Chicago | Assistant Professor, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that learning occurs in a collaborative environment as students also become active participants in the learning process. This calls for utilizing various teaching approaches and modalities to accommodate diverse student learning styles, whether through visuals, videos, didactic lecture presentations, and discussions. These can be before, during, or after instruction to help students interact with the course material in learning.
Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and critically.” Facilitating students learning to become critical thinkers in approaching life’s demanding questions is crucial. In a classroom environment, a diverse group of students, based on factors such as gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, race, immigrant status, and ethnicity, can be a microcosm of society. For students to become critical thinkers in the learning process, I facilitate student engagement in embracing inclusivity with each other and discussions on the influences of social and cultural dynamics in others’ livelihoods. These dynamics reflect Adler University’s mission of preparing lifelong agents of social justice.
Due to the diverse student backgrounds and lived experiences, developing individual self-awareness within a community learning environment is an essential goal. Teaching and learning are shared and co-constructed mutual processes. Therefore, genuinely valuing and honoring life experiences and creativity in learning styles is necessary. Although the balance between building group or community consensus and respect for individuality in the teaching and learning process is only sometimes easy to achieve, it ensures hearing, honoring, and respecting diverse voices. Developing individual self-awareness within a group or community context is a skill that often later translates into students working in multidisciplinary teams in mental health settings.
Located in the heart of the city, the Chicago Campus was designed to provide and inspire the learning and living experience. To that end, we have created an environment that caters to your mental, emotional, and intellectual growth. Our classrooms are bright and spacious with windows to the outside world and the latest technology. In our Library, you will find every resource you need to research, form, and shape your journey. At Adler University, we have more than enough room to share your thoughts and flex your intellect.