TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Valene J. Gresham, Psy.D.
“The pursuit of normality is the ultimate sacrifice of potential.”
– Faith Jegede, Ted Talk 2015
A life of normalcy never appealed to me. Blindly following others without concern or question was a source of stress than relief. Therefore, I chose a life where questions are the passion for life… an extraordinary path with opportunities to both, give and receive, inspiration, motivation, and positive influence.
Knowledge is the key to your attainment of victory and the lock that secures your success. As a professor of the social sciences, I strive to provide the highest quality educational experiences to my students, as a tribute to the great professors, mentors, educators, and leaders that have guided me. As my personal teaching philosophy, I value five core beliefs:
1. Make the learning experience memorable.
It is my desire that students leave my class having learned something fascinating about the field of psychology and something extraordinary about themselves. Memorable experiences create long lasting impressions that fuel interest and vision.
2. Foster ongoing curiosity and critical thinking skills.
One of the most exciting aspects of teaching is witnessing students’ access the freedom in their thoughts. I believe that freedom of choice, flexibility of perspective, and critical thinking are skills that separate followers from leaders and innovators. As an educator, it is my duty to foster a classroom environment where curiosity and questioning is not criticized, but rather it is rewarded and expected.
3. Provide exposure to research and practical skills.
Through the use of various technologies and creative presentations (modern audio and visual technology, vignettes, literature reviews, news articles, debates, real world sample reports, research projects, field experiments, interactive lectures, guest speakers, etc.,) I seek to provide state-of-the-art illustrations that are exiting, intriguing, and informative. Exposure to theory, current research, and technological advancements, as well as, historical and classical literature and experiments is critical for providing a well-rounded educational experience. In addition to the importance of being knowledgeable, I strongly feel that utilizing state-of the art-technology in conjunction with in vivo experiences provides significant exposure to practical clinical skills including diagnostics, clinical interviewing, multicultural understanding, therapeutic treatment, and the ability to provide unbiased, non-judgmental empathy.
4. Maximize strengths and address weaknesses.
The attainment of confidence is critical for solid performance in any career. As a professor of higher education, I thrive on assigning tasks where students can take pride in their strengths, but also continue to grow and flourish by addressing their weaknesses. This approach not only aides in the promotion of confidence, but also the development of self-awareness which is critical in the field of psychology.
5. Motivate and inspire.
My role as a professor is to not only to function as a resource for knowledge; but also to serve as a leader and mentor, as well. My aim in and outside of the classroom is to support the academic pursuits of the students and provide assistance, guidance, and mentorship to ensure these goals are achieved. During times when students feel strained, exhausted, and burdened by responsibilities, the light of a motivational and inspiring educator can shine through, turning what is perceived to be daunting obligations into highly valuable opportunities.
Do you need a skilled instructor or speaker for your upcoming course ? I’m available.