The author believes teaching is an art that requires constant reevaluation and revision to help students succeed. They use a variety of evaluation methods to accommodate different learning styles and clearly communicate course objectives and structure while remaining flexible. Active learning techniques like games, discussions, simulations and projects are employed. Evaluation incorporates testing, simulations, projects, presentations and journals. The goal is to empower students and see their understanding through interactive engagement and "AHA" moments.

1. My Teaching Philosophy
I believe teaching is an art. I am constantly reevaluating my teaching and
revising it! I do not believe I will ever be satisfied with it. My desired outcome is
student success in the courseI am teaching. I have always used a variety of
evaluation methods in each course to help all students and learners achieve
success. Ibelieve all students learn differently and by using a variety of methods to
evaluate them I can more clearly see if they are learning the content.
I provide a clear and detailed syllabus and calendar for students at the
beginning of the coursewith clear objectives and dates. There can be changes
made as needed but I try to keep this to a minimum so there is less confusion.
Flexibility is good and I am flexible if the need arises.
I also use many types of student engagement exercises. Games, discussions,
case studies and simulation are some of the methods I have used and will continue
to use. I find simulation to be my favorite tool.
For evaluation methods I use testing, graded simulations, written and acting
projects and role playing. Care plans and case studies as well as group projects are
also used. I enjoy presentations. Journals are also a good way to see your student’s
thoughts and thinking processes. Iam always surprised by some students that in

2. the classroom seem to be confused when reading their journal they really are
getting it! Some students that in class seem to be good are really lost! I use this
more and more often!
I like to include student presentations and teaching sessions, discussion
boards, unfolding case studies and power points. Interactive discussion boards are
great tools for online and face to face classes. I have taught in both and love both
venues. Asking pointed questions to stimulate thinking is a great way to spur on
discussionand critical thinking. I know with conceptbased curriculum that lecture
is no longer in favor but I feel there are times it is a necessity.
In the clinical setting I like to ask many questions and redirect as needed.
This is great in all settings but I find it especially helpful in clinical. Post
conference is a great way to pull together clinical and classroom.
My research has been on simulation and I wish I had more time to do this.
There are so many parts of simulation that needs to be examined. The need for
defined research is great and I want to be a part of it.
Community service is also important to me “I am a volunteer in the Red
Cross and was deployed to Texas this past summer for 9 days. I really enjoy the
disaster team weekly and I am currently the RN leader for Western Pennsylvania. I
look forward to growing in this role.

3. Why do I teach? I love those “AHA”moments when you see a student really
understand the conceptyou are trying to get across!I love to see them light up. The
feeling of empowering another with knowledge is indescribable. Teaching is hard
work and exhausting at times but worth it in the end.
Vicki Rostis DNP RN