DrAlison Connolly

My teaching philosophy emphasises fostering authentic, meaningful learning experiences grounded in real-world applications. I encourage students to connect new knowledge with prior understanding to assist in deepening comprehension of the teaching material. My teaching philosophy is based on authenticity in learning, improving learning for all. Understanding concepts/learning materials and for learners to be able to apply them requires a level of 'real-world' applications and examples that can improve the learning experience for students. Student reflections on new connections between known concepts and linking these with new and old concepts can provide a mechanism for a more in-depth understanding, and the collective body of knowledge grows.

My personal educational experience has varied as a school leaver entering third-level education and again as a mature student re-entering third-level education. As a mature student, I found information that was relatable to real-life scenarios was easy to comprehend, remember and describe. There are also different challenges for adult learners, including not having some of the study skills.  

As an educator, I would like to:

•    establish an environment conducive to learning and allow for open dialogue,
•    enhance their knowledge that will also help them be successful in achieving their career and life goals,
•    provide them with materials, opportunities, and feedback that will increase their opportunities to learn, 
•    motivated them to apply the knowledge obtained within their studies to solve 'real life' challenges in their lives and
•    provide an enjoyable experience, with skills and attitudes to allow them to become lifelong learners. 

The relationship I try to achieve with my students is that there is open dialogue, respect for everyone's opinions, value for their contributions, and efforts to enhance their current knowledge, skills, and competencies. 

My Socratic Oath, in order to demonstrate my commitment to teaching, is that I will:  

•    create an environment that allows for open discussion, where it is safe to share thoughts and opinions, to ensure students can flourish in the classroom; 
•    provide opportunities for students to think critically and express their ideas among their peers; 
•    encourage and assist students to reflect on their education as a lifelong learner journey; 
•    share experiences and teaching materials to the broader community to ensure improvements in teaching and learning; 
•    always seek to improve my teaching materials, delivery and assessment, and 
•    strive to continually improve as an educator.