My philosophy of teaching evolved from my experiences with both outstanding, and some not-so-outstanding teachers, who made an impact on me as a college student. I believe that students learn best when actively engaged in the learning process. Hands-on application allows students to see the practical applications and relevance of the knowledge gained or theory developed. By actively discussing theory and issues, students learn to question, explore, and broaden their world. My goal as an instructor is not to have the students absorb knowledge, but to treat knowledge critically, expanding it and making it their own. I want to help students build connections between the theory and practice, to help them apply knowledge to real world situations to and become problem solvers. Tomorrow's problems will require students to make intuitive leaps in applying current knowledge to new contexts. It is imperative that students generate new ideas, draw conclusions, and make connections between theory and application in their current environment and later as they build their careers and contribute to their communities.

I want students to be enthusiastic about learning. If they aren't interested in my class, if I can't make the topic come alive for them, then they will not be motivated to attend class. I motivate students in class by first being enthusiastic about my subject. I try to connect to the students by having a personal visit with them during the first few weeks of class. By taking a personal interest in them and their welfare, I hope to make Texas A&M University a little less impersonal.

While I can't stimulate the passion for learning in every student, I can model that passion in an effort to infect as many students as possible.