Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is influenced by the Western and Asian pedagogical approaches of learning with a focus on knowledge and comprehension as well as practical application and synthesis. Drawing on the strengths of the Asian model of education, that focuses on a high level of knowledge acquisition where knowledge is transferred from an expert to the learner, my main goal is to extend learning to include the application of knowledge to practical scenarios and global issues. This could achieve a more balanced and transformational learning. My learning and educational path began within the Asian model and this changed in Graduate school to include the western model.

Drawing from the strengths of the western model of education and theories such as constructive alignment by Biggs (2003) and Bloom’s Taxonomy (1956), I have learnt that true learning is collaborative and mutual. This is based on the foundation that all knowledge should be comprehended, make practical connections through application and analysis and eventually to synthesizing and evaluation of the learning.  Emphasis is placed on the circular process of learning that combines learning and teaching. Students learn actively by participating in learning activities conducted by the teacher. 

Teaching is an opportunity to maximize student’s learning, not just by lecturing and providing knowledge, but by helping them to make sense of the learning through doing and getting constructive feedback from the Educator. I believe in the need to provide an inclusive and safe learning environment where all students will be motivated to learn and desire knowledge, engage in constructive and critical thinking and foster self- learning.  

My past decade of experiences as a Social worker will offer practical applications for the students, while ensuring that the classroom utilizes best practices for teaching. It is my belief that Social work Educators are to build core competencies in our students and groom a new generation of competent social workers for the workforce.