Teaching Philosophy

In each class I teach, I aim to impart theoretical and applicable knowledge that will allow students to (a) develop a comprehensive understanding of sociology, (b) embrace a global perspective, (c) develop professional skills for future career, and (d) practice inclusivity within and beyond the classroom.

For example, In my Introduction to Sociology class, I always start my class discussing controversial technology developments and inventions, such as gene modification, followed by a debate between students on the potential consequences and social meanings behind them. This approach provides students opportunities to apply sociological concepts to real life, while highlighting the idea of how sociology can add insights and provide guidance to natural sciences.

Introducing a global perspective, I always include case studies and examples from different cultures. In my Global Societies course, I assigned International NGO reports as a group presentation, which allowed students to develop and deliver their skills such as team-work and presentation. I have also incorporated Team-Based Learning pedagogy during class discussions, which encourages the exchanges of ideas to pique students’ curiosity while embracing experiential learning through a flipped classroom.

In 2018, I was selected to participate in the Inclusive Pedagogies Graduate Learning Community (website) to develop and produce a toolkit for inclusive pedagogy for the graduate teaching community. Not only did this experience enhance my own teaching skills, but it also offered me an opportunity to join the large conversation on campus to promote social equality through teaching.

I am prepared to teach core sociology and criminology courses, as well as Statistics and Survey Methods. I am also able to teach interdisciplinary topics, such as International Human Rights, Race and Ethnicity, and Law and Society.