1. Vanessa Mejia, MPH
STATEMENT OF TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
A major component of my professional practice includes information literacy instruction, evidence-based
practice and problem based learning-whether it is delivered through formal or informal means, in the
classroom or online. I strive to leverage my students’ natural desire to socialize, learn, master, compete to
achieve status and/or self-expression, and altruism. As an instructor I take into account the wide range of
different backgrounds of learners; learning materials and activities should allow for different levels/types
of previous experience with technology. In this context of teaching and learning, I attempt to integrate and
reflect the following values:
Problem based learning is a real world analytical skill. Problem based learning is a self-directed
learning process allowing students to utilize their critical thinking skills to solve problems related to real
scenarios in their professional area of study. Throughout my years of teaching, I have had positive
feedback from students related to this teaching style and have been told this has allowed them to sharpen
their critical thinking and research skills.
Information literacy is academic literacy. Incorporating research to the learning style is important as it
allows students to become more familiar with the resources available at their academic institution and
introducing them to a variety of networks within and outside their career focus. Leveraging web-based
tools such as learning management systems (Blackboard) or LibGuides, help students learn research skills
in a way that is at their point of need. Students need bibliographic instructions to undertake their
assignments and know how to use specific tools, library procedures and the mechanics of finding research
materials as part of building effective research skills.
Engage students. As the gamification movement has illustrated, engaging students is critical to placing
them at the center of the teaching process. In a non-game context, gamification engages students in
solving problems which increases their analytical and critical thinking skills as they contribute their ideas
ensuring a more effective learning process. I integrate tools of active learning, ranging from eLearning
technologies to in-classroom group work to create an environment that is dynamic and memorable
suitable to the real world. This may include field trips to give the students a real taste of what is being
taught in the classroom and applying theory to practice.
On my journey to becoming an educator, my students have helped me develop my teaching philosophy.
Student success is the primary focus of education. My teaching style embodies the role of facilitator for
student success. I model an enthusiastic approach to learning, endeavoring to create lessons that impact
the information in a way that students will successfully grasp. I think this method of teaching creates
enthusiasm on the students’ part and encourages them to become engaged in the learning process. I do
this by encouraging my students and becoming aware of their learning styles to ensure each one is able to
access the curricula.
My ultimate goals as an instructor are: to provide a high quality instructional environment meeting the
individuals needs of my students allowing my students to succeed and leave an equitable legacy students
and teachers will remember me by.