TEACHING
Teaching Philosophy
The main tenet of my teaching philosophy is explaining the “why” whenever I interact with students or any audience. I feel strongly in taking time at the beginning of my lectures to go over the importance of the topic and in engaging the students in considering why we care about the issue. In doing so, I aim to explain the value of any given material. I have seen how this method, which is rooted in goal orientation theory, has positively impacted class discussions by increasing active participation and motivating students to develop competence. The “Daring Leadership” framework outlines core components for effective non-armored leadership, which I aim to embody as the leader of my research lab and as an instructor. I believe that being vulnerable with my team and students helps tremendously in building rapport and promoting healthy work environments where all team members are free to express their concerns.
To graduate students, I emphasize accountability in the form of ensuring their studies follow proper methodology leading to scientifically sound evidence and being cognizant of the implications of their research findings on policy and practice. I have made it my goal to continuously challenge mentees and peers on the real-world application and significance of their studies. I am committed to lifelong learning and my philosophy continues to evolve as I develop new skills in teaching. (Hincapie-Castillo, 2021)
My philosophy is exemplified by the integration of the “Start with Why” and “Daring Leadership” theoretical frameworks from the leadership research of Simon Sinek and Dr. Brene Brown.
Courses Taught
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt