Marcos Cavenaghi

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

 

      My teaching interests include Business Information Systems, E-Commerce, Web Development, Operations Management, and Security of Information Systems courses at the undergraduate levels. During my academic career, teaching has been one of my most gratifying experience. Therefore, my primary objective when teaching is to participate effectively in the students’ learning process.

      To achieve this goal, I design relevant, contextualised, and state-of-the-art courses founded on a basis of clear course material and a vigorous and stimulating lecture style that encourages student participation and discussions. My teaching style is student centred. I see my students as individuals who have arrived from different countries/cultures and varied academic paths. Each of them, therefore, has different challenges and requires a somewhat different teaching approach. I keep friendly and relaxed atmosphere with a sense of humour, and use different teaching techniques, to accommodate different learning styles and make the learning process more enjoyable. I set high expectations for students and me.

      To fulfil these major roles, I use mainly the following teaching techniques (depending on the material taught and the number of students in the class):

• Lecture plus manual and electronic handouts, before and after classes.

• Short videos

• Question & Answer periods across the entire class

• Group and individual work in class.

• Case studies and presentations

• Written assignments

     As a passionate for new technologies, I incorporate my practical experience in my classes to ensure that, for each topic covered, students comprehend the subject from both theoretical and practical standpoints. Also, I like to use Case Studies to make sure that I bring real situations to the classroom. I believe that when students have contact with real life situations in class, they can effectively learn that subject.

     When delivering the lectures, I further attempt to turn each class into a unique and stimulating learning experience for the students by presenting the course material in a logical manner that respects their cultural diversity, comprehension, and analytical ability; and by motivating student engagement and interest in class debates and group work. I believe that this will help students to develop essential critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills.

      In the short term, I would like my students to have positive emotions about the learning material, which will make the learning process more pleasant and efficient. I would like them to be challenged and to become analytical and critical thinkers. In the longer term, I wish to see them in good positions in business, academia, and society. They should be proud of what they have achieved, and I should be proud of my contribution to this achievement.

      My years of teaching experience with a variety of courses and audiences have allowed me to conclude that education involves a process of continuous improvement. For this reason, I research new teaching innovations and materials using the internet and by attending seminars and workshops related to the subject.