Teaching Philosophy

My objective when teaching is to create a safe environment for students to ask questions, discuss novel concepts and ideas and develop critical thinking skills.  I strive towards educational reform and utilize a variety of teaching styles based on the tenets of "multiple intelligences".  In addition to lectures and short answer/essay exams I incorporate cooperative learning based group projects,  career and culturally relevant product oriented assignments, hands-on learning activities, independent research projects, poster sessions and oral presentations.  I promote diversity in science and in the classroom.  Cultural diversity facilitates scientific progress by providing new ideas, questions and approaches to problems.  I respect students at all levels of abilities and hold high standards for effort, improvement, achievement and mastery.