Teaching Philosophy

Advice from a Lake
(Advice printed on a refrigerator magnet available at Crater Lake National Park gift store)

Be clear**Send positive ripples**Take time to reflect


Perched at the crest of the Cascade Mountain Range in Oregon is a beautiful lake nicknamed the "Mirror of Heaven." This lake is unique in that it is only fed by the snow and rain from heaven. No streams or inlets feed into the lake which might add sediment or impurities. In fact, geologists believe it is the clearest lake in the world. It is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the deepest in the world. In fact, 44 feet of snow falls annually to replenish this lake. Originally this was the site of a mountain, but a mountain that contained a violent volcano. When that volcano erupted, it left a huge caldera that became Crater Lake.

In May of 2013, I flew to Portland, Oregon, and then drove the five hours over Mt. Hood to reach Crater Lake.  Even in late spring, I drove past huge snow banks packed on the side of the road. As I marveled at the beauty of this clear lake, I thought of how it instructed me in teaching communication skills.

Be clear

First, be clear. I often teach technical writing, a class in being specific. Students appreciate clear rubrics that specify how assignments will be graded and clearly defined assignments that match the outcomes of the class. As well, freshmen composition students need clear instruction as they learn about communication in a university setting.

Send positive ripples

Second, send positive ripples. Instead of providing positive feedback, composition teachers are sometimes accused of "bleeding all over their student's papers." Therefore, I avoid using a red pen and instead make suggestions in a softer, graphite pencil. (I don't like the color red anyway). My teaching philosophy has evolved over thirteen years of teaching: I am convinced that when a student can learn to communicate well, the student can contribute in meaningful ways---in their career,  in their volunteer work, and in their relationships. However, I am also convinced that students must receive more positive feedback than "suggestions" if they are to have the confidence to keep writing long enough to reach a level of expertise.

Take time to reflect


Third, take time to reflect. Learning and good writing can occur when students (and teachers) take time to reflect. At the end of the semester, I provide opportunities for students to reflect on their learning and provide feedback for me to reflect on as well. In freshman composition, students keep a blog that allows them to record and reflect on their experiences at a university. In advanced writing, students write a memo providing feedback on their learning.

Because of the clarity of Crater Lake, it really is a mirror. If you spot a cloud in the sky, you can see the identical mirror of the cloud on the lake. If a jet flies overhead, you can trace the white lines in the lake. The clarity and depth of the lake enhances its reflective quality and instructs me in teaching composition.
Teaching Philosophy: Be clear**Send positive ripples**Take time to reflect**