Susan Stone-Lawrence
Education should expose students to knowledge they may not encounter outside the world of academia. Such awareness helps them place their daily experiences within the context of their learning, since any subject can be analyzed by using the "higher-level thinking" skills described in Bloom's Taxonomy. I suggest exploring each philosophy with an open mind, in order to challenge unquestioned assumptions. By modeling an attitude of inclusiveness and showing reverence for the dignity of everyone, I promote an atmosphere that discourages prejudice. Multicultural ideals are upheld by the way I appreciate the variety within my own ethnic heritage and the diversity that surrounds me. Such recognition heightens the joy I share with my students when surveying international theatre history and dramatic literature. I aspire to dispel the notion that scholasticism is off-limits to all but an elite few and that the classics have nothing to offer contemporary young people.
When I lecture, I share personal experiences that give real world pertinence to sometimes arcane subject matter. My passionate enthusiasm for my interests demonstrates the thrilling possibilities of these topics. I include popular culture references and draw comparisons to current events as a means to demystify difficult concepts and emphasize the continual relevance of works from the past. In addition to lectures, I employ reading, writing, discussion, collaboration, presentations, and multi-media experiences, as other ways of sharing information with my class and facilitating multiple intelligences. Each combination of perspectives in the classroom creates its own dynamic, which constructs another meaning to add to the lesson.
I provide students with a clear understanding of my expectations for their achievement, which forms the structure within which they experiment. Each syllabus contains a detailed rubric for every assignment that requires formal assessment. Other grades are based upon class participation, completion of additional written assignments, and peer assessment of presentations and cooperation in group activities.
In addition to the development of my students' potential, I devote myself to furthering my own education. Teaching is an unending learning preocess. I should never expect to reach a plateau of perfection. There is always room to grow, while society, technology, and academic thought perpetually evolve. In pursuit of professional development, I continue my own research, reading, writing, language study, and learning from experts in my field. Conference attendance, committee work, and further collegiate coursework supplement my individual endeavors.
Because I cherish my unique interpretation of the knowledge I have accumulated during my years of varied studies, I encourage students to formulate an authentic viewpoint of their own. For me, learning is the only truly worthwhile pursuit. Acquisition of material wealth does not profit in a lasting way, because all such goods become spent or decay. Education develops a stronger mind and enriches character. The ultimate consummation is the interchange of thoughts that breed new ideas to go forth and populate the world.
