Recipient of the AEJMC VisCom Teaching Award 2020, which recognizes excellence in
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Recipient of the Adobe Creative Educator badges, a professional development achievement. |
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
I strive to empower students to become innovators within their chosen fields by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and socially responsive understandings of communication. My courses emphasize that our ideas are shaped by experiences, language, and imagery, encouraging students to engage with these influences thoughtfully. I design assignments that challenge students to analyze complex issues, make informed decisions, and approach communication with empathy and purpose. Through active discussions, we recognize a shared humanity while respecting the diverse elements that define us. Creating an environment where students feel safe to express their needs and perspectives is essential, supported by thoughtful feedback and open dialogue about course materials.
I use a dynamic approach between lecture and practice. By allocating ample class time to hone technical skills, I can respond to students on an individual basis, which is especially applicable in courses that incorporate software since students are usually at different stages of proficiency. Through hands-on class activities that require creativity and risk-taking, I provide students with opportunities for personal growth that can lead to intrinsic motivation. I try to cultivate enthusiasm for the study of communication through my own passion for the material. In courses emphasizing visual communication, I facilitate a learning journey through assignments that allow students to find their own style, strengths, and voice, as exemplified by their award-winning work.
In the field of communication, collaboration encourages group bonding as well as a real working environment. Students always learn from each other since they come from diverse backgrounds. Presentation is strongly emphasized in every class; I hold high standards for students’ final projects, as they should do so themselves as emerging professionals. Aside from my interests in the formal classroom setting, I firmly believe in studying abroad and/or fieldwork as an intensive and immersive learning approach. As I review student evaluations, I appreciate reading that my courses ask them to think differently about communication, and I am happy my students know that I value their educated opinions.
I use a dynamic approach between lecture and practice. By allocating ample class time to hone technical skills, I can respond to students on an individual basis, which is especially applicable in courses that incorporate software since students are usually at different stages of proficiency. Through hands-on class activities that require creativity and risk-taking, I provide students with opportunities for personal growth that can lead to intrinsic motivation. I try to cultivate enthusiasm for the study of communication through my own passion for the material. In courses emphasizing visual communication, I facilitate a learning journey through assignments that allow students to find their own style, strengths, and voice, as exemplified by their award-winning work.
In the field of communication, collaboration encourages group bonding as well as a real working environment. Students always learn from each other since they come from diverse backgrounds. Presentation is strongly emphasized in every class; I hold high standards for students’ final projects, as they should do so themselves as emerging professionals. Aside from my interests in the formal classroom setting, I firmly believe in studying abroad and/or fieldwork as an intensive and immersive learning approach. As I review student evaluations, I appreciate reading that my courses ask them to think differently about communication, and I am happy my students know that I value their educated opinions.