I believe every student, from every background, should have a solid foundation in physics and be able to apply this knowledge to solve technical problems and provide insight about physical possibilities. Based on this belief, my teaching philosophy is that this outcome is best achieved through a balance of active learning and traditional lectures delivered in an engaging and relevant way which both meets the needs of and resonates with the student.
Shaun Marshall – Teaching Statement
To best share my passion for physics with others, I have been developing my ability to educate students. My teaching style couples traditional lectures with active learning strategies to achieve the benefits of both; I believe that a defensible lecture provides the baseline for learning new topics, but inclusive student-lead activities provide the catalyst for connecting to the topic on a personal level and solidify learning with experience. This leads to better learning outcomes, including material retention to the ability to understand more complex topics. For students who might initially be averse to the subject, the development of a personal interest and appreciation for these concepts can propel them further in their own studies. I incorporate active learning in my courses through demonstrations with props, group assignments, and peer-review of problem-solving exercises. When students have questions, I believe the best approach is Socratic wherein I will ask guiding questions in response and make every attempt to point them towards evidence and resources to guide them further.