NFE Reflections Prein 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
For me, the teaching process is a collaborative engagement between student, teacher and information (or skills.) As a teacher I have to gain a deep level of comprehension of the topics, resources and information related to my teaching. I also have to gain an understanding of the students - their different experiences, backgrounds, levels, interests, as well as how they interact or need to interact with the subject area and learning objectives. By engaging in discovery efforts with both the students and the topic area, I can form a template of needs and a toolkit of skills and resources to bring to bear appropriately to those needs. While experience brings standards and commonalities, there is always flexibility involved to address new discoveries in both students and the subjects.
Reflection on Scholarly Teaching and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
At no point in time in history, have we had greater access to the work, ideas, and experiences of others who do what we do, so the ability to connect teaching and learning to scholarship is inherently easier. Unfortunately, the access to so much information also challenges us in providing so many options, opportunities, and possibilities, some contradictory, that rather than clarify and ground, it can confuse and cause drift. Helping others navigate those waters successfully, thus becomes both a necessary and useful effort.
Understanding of MCC Culture Gained through NFE
Having various programs, processes, and opportunities reviewed and discussed was one of the more valuable aspects of my NFE experience. Being busy enough adjusting, learning and getting through the first year, there isn't always time to focus on many of the aspects of the job outside daily activity. To hear perspectives on many aspects of the faculty experience from both new and established people, helped greatly with both awareness and understanding.
Impact of NFE on my Approach to Teaching
Two aspects of NFE seem especially salient in this regard. The focus on what it is to be a teacher and the personal reflection related to that helped to remind me of the inspirations and experiences that originally and still do underscore the gravitation to a life of service. Secondly, hearing the reflections, experiences, challenges and successes of others, provided perspective, ideas and inspiration that had both direct and indirect effect.
Reflection on my Experience in the NFE Community
With so much of the first year being spent on learning, preparing and focusing on "first-time-round" tasks and instruction, the opportunities to engage with those outside the department are inherently constrained. To have the opportunity to meet, share, laugh, learn, and connect with others facing the same challenges, is a welcome respite from the necessary inward focus of the beginning faculty member.
Reflection on My Future as a Member of the MCC Community
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