Michelle S. Rickard outlines her teaching philosophy in 3 paragraphs. She believes in a learner-centered approach using innovative curriculum techniques based on andragogic principles. As a lifelong learner herself, she aims to inspire others on a lifelong learning path and sees this as a way for learners and educators to have a shared vision for change. Being open to learning and change allows her to seek innovations in curriculum design by applying theories of andragogy. Her interest lies in combining established design with digital technologies to create learning platforms. Through her work improving medical education programs, she has become a leader for change and part of improving solutions on a larger scale.

1. Michelle S. Rickard, MS
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
As an adult educator, I believe in a holistic, learner-centered approach using innovative
curriculum techniques grounded in andragogic principles. The culmination of my studies for my
Master’s degree was my Capstone Project where I defined myself as an educator.
First, I am and always will be a lifelong learner and it is my desire to inspire learners to also pursue
this lifelong path. Lifelong learning is not just organized study but a pursuit of reflection and
growth of self - to understand myself amongst others including those I am guiding to learn. A
lifelong learner is a leader for change, as Kouzes and Posner propose in The Leadership Challenge,
because of both weaknesses and strengths create a shared vision with the learner.
Being open to learning and change as a reflective educator/learner leads to seeking innovation
in creating curriculum. My reflection of self creates a desire to understand the theory of
andragogy and how it can be applied to enhance new methods of helping learners obtain
knowledge and skill. As my resume outlines, I have used new methods and techniques to improve
processes which then helped learners acquire new skills. I have a particularly keen interest in
melding theory, established curricular design and digital technology to create learning platforms
for current and future generations.
Finally, the journey of seeking to improve myself as an adult educator led me to being a leader
for change, a desire to be a part of the larger solution to improving the medical education
process. Specifically, my award-winning work presented at the Accreditation Council for
Graduate Medical Education’s annual meeting presented solutions to digital management of
residency programs. From this platform I was able to work with all level of learners to improve
their professional practices and programs.