Class Introduction Powerpoint
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Course Introduction Auburn R. James
description
Transcript of Class Introduction Powerpoint
Course Introduction
Auburn R. James
Professional Background
June 20, 1988
May 2010
May 2012
September 2012
Present
• Received Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry from Texas A&M University in May 2010– Was on track to be a high school chemistry
teacher but decided to stop taking the education courses to teach college instead (mistake) which would require a PhD
The day I got my Aggie Ring
Professional Background
June 20, 1988
May 2010
May 2012
September 2012
Present
• Attended the University of Texas at Austin August 2010—May 2012– PhD student in inorganic chemistry– Failed research portion of qualifying exams in
January 2012 – Could only graduate with a master’s degree
which wouldn’t lead to teaching jobs
• Left Texas in May 2012, moved to New York to be with family
In grad school, one night I covered everything in my labmate’s hood in foil.
Professional Background
June 20, 1988
May 2010
May 2012
September 2012
Present
• Enrolled in Empire State College– All 5 semesters at UT I was a teaching
assistant, it was the aspect of grad school I really enjoyed
– Wanted to teach college over high school for financial reasons, I realized I didn’t need to “prove” how smart I am or how high of an education I can get, having more interactions with students and getting to know them and teach them instead of presenting information in a college lecture is the career I want to have
Standing on Lake Lonely in Saratoga Springs, New York… not something you get to do in the south.
Current Teaching Perspective
Effective Science Teaching
Inquiry
Students lead themselves to
scientific understanding
Knowledge is supported by observations from outside
world
Interaction
Teaching style appropriately
mirrors learning style
Increases motivation
Preparing for Second Life Meetings for the Course by Listening and Speaking
Reenacting theScene from the end of The Sound of Music!
“Climb every mountain…”
And I Thought it was Winter…
On Top of a Gazebo
Done Exploring… Ready for Class!
Module Breakdown/Schedule
Expectations/How to Achieve
Conclusion
I love science because it explains why things happen and provides understanding of the physical world. Chemistry in particular is my passion and I most enjoy how simple drawings and diagrams can be used to accurately explain what is really going on with the molecules. Learning Kekule structures and basic properties of atoms are like learning the rules to a game or understanding the format of the Second Life universe. Once that foundation has been set, one gets to explore the molecular universe and solve problems in that game. I’ve had countless people tell me they hated chemistry and I plan on changing my students’ perspectives on the subject.
I look forward to meeting and working with all of you.
-Auburn
