabled to connect with the most critical people who make a difference in our lives as faculty and assist us with our responsibilities.
Bonds: I feel bonds have formed with peers over this year. I strongly believe these bonds will continue for a long time to come.
Food: Every month the food was thoughtfully chosen creating a delicious spread for us. Jonelle, very caringly kept in mind the few of us who are vegetarians and always ensured we had a couple of choices in the spread.
Jonelle: A thoughtful, caring, guide, colleague, who works tirelessly to make this experience the most for us. Someone who constantly has a smile to share and a special way of making us feel a part of the whole.
Reflection on My Future as a Member of the MCC Community
MCC is truly a community. Members in the community provide assistance and guidance to each other in a willing manner.
I look forward to my continued journey as a member in this esteemed institution. My commitment to my students and the college will guide my path.
