Davin Martin Richard Carter Teaching CV 2014
Philosophy: Science is an experimental field, so it is only when students are in the lab that they really make the connection between theories taught in lectures and the science behind them. In that spirit, I work hard to make science labs exciting and dynamic by engaging students early and often.
In the lab: Each lab, no matter how many times I've taught it, requires thoughtful calculated preparation in how best to convey the material to the class. I believe that both learning and teaching is an iterative process. More than just state the facts, I attempt to lay out the conceptual framework that leads to the facts and endeavour to present material in clear and logical manner providing real world context. Perhaps, most importantly, I try to instil my enthusiasm for chemistry in them. I characterize learning in my labs as in dynamic equilibrium, with ideas going back and forth.
Engagement: I engage the students in several ways: during the first lab period I ask each of them what interests them, this helps me tailor the content to the class. I send weekly e-mails to my students answering any general questions and preparing them for the next lab. In the past I’ve used web 2.0 technologies like Facebook groups for students to post questions and even post answers to their peer's questions. During the lab, I walk around asking each group questions about the theory and applications reinforcing the key points. Outside of the lab, I make myself available all week in my research lab by e-mail or in person.
TA Team: I’ve found the most success with regard to student outcome, student/TA/ prof enjoyment comes when TA’s are part of a team. Lead by a lab manager, TA’s are great resources for each other. As peer assisted learning is powerful, peer assisted teaching is powerful. Whether it is helping with a basic piece of chemistry, how to present material or hints about how to optimize an experiment, I have always been ready and willing to help. I’m always eager to learn from other TA’s to better deliver the curriculum.
Teacher Training: I have taken the time to participate in the many resources offered by the various teaching resource centres at the universities I’ve attended. I’ve participated in several workshops at the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology at UBC Vancouver. Similarly, I’ve received training at UBC Okanagan’s CTLT and Carleton’s Education Development Centre. A great tool I learned from the CTL that I use every semester is to give my students the opportunity to submit drafts of their formal report that I review and offer feed forward on. While this involves significant extra work for me but the comments from students are overwhelmingly positive.
Overall: I hope to provide the students destined to take more classes in science with a theoretical and practical foundation as well as pass on a flavour of the exciting field they are going into. For the others, I try to make their time memorable enough that they remember key concepts that will allow them to be scientifically literate in their futures.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
2009 Teaching Assistant: Atomic and Molecular Chemistry 111/121, UBCO
UBC Okanagan introduction to chemistry. Responsible for delivering labs, instructing
students, marking and grade submission.
Teaching Assistant: Analytical Chemistry 211, UBCO
UBC Okanagan introduction to analytical chemistry. Responsible for delivering labs,
instructing students, marking and grade submission.
Teaching Assistant: Physical and Organic Chemistry 113/ 123, UBCO
UBC Okanagan introduction to analytical chemistry. Responsible for delivering labs,
instructing students, marking and grade submission.
2008 Teaching Assistant: Atomic and Molecular Chemistry 111/121, UBCO
Description as above
Teaching Assistant: Physical and Organic Chemistry 113/ 123, UBCO
Description as above
2007 Teaching Assistant: Atomic and Molecular Chemistry 111/121, UBCO
Description as above
2006Teaching Assistant: Earth Sciences 1006 Exploring Planet, Carleton
Carleton University's introduction to geology. Responsible for delivering labs,
instructing students, marking, grade submission and final lab exam.
2005-2006 Teaching Assistant: Experimental Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Carleton
Carleton University's advanced Inorganic and analytical chemistry lab. Responsible
for delivering labs, instructing students, marking, grade submission, preparing the
final exam and reporting final marks to faculty supervisor.
2004-2005 Teaching Assistant: Experimental Inorganic and Analytical
Chemistry, Carleton
Description as above
References available upon request.
E-mail: davincarter@mac.com