NFE Reflections Jones 2007-8
From CTLpedia
MCC New Faculty Experience Reflections
Tara Jones
Mathematics Department, Mesa Community College, Red Mountain Campus tarajones@mail.mc.maricopa.edu
My Teaching Philosophy
I have a love of mathematics. However, it was not solely my excitement for math that led me to the field of education. Instead it was the possibility of positively impacting lives. I believe that everyone can learn math if they are given the opportunity to learn in a positive, nonthreatening environment that encourages questioning and collaboration. An environment where mistakes are expected but the students' willingness to dive in, try, and explore is valued. Anxiety and avoidance are all too common in a math classroom. It is my responsibility to help students develop tools to overcome their fears and misconceptions regarding their own abilities. It is my duty to bring enthusiasm for mathematics and the learning process to the classroom and ignite a desire in my students to learn. I must constantly search for the small successes in the classroom because neither student success nor teacher success can soley be measured by a grade on an exam. Instead, I must search for the small successes. . .the moment when a face changes as if a light bulb just turned on, the "Aha!" moment when a student makes a connection between current and past learning, a student gaining confidence in their ability to learn, a student realizing that learning is a satisfying and gratifying experience, two students engaging in mathematical dialogue arguing over how to approach a problem and believe it or not, using the correct vocabulary. These are all instances of success in a math classroom - instances which excite me as a teacher and motivate me to reflect on my teaching methods and search for ways to improve.
Reflection on Scholarly Teaching and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
As educators, it is our responsibility to stay current with the trends in teaching and our individual disciplines. We must constantly search for ways to improve our teaching and assessment methods. Questioning our teaching methods and finding research which either supports our current practices or contradicts our methods, thereby instigating a change, are keys to becoming better educators.
Understanding of MCC Culture Gained through NFE
During our very first NFE meeting in August, it became clear that culture of the college is one that supports professional growth and collaboration and values diversity. It was obvious by the number of new faculty from last year that volunteered and the many members in the CTL, that the faculty here at MCC are student centered and sincerely interested in the success of new faculty. It was refreshing to know that faculty members aren't hiding behind their office doors but are rather ready and willing to answer questions and help new faculty members through their journey of "the first year". NFE truly helped me feel a part of the MCC community.
Impact of NFE on my Approach to Teaching
The New Faculty Experience impacted my approach to teaching most by encouraging and requiring constant self-reflection. Our discussions of Parker Palmer's book, "The Courage To Teach", specifically the section about subject centered learning, made me re-evaluate how I structure lessons. As a result, I have engaged in great discussions with colleagues about what subject centered teaching looks like in a math classroom and I have begun the process of reconfiguring my approach to teaching certain concepts.
Reflection on my Experience in the NFE Community
The New Faculty Experience was a great way to begin the year as a new faculty member. It was refreshing to meet other professionals new to MCC and begin putting faces with names. NFE offered an environment where concerns could be shared openly and questions could be candidly asked and answered. It was reassuring to meet faculty members, new and old, who all have students' best interests in mind and a common goal of increasing student achievement and retention.
Reflection on My Future as a Member of the MCC Community
I look forward to continuing my own professional growth as a member of the MCC community. I want to continue the collegial discussions that NFE gave us the opportunity to begin. I see myself sharing best-practices, brainstorming, and learning from other faculty members to help refine my teaching techniques. I believe there is always room for personal and professional growth. I'm excited at the opportunity to serve on a committee next year and look forward to finding one that not only interests me, but also will allow me to collaborate with faculty members outside my discipline.
