Teaching Philosophy

As an assistant professor of graphic design, my teaching philosophy revolves around four core tenets that shape my approach to education and pedagogy. These tenets are grounded in the belief that fostering an inclusive, exciting, and challenging learning environment will empower students to become lifelong learners and successful graphic designers. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of open communication, critical thinking, and collaboration, which are essential skills for professional growth and development in graphic design.

1. Creating an Inclusive Classroom:

In my teaching practice, I prioritize creating an inclusive classroom where every student, regardless of their culture, beliefs, skills, methods, or abilities feels valued and supported. I believe that graphic design is a powerful medium for self-expression, as we are visual story-tellers, and it is crucial to allow students the freedom to explore ideas and create designs that are meaningful. By embracing diversity in design, cultural backgrounds, different beliefs and perspectives, I encourage students to tap into their unique experiences and identities. This approach not only enhances their creativity but also fosters a sense of empathy and understanding for others’ perspectives.

2. Instilling Excitement and a Desire to Learn:

I strive to instill a sense of excitement and a genuine love for learning of graphic design and its principles in my students. By leveraging engaging lectures, hands-on activities, and professional examples along with speakers from the industry, I work on bringing the real-world to the students. I believe that fostering curiosity and a thirst for knowledge will drive students to pursue their own independent research, embrace new technologies, and keep up with the evolving trends in the field. It is my goal is to equip students with the skills they need to succeed not only during their college years but also throughout their professional careers.

3. Encouraging Students to Push Beyond Their Comfort Zones:

In my teaching practice, I encourage students to push themselves out of their comfort zones and take risks. I am often heard in the classroom telling students to “push your ideas!” I firmly believe that growth and learning occur most profoundly when students step into the unknown and embrace new challenges through experimentation and exploration. I encourage students to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from both successful and unsuccessful outcomes. I encourage them to see what works and what doesn’t work as opportunities for growth, and I encourage them to analyze and provide written reflection on their design processes. By fostering resilience and an appetite for exploration, I hope to empower students to develop their problem-solving skills, adaptability, and creativity.

4. Fostering Questioning, Challenging Ideas, and Collaboration:

I strongly value open communication, critical thinking, and collaboration in my classroom. I encourage students to ask questions, challenge ideas, and engage in thoughtful discussions about design concepts, techniques, and societal implications. By creating a space where every voice is respected, I empower students to articulate their thoughts, develop their own design philosophies, and expand their understanding of the graphic design discipline. Furthermore, I emphasize the importance of collaboration, as it simulates real-world design environments and exposes students to diverse perspectives and methodologies. Through teamwork, students learn to appreciate the power of collective intelligence and develop essential interpersonal and communication skills.

In conclusion, my teaching philosophy centers around creating an inclusive, exciting, and challenging learning environment. By embracing these philosophies, it’s my goal to give students the skills to become confident, adaptable, and empathetic graphic designers. During their time in my classroom, I hope to inspire a lifelong love for learning and equip students with the critical skills they need to succeed in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of graphic design.