UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #94

Please answer the question you selected above in the area provided. My goal as a UROP leader is to be a facilitator of personal growth, a motivator for academic challenge, and a cheerleader for student achievement. My philosophy on teaching stems from the belief that every student deserves to feel like they have a valued role in the classroom, regardless of identity or educational level. As a student-teacher with a psychology and cross-cultural communications focus, I understand the ways that students of diverse cultural backgrounds and learning styles contribute to the classroom in unique and important ways. Every student should feel welcome in the educational space we create together, allowing students to feel that they are an integral part of a team of learners. To me, learning is about challenging oneself to grow, engaging in critical thinking, and fostering curiosity. I encourage students not to just leave learning to the classroom, but to use the skills they have gained throughout their experience with me as a leader in all areas of their lives. It is essential to create an open dialogue from leader to student, enabling students to feel comfortable and confident speaking about any issues that they may be facing so we can work to build a solution that is best for them. In my UROP Colloquium, I implement evidence-based strategies for the greatest level of success among my students. Cooperative learning and inquiry-based approaches allow students to use think-pair-share and small group collaborations to encourage critical thinking and independent research. It is my hope that by leading in a compassionate, communicative, structured, and dedicated manner, I can facilitate the development of mutual trust, respect, and empathy. Ultimately, I aim to uplift my students in order for them to achieve the greatest degree of personal fulfillment from their research opportunities and from the UROP program as a whole.