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| Glenn Omatsu (Asian American Studies Dept.): Teaching Philosophy |
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My teaching philosophy is rooted in the concepts of mentoring and Freedom
Schooling as well as insights I've gained from brain-compatible learning
research and anti-colonial educational theory. I believe that each person
-- through education -- can become much more than what she or he is at
present and that the role of a teacher is to help that person achieve
their potential. In my Bridge classes, I combine instruction on subject
matter with an emphasis on student reflection, especially through writing.
I also emphasize the importance of good classroom dynamics for creating
a positive learning environment and training students in the practice
of democracy. Finally, I see my role as a teacher in terms of the founding
philosophy of Asian American Studies and its mission of infusing in our
students the responsibility to share what they are
learning in college classes with others around them, including immigrant
parents, younger brothers and sisters, and friends and neighbors. The
links below provide a more detailed description of my teaching philosophy.
"Notes
on Mentoring on the Run"
"Rough Notes: Challenges
in Teaching in Bridge's New "Three Semester Model"
"Mentoring
on the Run: CSUN's Response to the Challenge of Mentoring at a Large,
Commuter Campus"
"Understanding Classroom Dynamics: A
Critical Factor for Teaching Freshmen"
"Freedom Schooling"
"Defying
a Thousand Pointing Fingers and Serving the Children"
"Filling the Hole in the Soul"
"Teaching
for Social Change"
| Resources |
Syllabi
for Bridge Class |