Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, I have a moral, ethical and social responsibility to provide the opportunity and foundation for students to question their learning rather than to accept what they are told because its is what they are told. I encourage students to not only reach out but to also reach within to release their hidden intelligence and knowledge. I demonstrate to my students that learning is a cooperative and lifelong function not just limited to the classroom but to the world and to our relationships with one another. I also stress that learning and education is something to be passed along by tradition, example and service.

Teaching is student centered and requires much peer to peer interaction. I believe it is my responsibility to act as a facilitator to encourage my students to participate in their classes and to drive out any fears the student may have about expressing themselves. I believe in encouraging students by celebrating their successes and by coaching the student to go beyond what is required.

I have a responsibility not only to present the theories and principles of a subject but to inform and demonstrate how these are used in the real world. Having thirty years experience in the business world helps me give examples of where the topic at hand is applied outside the classroom. I also believe it my duty to stay current in business topics and other areas so that I can relate their learning to actual events in the business world.


I have to remember that in dealing with my students, I have to adapt my teaching style to their learning style and work with them do determine what is the best way to reach them while keeping learning both pertinent and fun.


Many of today's students come from an educational environment that emphasizes test taking and recall memory at the expense of critical thinking. Employers today bemoan the fact that adult learners "can't think." I try to challenge the students to think rather than to just repeat what they have read. I must review their responses and reply with open ended questions which will require the student to make a creative, cognitive response rather than just spouting facts.


My philosophy of teaching can be summed up by saying that I believe it is my responsibility to assist the student in achieving their goals and in developing critical thinking skills which can be applied not only in the classroom but in the workplace as well.