Teaching

Education is fundamental to economic and social development. Learning how to teach well is perhaps even more challenging than being a student. To properly convey information one has to understand nuances of each unique student and class composition. I have had the privilege of learning to teach effectively from a host of wonderful mentors. Below I have posted my teaching philosophy and a syllabus for my class on smart cities I created and taught during the summer of 2018.

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that each person can contribute in different ways. I do not ascribe to a set method of teaching, like the Socratic method or lecture driven classes. Instead, I blend together a wide variety of styles to ensure my students all have the ability to contribute and not be intimidated or shouted down by their fellow classmates, or me. As someone who learned too late that I learned differently than other people, I know what it is like to be uncomfortable when pushed down an undesirable path.

As a young student I was always intimidated to speak up in front of the class or go to the board to write alone. I did not realize as a child I had a problem with letters and numbers, as I was very high functioning, and a top reader in all of my classes. But I read differently. I see pictures when I read. I read right to left, which seems impossible, but I do. I find reading upside down easier than right-side up. I also mirror write (backwards and right to left), especially when I'm tired. And I constantly mix up numbers, especially when they are smashed together.

But I've learned my strengths. I excel at working in small groups, creating and developing new project ideas, thinking outside the box, and writing short commentaries, or memos, and developing structured research outlines. I also perform well in front of a crowd, a hold over from my singing days, but I feel extremely comfortable speaking off the cuff or giving presentations on material I am well versed in. One of the greatest compliments I've received was when a law professor of mine told me - "Lauren, I never know what you're going to come up with, it's always so different from what everyone else is thinking." I've received similar sentiments from others over the years and it's heartening to know that all the craziness inside my head has found an outlet and receptive audience.

Therefore, when I teach, I give students the opportunity to speak in class, write on discussion boards, work during class in small groups, and present in front of the class, or to a small group. This combination of outlets ensures everyone's voice is heard and as they become more comfortable with the class, I notice reluctant students branch out into avenues they were resistant to previously. When I notice a student falling behind, I work with them to understand the problem.

I encourage my students to play to their strengths and to challenge themselves to improve their weaknesses. We all learn differently and have special talents. The more we cultivate these differences, the greater pool of ideas there is to draw from, which leads to more innovation and a better society.