NFE Reflections Killebrew 2007-8
From CTLpedia
MCC New Faculty Experience ReflectionsTheresa Killebrew
Mathematics
Mesa Community College
Contact me (mailto:tmkillebrew@mail.mc.maricopa.edu)
My Teaching Philosophy
I believe that increasing student’s mathematical confidence is an essential part of the learning process. Therefore, it is my desire to provide a classroom environment where students are stretched and challenged so they realize the strength of their own abilities.
Because every student brings with them their own unique learning style and learning needs, I strive to present the mathematical content in a way that is accessible to all students, using correct vocabulary and notation, but not communicating at a level beyond my students. Each lesson is prepared and organized to help students connect the new information to old concepts. I vary presentation techniques using appropriate technology as often as possible.
I am enthusiastic in the classroom, I connect with each student to help motivate them to learn and I use humor to help spark interest and keep the classroom active. Overall, I aspire to create a classroom where each student is actively engaged in the learning process and I am able to provide quality instruction to each student.
Reflection on Scholarly Teaching and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Although I had not formally used the language ‘Scholarly Teaching’ before, I believe this is a practice that I am used to. After each lesson, chapter, or learning module, it is important for me to reflect on the things that were successful and the things that were not. There is no other way for me to grow as a teacher than to learn from what I’ve done. I must admit that I do not think the form of scholarly teaching I have engaged in previous to NFE was as documented and official as what was discussed, so I am anxious to implement the ideas that were shared in our discussions. Ultimately, I look forward to participating in scholarly teaching and the scholarship of teaching and learning as I grow as an instructor.
Understanding of MCC Culture Gained through NFE
MCC has a long history of excellence in community college education and that was definitely conveyed during this year at NFE. There is feeling of camaraderie that is unmatched among my department and fellow colleagues at MCC and I am very honored to be counted among the faculty at this institution.
Impact of NFE on my Approach to Teaching
Being a part of NFE this year helped me keep from becoming isolated in my own world. Because I am so new at teaching, I feel I faced a lot of challenges this year that many of my fellow faculty members have already been through. Being a part of this community provided me an opportunity to share my strengths and my challenges and know that I was not alone in my joys or struggles. More importantly it was instrumental in giving me insight into innovative teaching strategies that shifted my perspective outside of the box. In addition, reading “The Courage to Teach” gave me confidence to continue sharing my passion for mathematics with the students at Mesa Community College.
Reflection on my Experience in the NFE Community
As a member of NFE I felt like I got to know so many fantastic individuals and I just count myself blessed to have been in their company. I am grateful for this opportunity to share experiences, best practices and learn about the MCC culture with a group of outstanding educators. To everyone in NFE: each one of you shared your zeal for your subject and I was constantly reenergized just by being around you!
Reflection on My Future as a Member of the MCC Community
To start, because I got to know so many faculty from lots of other disciplines, I am lucky enough to be a part of an EDP this summer working with two faculty members that are a part of NFE!
I take my responsibilities to the college community very seriously and am excited to be engaged in professional duties that help further the success of the college.
