Nora Fahad Al-Sudairi

Philosophy of Teaching Nora AlSudairi Lecturer. Department Rehabilitation – Speech and Hearing Program - KSU. First and foremost, in our educational system, students are spoon-fed information rather than encouraging them to self educate. Therefore, I want to push them out of their comfort zone and challenge them. I make sure to tell them on their first lecture “there's always a new challenge to keep you motivated” to ensure that increased demands of the course work is fair yet difficult, moreover, it will help build their character. Human beings abilities vary, there are those students who are self-motivated, gifted and set the bar high for their classmates, as they will rise to any challenge I offer. On the other hand, there are those who are less able or less driven. It would be unfair of me and would say a little, if I set the bar high and watch those less driven students sink. This is how I work. I make sure that they know and trust that I will provide support for them any day any time, as long as they are making a consistent effort. I reassure them by saying “don’t panic, don’t quit, it will become easier by time”. Like our profession, progress takes time to show. Some students will struggle at the beginning, yet they know I am there for therm. I meet with them after class, I reply to their e-mails quickly even if they are sent late at night and I have devoted 6 office hours per week for one on one meetings and consultations. My methodology involves reading, power point lectures, interaction, discussion, research, and clinical work. To make sure that students are reading for a purpose, I begin the class with a brief oral quiz, in which answers are discussed and expanded on to add further information and give the students the chance to negotiate and debate in which they quickly realize that they are empowered to make their case. The give-and-take of these exchanges predictably leads to laughter and mutual respect. During the last 5 minutes of each class, I review the highlights of the topic taken, give general guidelines about what they should focus on, clarify why we are covering this material and how its linked to our profession. As a reward, I trade points for knowledge as I give them extra credit opportunities, which they know upfront; additional assignments, quiz, developing materials. This may result in relatively high marks, yet they earned it. In addition for the class to be challenging, I want it to be interesting and fun by including the students interests and passion. Once students are given the chance to practice their interests and passion they will learn better and faster. I take pride in my flexibility, organizational skills and quick detailed grading. I give the students the responsibility and chance to choose their exams dates to give them the freedom to manage their time. I always make sure that students receive their mid term marks on the next lecture. For assignments, I grade and return them electronically with detailed comments and feedback. For self-improvement, I make sure that I update my self with the latest strategies of teaching, take in account the students’ feedback and comments, moreover, and seek for experienced professionals help and views.