Jan. 10, 2006 issue
My favorite class to teach at Eastern Michigan
is Biology 303: Life Science for Elementary Teachers. I enjoy the students
for their professionalism and their creativity. By the end of the semester,
we have shared many experiences and I feel that they are more like my
colleagues rather than my students.
I teach a wide variety of majors, with one-fourth or less being science
majors/minors. I enjoy the different perspectives on science that the
students bring to class. Sometimes I get a comment or question from a
student, and I am surprised and pleased with their unique perspective
on the concept. I hadn't thought of it that way before! I also get the
opportunity to help students think more scientifically. I feel that my
job is to help students understand science concepts and gain the motivation
and confidence to teach science to elementary children.
Along with the student interaction, I enjoy working with my colleagues
in the biology department and throughout the University.
In any job, I feel that the people I work with make
the job satisfying. I am especially thankful for the support
I've received for my research in science education. I hope
that, by working with prospective elementary teachers to
increase levels of science literacy, we can excite more
young people about the possibilities that the knowledge
and skills of science can provide.
