Pedagogical Philosophy

A philosophy of dialogue serves as the basis for my pedagogy. Dialogue suggests that each classroom participant is implicated in the other. Responsibility and accountability are two values on which this pedagogical philosophy is based. In such an environment, every person is essential to the whole and difference (uniqueness) is recognized. Because of this, moments of being uncomfortable - due to our differences - are embraced as learning experiences. In short, dialogue represents an approach to communal learning whereby knowledge is created through the respect and interconnection of multiple and diverse voices and experiences.

In an attempt to co-create an environment that encourages dialogue, I include the following teaching tools: student facilitations and presentations, journal writing, team building activities, team papers and projects, individual papers and essays (formal and reflective), performance, in-class essay writing, and discussion (as the main site for knowledge construction).

Teaching Experience

This year represents my nineteenth year of experience teaching on a college level. I have taught at four academic institutions: the University of Utah, Indiana University, Weber State University, and Westminster College. My pedagogical training began in graduate school. As a master’s student at Indiana University, I received a full teaching scholarship, and during my second year at Indiana University, I won an award for teaching excellence in public speaking. I expanded my teaching experience while working on my doctorate in the Communication Department at the University of Utah, where I received a four-year teaching fellowship. Following graduate school, I have had the opportunity to teach six different management courses in the Eccles School. During the past nineteen years, I have taught the following courses:

Business & Professional Communication - Management
Finance Career Development - Finance
Executive Workshop: The Articulate Executive: Mastering High-Impact Communication Skills
Managing Diversity Through Communication - Management
Human Behavior in Organizations - Management
Leadership, Teamwork, and Effective Communication - Management/MBA
Managerial Writing - Management/MBA
Business Communication - Management/MBA
Effective Teaching Practices and Theories - Management/Ph.D.
Principles of Public Speaking - Speech Communication
Interpersonal Communication - Speech Communication
Elements of Communication - Speech Communication
Communication and Social Behavior - Speech Communication
Communication Criticism - Speech Communication
Communication and Negotiation - Speech Communication
Gender and Social Change - Women Studies
Courses Assisted: African American Studies and Performance Studies