Vancouver | Adjunct Faculty, Psychology in Health and Wellness
My background includes a Ph.D. (University of Toronto/Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning) and a rewarding teaching career with graduate and undergraduate students. I am invigorated by supporting students’ enthusiasm for learning. I am inspired by their creativity. I know I will experience this with the keen minds of Adler University students.
Throughout my work and studies, I have strived to teach and develop courses according to students’ diverse experiences. I draw on experiential learning approaches (Kolb, D., 1984). David Kolb (1984) highlighted that “Learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience” (Kolb, 1984, p. 38). New perspectives are developed by starting from prior knowledge and interacting with new content through active learning. We begin with our relevant experiences and observations. As such, stories and case studies are often at the heart of this approach.
Interaction through dialogue, discussion, and reflective writing play a large role in learning. Our “aha” moments of understanding happen as we critically discuss new ideas with others, as well as consciously reflect on them through writing. I understand this through the lens of Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of learning (Vygotsky,1934;1986). Sociocultural theory recognizes language and active use of language through speaking and dialogue as primary tools of learning. Critical discussion and reflective writing are the means through which we develop new insights. As such, our identities, thought and mind are mediated and developed through interaction and speaking.
I am excited to meet and dialogue with the diverse students of Adler University.
Please feel free to contact me via email.
Adler University in Vancouver has been, like Canada itself, born and built with an open mind. Located in the midst of one of the world’s most exciting and breathtaking cities, Adler University reflects a true Canadian spirit. It’s smart, inclusive and determined to make a world of difference. By design, our Vancouver campus echoes the Adler values and intent down every hall and in every room. It is built to live, breathe and inspire those with the passion to pursue a more just society. This is where the work gets done.
At Adler Vancouver, you’ll find multiple collaborative areas with the absolute latest technology. Learning areas and windows have literally been situated to stimulate thought. To some, that may sound odd, but these things do matter. If students are given the space, opportunity and technology to achieve their goals, they are more likely to rock the boat of conventional thought.