Classes Need To Be Interactive To Address Different Learning Styles
Not only is Dr. Harry J. Costigan the dean of Academic Affairs at The Art Institute of Philadelphia. He is also an adjunct professor in the English department at Camden County College in Blackwood, NJ. A.I. offers degree programs in design, culinary arts, media arts, and fashion.
What is the most challenging aspect of teaching in the classroom environment?
"There are many challenging aspects of teaching in a classroom environment. It is critical that your lectures and course content are not only current, but also that you remain cognizant that there are many different learning styles. Each student is an individual with different needs and expectations. Classes need to be interactive, participatory, and reflective of issues and concerns that have meaning to this generation of students."
Are continuing education courses beneficial for teachers?
"Continuing education is both necessary and valuable for all teachers. Nothing remains the same. There will always be new technology, changing social issues, new teaching theories, and practices. If you don't remain current in your teaching, in both content and delivery, it is the student who suffers."
Do you feel a Masters education would be helpful in your day-to-day career?
"I have a master's and a doctorate and both degrees have certainly helped me in my career, however, as a society, I think we should be more focused on an 'education for all' mentality and not a 'college for all' mentality. Other countries have very highly developed apprenticeship programs and outstanding trade schools. As a nation, we need to value all types of knowledge acquisition, and not solely focus on college as the only means of achieving the 'American dream.' College should not be the only post-secondary workforce development system in the United States."
Do you have any advice for people wanting to enter the teaching profession?
"It is a tremendous responsibility to be a teacher. Teaching isn't just about delivering information; good teaching is about transforming lives. I have learned as much from my students as they hopefully have from me. When a student tells me that I made a difference in their life, it makes all the hard work and long hours worthwhile."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. She reports on various topics such as: Social Media, Local Events, Entertainment, Food and Drink and more. Her work can be found at http://firstsendmedia.com
