Teaching Philosophy
I believe in the Humboldtian ideal that teaching must be based on research. I am deeply committed to the value of academic freedom.
Below are some key interconnected aspects of my teaching philosophy.
Education should:
1) Cultivate an appreciation for truth, beauty, goodness, and compassion. Furthermore, education should inspire the pursuit of excellence and personal transformation.
2)Nourish open-heartedness and open-mindedness. Always be prepared for dialogue and communication, even with those who hold opposing views. True learning and profound understanding emerge when we engage with ideas, views, and theories that challenge us and take us out of our comfort zone.
Therefore, students are exposed to diverse ideas, perspectives, and theories. They are also encouraged to learn at least one language significantly different from their mother tongue and immerse themselves in a culture vastly distinct from their own for an extended period.
3)Foster a spirit of curiosity and innovation. The freedom to think and express oneself is of utmost importance in the learning process. Be Brave! Try out and embrace new ideas and methods. Self-directed learning and exploratory journeys driven by curiosity should be celebrated. The challenges of our modern world are intricate and demand creative solutions.
4) Champion collaborative learning and knowledge co-creation. I firmly believe that teaching is not a one-way street. The most effective learning occurs when it is a mutual process. Crucially, the concepts of co-learning and knowledge co-creation are rooted in the belief in the equality of all participants, including the equality between teachers and students.
"Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-imposed immaturity (Unmündigkeit). Immaturity is the inability to use one's own understanding without another's guidance. This nonage is self-imposed if its cause lies not in lack of understanding but in indecision and lack of courage to use one's own mind without another's guidance. Dare to know! (Sapere aude.) 'Have the courage to use your own understanding,' is therefore the motto of the enlightenment."
Immanuel Kant 1798
In practice
(1)Empower students by allowing them to play an active role in their educational journey, such as designing their own curriculum and reading lists. Students excel when they have the opportunity to immerse themselves in subjects that genuinely captivate their interests. This practice not only nurtures a deep sense of intellectual independence and ownership over their education but also kindles a lifelong passion for learning.
2) Encourage students to be proactive and reach out to experts in the specific fields they are researching rather than solely relying on their teachers. By instilling the habit of direct engagement with leading figures in their field, students not only enrich their knowledge but also cultivate essential networking skills.
(3) Dedicate time to acquiring and developing clear-thinking techniques. The ability to think with precision is crucial for effective problem-solving and decision-making. By placing an emphasis on clear, precise thinking, students are armed with a powerful tool to navigate life's challenges. Muddled thinking, on the other hand, often leads to confusion, miscommunication, and, ultimately, suffering and distress.
(4) Promote simple, articulate, and effective communication. Profound truths are most eloquently expressed through the use of plain and lucid language. Encouraging students to convey intricate ideas with simplicity not only hones their capacity to communicate effectively but also ensures that their ideas can be understood and embraced by a wider audience.
(5) Emphasize the importance of staying firmly rooted in reality while upholding their ideals and staying hopeful. It is critical for students to recognize that maintaining a connection to the real world is essential for practical problem-solving and progress. Simultaneously, ideals and hope motivate them to strive for positive change.