Teaching
In my classes, I aim to provide a hands-on learning experience that enables students to actively engage in the material by applying it to contemporary problems. I am consistently reviewing literature for new methods and concepts to improve my teaching. I also believe in sharing my own experiences and knowledge with others. I do this in the form of creating pedagogical workshops, research, and writing. Below are brief descriptions of the classes that I have taught, other relevant experience, and writing that illustrates my pedagogical approach to teaching geography and environmental issues.
Experience
Instructor of Record:
-GEOG-1070: Contemporary Environmental Issues, University of Iowa (In-person). Summer 2021.
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-GEOG-111: Introduction to Geography, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (asynchronous online). Five Semesters.
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Teaching Assistant:
-GEOG 1050: Foundation of GIS, University of Iowa(in-person)
Spring 2022. 2 lab sections.
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-GEOG-1070: Contemporary Environmental Issues, University of Iowa (in-person & synchronous online). Four Semesters. 3 sections of ~25 students per semester.
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Other Experience:
-Co-supervised undergraduate senior independent study-GIS focused
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-Peoria County Government: Designed and implemented introductory GIS workshop for non-GIS staff
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Pedagogical Training & Development
Certificates:
-Center for Integration of Research, Teaching & Learning (CIRTL)-Associate-Level Certificate
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Fellowship:
-2020-2021 University of Iowa Center for Teaching Graduate Teaching Fellow. Link
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Teaching Workshop Development:
-New Teaching Assistant Orientation module development
-“Creating Community in Virtual Classes”-University of Iowa Teaching workshop
Pedagogical Research & Writing
Research: Textbooks and other course materials represent our fields of study, but they can also influence our students' worldview. This study aimed to better understand how women are represented in introductory geography textbooks. Link here.
Writing: As a Graduate Teaching Fellow, I wrote about my experience in conducting pedagogical research. Also, how I use literature on pedagogical issues to improve my own teaching. Blog post can be found here.
In the future, I would like to expand upon this research and writing in hopes of improving the way we teach geography, GIS, and environmental studies in higher education.