Teaching Philosophy

Computer science is a constantly evolving field in which demand for specific skills changes with the cutting edge of computing technology. The core of computer science, however, consists of the ideas that can be adapted to meet the needs of any new application. Any computer science class, whether it is an introduction to programming or another specific class, should focus both on abstract principles and on solving concrete problems.

My teaching experience includes introductory programming courses using Java and Visual Basic at the Institute of Public Administration. I currently teach various courses on fundamentals of computer science in the College of Applied Medical Sciences, Health Community department at King Saud University. I am confident in my ability to teach a wide variety of courses on other topics in computer science, I look forward to developing new classes and revising existing courses to keep them current with the evolving standards of the computing industry. I am particularly interested in developing modern courses that cross the lines between disciplines, such as medical informatics, which includes study of computer applications that manage information in all fields of medicine – medical care, medical teaching, and medical research. My interests and experience in medical fields has placed me at the forefront of some amazing emerging technologies. I want to give the medical fields students the same foundation in computer science so they are motivated and able to contribute at the highest levels of the field.

TEACHING GOALS AND STRATEGY

I have identified several different techniques that I use or plan to use in the future to increase student understanding, motivation, and participation. These three teaching goals are linked so that many techniques apply to several goals. For example, encouraging student questions both increases student understanding and increases participation.

Students are primarily motivated to learn the basic course material as part of their degree requirements; however, teachers have an opportunity to motivate a deeper understanding of the course material by presenting the information in an interesting manner that stimulates the students’ curiosity. When a student’s curiosity is peaked, the student pays greater attention to the information as it is presented, considers the material from a personal perspective, and spends extra time researching and studying the finer details, which results in a better understanding of the course material.

I believe that technology has an important role to play in education.Putting effective course materials online to be accessed “anytime, anywhere” is increasingly important as student time is less structured than in the past. Now, I give most of my lectures using a computer and data projector. Using Microsoft PowerPoint to create slideshows has allowed me to update my presentations each time I give them so the material stays current.

Some other useful tools for increasing student understanding I have used include: supplying lecture notes in advance (I modify slides in the student’s version of the lecture notes and let students fill in the missing steps during class), preparing practice exercises or questions, identifying alternate reading resources, and making use of assignments and tutorials.

One of my more successful techniques for encouraging student interaction is through the use of questions. I like to ask questions during lectures; this allows me to ensure that the class understands what is being presented. When asked a question that is off topic and that would distract the rest of the class I ask the student to see me after class for the explanation. If a student asks a question that I cannot answer, I make a point of discovering the answer and presenting the information during the next class, or posting the answer to the course webpage or mailing list.

I used both a course mailing list and webpage that the students checked regularly. All announcements, assignments, lecture notes, etc, were posted to the course webpage. The students were encouraged to use the mailing list to interact with each other and to ask questions, such as for clarification of assignment questions. The mailing list was a useful tool to distribute information to the students, it provided a forum to address common problems, and allowed students to interact with one another.

I have found teaching to be a rewarding experience. It is both encourages and helps me to deepen my understanding of computer science. By reviewing and reevaluating material in preparation for class, I continually improve my own grasp of the principles and techniques I am teaching. With insightful or surprising questions, students can challenge me to think in new directions. I look forward to the future classes of students whose skills and interests I can help develop.

Like material in any course, teaching is also a skill to be mastered. I strive to improve my abilities as an instructor. I look for feedback from students and advice from fellow teachers. I have and will continue to seek out professional resources for developing my teaching abilities.

In summary, my goal is to provide a high-quality environment for students to learn, grow and become creative contributors to society. The teaching methods that I have outlined above will equip students with the skills, inquisitiveness, and creativity to solve many of the social and technological problems we face every day.