Eli's Portfolio

Teaching Philosophy

I teach adults. Adult learners learn by doing, by being able to apply what they are learning to situations in their real lives. They appreciate being treated as adults with the accompanying respect and consideration. They come to the learning environment with a wide range of education, background, previous experiences, self-motivation, competencies and interests. They need support and encouragement in any situation to help them with the transfer of learning and apply what they are learning to daily activities. Adults need to be interested in what they are learning and see a practical need or desire to really benefit from the learning. They benefit from small group work, reflection, situated learning and problem-based learning activities.

My goal in teaching is to give my students the best possible learning experience. This does not always mean the easiest learning experience because I feel that in some situations, struggling with understanding is part of the learning process. But I don't let my student struggle in isolation. I try to be supportive and encouraging while at the same time not take over their learning. I try to validate each individual's progress and process. I encourage peer support by letting students mentor each other, work in small study groups and collaborate on projects.

I bring enthusiasm to my teaching in hopes that it will inspire my students. When adult learners are enthusiastic about what they are learning, the process is more meaningful. The result is a good learning experience that helps them retain the information better and strive to learn more.

I recently was recognized as the Outstanding Doctoral Student in the Curriculum and Instruction program at Illinois State University for 2004-2005. When my faculty advisor presented the award, she borrowed the ADDIE model of design to use as an acronym for my approach to learning:

A	Assures others, no matter what the situation.
D	Detects where help is needed. Individualized attention is important.
D	Determines which part to play in this process.
I	Influences the learning of others.
E	Encouraging of growth in others and self.

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