My Teaching Philosophy

I remember best with acronyms, so I have developed a teaching philosophy centered on the acronym C.R.E.A.T.E., which helps me remember, practice, and live my teaching philosophy.

Connectivity

Beyond the theory and the foundations for learning, students need to understand the connection and application to the real-world, or in the case of hospitality, to the hospitality industry. This will allow students to not only memorize, but understand the importance of learning the theory and background of any subject. While teaching, I draw connections to the real-world industry, discussing current events, news, scenarios, case studies, etc., that relate to the topic at hand, and connecting students with industry professional who can speak first-hand.

Resourcefulness

Rather than teach students rote memorization and subject matter they may not need to have engrained in their heads, I would like to teach students to be more intellectually curious, and be resourceful. Instead of memorizing material, students should know how to seek out the information, and learn the means to do so.

Esprit de Corps

My teaching strategy does not solely focus on the standard classroom style of homework assignments, papers, and exams. Instead, student success is measured by various student-centered interactions where teamwork and collaboration is emphasized, such as in-class discussions, group activities, group projects, etc. Students will apply what they have learned in the class and utilize their internal and external resources to create a project website/e-portfolio cumulating everything they have learned throughout the class, while learning about the spirit of collaboration.

Advisor

As an instructor, I choose not to be the omniscient authority that knows all and teaches all. Rather, I choose to be the facilitator in the classroom who supports and guides students, and helps them teach themselves. I will help students establish their goals and help them determine what steps they need to take in order to achieve them.

Technology Integration

As someone who sees the value in educational technology, students can gain valuable learning experience when technology is integrated into the classroom. Instead of putting for the effort to forbid cell phones and electronics in the classroom, I elect to integrate their devices into the classroom, with a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) strategy. In terms of content delivery, hybrid and online learning will be utilized, with a combination of e-learnings, online curriculum, and assignments, leaving more time in the classroom for collaborative classroom activities.

Enthusiasm

As we all know, some subjects tend to be difficult for students, so one of the goals for any class I teach is to make it fun! Gamification of course materials can help motivate students to learn, and creating innovative e-learning interactives and activities can encourage students to pay attention to the content while learning at the same time.

C.R.E.A.T.E. Passion

Together, these elements spell the word C.R.E.A.T.E. However, one crucial factor that ties everything together is PASSION. By fulfilling everything in the acronym, we can C.R.E.A.T.E. passion and intellectual curiosity in the students, and they can achieve success and strive to be great in their future careers and aspirations.