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Durham.anthro
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« on: May 04, 2005, 11:42:02 PM » |
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As you know, most hiring departments want a teaching philosophy as part of an application, and I'm wondering if anyone has any good advice about what should go into one, and what should stay out.
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Aristotelian
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« Reply #1 on: May 05, 2005, 03:34:35 AM » |
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My advice is to keep it short and don't spend too much time on it. Short, because committee members don't want to spend hours reading stuff that honestly isn't that different from candidate to candidate. And don't spend much time because I've never found it to make a difference. I've been on the market for a year as a social science ABD, and in numerous conference interviews, phone interviews, and one campus visit I have never been asked "what about your comment on p. 3 of your teaching philosophy." You're lucky if they have thoroughly read your CV.
Other than that, just keep in mind that everyone else does one and you want to stand out in some way, as difficult as that is. Try to use it as a chance to stress something unique in your experience (not just your philosophy). A bunch of stuff on student engagement, intellectual growth, cultivating discussion, etc., isn't going to make a difference because we all basically believe in those things.
Can any search committee members verify this?
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Guyon
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« Reply #2 on: May 05, 2005, 03:51:43 AM » |
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It's a good idea to include some specific examples of what you do in class rather than just abstract notions and lofty ideals (though those belong as well). What innovative methods have you discovered? What have you done that worked very well?
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Other Senior Prof
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« Reply #3 on: May 05, 2005, 03:58:18 AM » |
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I've been on 26 search committees.
The above advice is sound.
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helpful
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« Reply #4 on: May 05, 2005, 04:27:44 AM » |
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I see you are anthropology? What emphasis you put on writing teaching philosophy depends on the field and the department. Is there any way you can go online and lookat some course syllabi for the dept you are applying at?
I have applied to places where the teaching philosophy is integral to the program I would be teaching in. So I disagree slightly with Aristotelian. If a dept's classes are all large, then how you deal with such constraints is important. If, on theother hand, there are small seminars, how do you structure those. And how do you involve students in their own learning. Do you believe in anthroplogy that students should have some experience looking at their own culture as a way to understand looking at others? Etc etc.
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helpful
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« Reply #5 on: May 05, 2005, 04:29:26 AM » |
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p.s I wanted to add...Writing the teaching philosophy is also a great way to clarify for yourself how you would teach, so when the question is asked at an interview or you have to teach a class at the interview you can handle it or show it. (ie. be consistent...if you say your teaching philosophy is x, then when you teach a demo class use those approaches; otherwise it will seem hypocritical!)
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Ms. Collegiality
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« Reply #7 on: May 05, 2005, 05:48:04 AM » |
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I have gotten job interviews at top-notch colleges based on my teaching philosophy. I know this is true because hiring committee members said as much. In my teaching philosophy I show knowledge of the theory of my field and take a stand on which theories I emulate. As a composition instructor, this is relevant because we do have widely differing theories in how to effectively teach writing. I also discuss my teaching methods, showing a knowledge of learning styles and an interest in the student-centered approach, which immediately brands me of a certain ilk, for good or ill. A hiring committee knows what they're getting when they look at my teaching philosophy.
I have a full page of 10 font teaching philosophy and have tinkered with it over the years (and jobs). Of course I am "just" a community college instructor, and maybe it's different for university t-t positions and Ph.Ds., because teaching is much more central to cc jobs; research is pretty much irrelevant, and they're looking to find a colleague who is effective in the classroom.
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Durham.anthro
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« Reply #8 on: May 05, 2005, 06:13:13 AM » |
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Thanks everyone. That's very useful.
Basically, I've been trying to take a hard look at all of the elements of my application package (which I do tailor to 'speak' to particular jobs) to see where my weaknesses lie. Like many who subscribe to this list, I've applied for dozens and dozens of jobs over the last few years and have had very minimal success at landing interviews.
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anon
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« Reply #9 on: May 05, 2005, 06:39:21 AM » |
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I have received adjunct and visting/temporary position interviews based somewhat on my teaching philosophy statement. The chair of the dept./committee to has told me this in the past.
If they are not important, then why do some schools request them?
If it is short, well written, and to the point, it may help you get a teaching position if you do not have a great deal of teaching experience.
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B.F.
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« Reply #10 on: May 05, 2005, 07:35:43 AM » |
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When I interviewed for my current CC position, the vice president had highlighted sections of my teaching philosophy and used it to ask questions about my teaching style and techniques.
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melba
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« Reply #11 on: May 05, 2005, 12:48:33 PM » |
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If the application specifically asks for the teaching philosophy, then tailor it to the particular job description, institution, or department. Use it as a chance to address what they are looking for like diversity/flexibility, technology, student-centeredness, etc.
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FreshlyHired
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« Reply #12 on: May 05, 2005, 01:41:40 PM » |
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In my letter of teaching philosophy, rather than describing my personal approach to teaching, I have described how my teaching methodology falls in line with specific findings of the last two decades of research in education (my field is a basic science).
At one of the places where I have interviewed, the Dean has actually published a critique of one of the pedagogies that I am very fond of. We had about half an hour long, friendly argument, during which he kept constantly upbeat and visibly excited that I was familiar with the newest trends in teaching science. I have received a very respectable offer next day (which I declined a week later for even a better offer).
Some advice. In your letter, do not ramble on about your love for teaching and your personal experiences and guesses about what constitutes effective teaching. Instead, check out a couple books from the library on college teaching, get an intro book on cognitive psychology, and print out a few current publications from education research in your field. Deans and committees want to see your understanding of current issues and problems in education and how you deal with those issues in your teaching. Instead of love and vague aspirations, show professional interest and committment.
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