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Course Syllabus
Schedules and Due Dates
Additional Information
Sample Papers and Course Documents
Favorite Links and Other Things That Might Help
Aristotle and Other People That I Vaguely Like
Jennifer's Current Research Interests
Teaching Philosophy
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The Origins of Philosophy
"Philosophy" has its roots in the Greek tradition. "Philia," meaning friendship love, and "Sophia," the goddess of wisdom, are conjoined to create "a love of wisdom." I think that this is tantamount to my philosophies as they all stem from my love of learning.
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Educational Background
My background in education has shaped the teaching philosophies that I subscribe to today. As a student, I spent my earlier years attending school in England. When I returned to America, I entered a school in middle-class suburbia. At the age of sixteen, it attended a community college, after which I became an undergraduate student at Eastern Washington University. During all of this time, I continued to study abroad with Japan as my primary focus. As a teacher, I have taught English as a Second Language in Japan and in America. I also teach English composition at EWU while attending their graduate program. Recently, I have been gaining experience in teaching Literature at Spokane Falls Community College. This eclectic background is the basis for my beliefs today. |
Learner-Centered Curriculum
I truly subscribe to the learner-centered curriculum and all that it implies. I believe that students should be empowered with their own education as a matter of ownership and validity. As a result of this fundamental belief, I am in constant communication with the student and respond to their suggestions and needs with an open ear.
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Technologies
I believe that students will have to engage in technologies when they finally enter the work force. As a result of this understanding, I attempt to incorporate multimedia use into the everyday classroom, helping and encouraging the students gain the skills that they will need to succeed. |
Student Motivation
I believe that students are motivated to learn. This does not mean that I think that all students are motivated to learn composition in particular; however, during their self-actualization process, I plan to give them the support and skills that they will need in their future educational endeavors.
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Vis-a-Tergo
Vis-a-tergo: a reversal of casual or hierarchical relationships. I enjoy learning from my students, and I hope that they enjoy teaching me.
Nothing to do with my teaching philosophy, but I want to briefly introduce you to my dog Bear. |
Theory & Practice
The teaching of composition is a field that is alive with exploration, examining, and extending what it is to write and teach writing. The field is akin to the steady waves of a beach, new theories ebbing and flowing. Some of the theories wash over us, leaving their mark on us; some of the theories don't touch us, but we see them and choose to run to them if we like; and some theories are the large and forceful waves that sweep us off of our feet and change our thought forever. It is the deep swellings of the ocean of theory that touch us that affect our teaching practice, and I believe that instructors must continue to watch the waves and play on the beach so that the waters never still and become stagnant.
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Eudaimonia
Eudaimonia: The Greek concept that we are only transcendently happy and content with ourselves and the world around us when we are fulfilling our life's purpose--teaching is mine. |
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