My approach to teaching is in many ways similar to my research approach: ideally, it is dialogic and focuses on helping diverse stakeholders meet their own goals. If research and teaching are dialogic, I see the key role of researchers as respectful listening and of teachers as respectful speaking. As with research, teaching involves stakeholders with a variety of goals. My teaching goals vary—e.g., cover all of the scheduled material, scaffold students in practicing new skills, provide clear and helpful grading feedback—but my primary focus is helping students to meet their own goals: e.g., develop a good portfolio piece, don’t look foolish in front of people, prepare for the job market, learn a new concept or skill.
For a little more information about my teaching approach, what I love about teaching, and my inspirations and influences, see my feature in the column "My Teaching Life" in the ATTW Bulletin (publication of the Association of Teachers of Technical Writing). For a list of some of the courses I have taught, as well as my student-advising experience, refer to my Cwaltoncv.pdfV. |
Recent Courses
|