- "It is more important for students to know how to think critically than to learn a large number of facts."
- As a member of the faculty of the Computer Science and Software Engineering Department at Miami University, it is my responsibility to help prepare our majors and students in service courses to meet the technological challenges that they will face through out their lives. This includes equipping them with technical knowledge and problem solving methods. However, it is my firm belief that the students I teach in a technical field like computer science need the same educational experience and resulting liberal education as do students in other less technical areas. It is more important for students to know how to think critically than for them to learn a great number of facts. The ability to think critically will enable them to adapt to changing technology, and use it effectively to solve problems. Critical thinking must be grounded in a strong technical base. A strong technical base is possible only when a person has a core understanding of the subject and the ability to apply underlying principles, rather than a broad but superficial knowledge of facts.
- Over the years I've discovered seven principles that have influenced my teaching style. These principles are listed below (though not necessarily in any particular order):
1) Concepts are more important than details, although understanding of details is often necessary to fully understand difficult concepts:
2) Various students learn best in different ways.
3) There needs to be a balance between the amount of material covered and the depth and quality of coverage. (There is often a temptation to hurry to make sure that all topics are covered. This is generally a mistake.)
4) Challenging students is important to get the greatest learning.
5) Much learning occurs in retrospect. That is, reflection is a vital step in understanding.
6) Students generally learn, rather than being taught.
7) Learning is often preceded by a period of fog while concepts crystallize and take an understandable form. Students need to be helped and re-assured during these times.
- At the beginning of every class I teach I define the students' objectives -- the tasks they must perform and the skills they must develop in order to succeed in that class.
In order to help my students achieve their objectives, I regularly set six goals for myself as an instructor. These goals are...
1) To nurture an intellectual curiosity among my students.
2) To challenge my students in ways that empower them to be their best.
3) To personally continue to learn more about my field.
4) To model critical thinking inside and outside of the classroom.
5) To earn the respect of my students- intellectually, ethically, and professionally.
6) To contribute to the learning environment of broader communities: department, school, university, profession.