Certificate in College Teaching
Michigan State University
Core Competency 4: Understanding the University Context
Description
Certificate in College Teaching Workshop - Understanding the University Context was a session which talked about postsecondary institution types across the United States. Participants learned about differences in research and teaching expectations across various types of college and universities, including private, public, minority-serving, for-profit, R1-R3 schools. This workshop offered an opportunity for attendees to think about what they believe would be a good fit for their future careers. Moreover, there was a follow-up breakout session focusing on developing personal teaching philosophies. Participants considered institution types and shared their teaching stories and created teaching philosophy drafts.
Artifacts
Artifacts Rationale
The table above listed institution types that reflect general categories that are used colloquially. During this workshop session, samples of institutional mission statements and statements on teaching for each type were provided. This helped me consider what type of college will be an appropriate fit for my future career.
Interpretation/Reflection
This breakout was focused on creating a teaching philosophy/statement. This workshop session specifically addressed how to identify different beliefs and values we have about teaching that shape our practice. As an educator, we can use a number of activities in our classroom. For instance, active group learning can be applied so that students are engaged and motivated in my classroom. Providing opportunities for students would help build connections with each other. Book club enable students to think deeply.
Before I attended this workshop breakout, I have read many teaching philosophies. But I was not sure what will be considered as a good teaching philosophy. This breakout taught me that teaching philosophy statement is a one to two-page document that clearly articulates the value I put on teaching, the goals I have for student learning, and teaching and assessment strategies I will use. The characteristics of a good teaching philosophy are: 1) offers evidence and examples; 2) conveys thoughtfulness and reflection about teaching; 3) communicates that the person values teaching; 4) is student/learner centered; 5) is well written. With these characteristics in mind, I will create my teaching philosophy.
This workshop session also discussed methods to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning. One way to do this is to know students’ needs and try to live up to their expectations. Instructors can be interactive with students and open lines of communication so that good relationships can be built.
