My commitment as a teacher is to bring the interdisciplinary approach I use in my own research
into the classroom. I develop curricula and pedagogical practices that draw from multiple fields
within and outside science. This approach enables me to stimulate students’ curiosity and make
science more approachable.
into the classroom. I develop curricula and pedagogical practices that draw from multiple fields
within and outside science. This approach enables me to stimulate students’ curiosity and make
science more approachable.
Biological anthropologists are positioned in a very exciting – although challenging – place: not only do they deal with the collaborative nature within their scientific field, but they also interact deeply with social sciences and humanities as part of the field of anthropology. Most of the relevant debates in biological anthropology - from understanding human diversity in connection to race, to the evolution of sex and human sexuality, to primate conservation and the challenges we face in light of climate change – demand intense interaction between fields.
My teaching practices draw from both natural and social sciences and engage students with examples and activities that relate to their everyday lives. By triggering their curiosity and fostering their passions, I promote the development of scientific thinking through active problem-solving. Fostering passions is an asset not only for student learning but also for my own teaching: I am passionate and enthusiastic about teaching and creative pedagogy and my students can easily recognize this and become excited and engaged themselves. This is a foundational aspect of my pedagogy that ultimately will teach students how to appreciate the process of learning as a rich and creative experience.
Whether in small or large classes, all my pedagogical strategies are dedicated to engaging my students in discussions about the debates and controversies animating the field of anthropology and evolutionary biology. I believe that students can more effectively engage with and appreciate scientific material when they see the links to their everyday life. My pedagogical strategies are aimed at finding these connections to make learning science fun and stimulate a lifetime curiosity about science.
CORE PRINCIPLES
1. Increasing scientific literacy through fostering passion-based learning
2. Teamwork: the importance of working in a collaborative environment
3. Use of technology to improve active learning and student engagement
4. Continuous improvement and update of course design and instructional materials
5. The creation of a learning environment that promotes acceptance and social justice