Author: kpham177

Comment on Final Thoughts in Connecting the Dots by kpham177

Posted on by kpham177

I have to agree with you that a student is stronger if they have a more diverse perspective. However, it is up to the student to want those skills rather than us forcing it on them. For me particularly, I was forced to take courses outside of engineering in my undergraduate. I chose the easiest ones, and I can tell you I cannot remember anything useful. However, in graduate school I decided that a well-rounded individual is a stronger individual. Therefore, I took this course and other courses to expand my understanding beyond the technical realms and engineering. I have found the experiences to be rewarding.

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Comment on I’ve forgotten everything… by kpham177

Posted on by kpham177

I have to agree with you that there were some course that I have found to be useless. However, some of the courses have taught me skills “that I have forgotten” to be some of the most useful. For example, I was forced to take a lab course where we lost many points for format issues on a technical report. I do not necessary remember exact how to format a report to the specifications of that class, but I have a better understanding of how to write an effective technical report. I developed an eye on how easy is it for someone to look at a figure and understand what is going on. More importantly it has taught me how to apply the skills that I have learned to different applications.

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Comment on Attention and Multi-Tasking by kpham177

Posted on by kpham177

I really like the idea of focusing on a topic is a skill these days. I notice that many times when I am working on the computer, emails, web browsing, etc. can easily distract me. I do have to agree that if you learn to focus, technology can greatly increase your productivity. For example, if you are reading a paper and you do not understand something, you can do a quick web search to investigate more. The main challenge is staying focus, as you have mentioned.

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Comment on Willing to Accept Critical Feedback to Produce and Construct Knowledge by kpham177

Posted on by kpham177

One of the things that I have been doing is that I have different modes. During lectures and normal interactions I am a very friendly guy to be around. However, when it comes to critical feedback I am a bit harsh. I usually tell them that I will be harsh beforehand. After the feedback session, I give them pointers on how to improve next time.

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Comment on I think I have been to the bank too much by kpham177

Posted on by kpham177

I have to agree with you that I have been the bank too much as well, in both my undergraduate and graduate degree. I feel that some courses have to be a bank model because of numerous amount of topics that have to be covered in such a short time. This is particularly true in most engineering courses because of the accreditation process. The professors are required to teach certain topics in order to be accredited. Therefore, it is more about depositing as much material on to the student as possible. With the current society, we constantly have to remain competitive.

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Comment on Teach Less by kpham177

Posted on by kpham177

I really like how you said that teaching depends on both the teacher’s input and the student’s acceptance of knowledge. I do find that both roles greatly contribute to a successful learning environment. However, with that being said I feel that it is the student’s responsibility to learn the material. If the student does not think the teacher’s teaching style is effective. Then it is up to the student to seek help. The teacher has to find a style that accommodate the masses.

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Comment on Inclusive Pedagogy by kpham177

Posted on by kpham177

I have to agree with you on saying that diversity should be “more about equal access to tools of upward mobility that would offer minority persons the ability to accelerate at the same rate as non-minorities in education, careers, family life, health, wellness etc.” I feel that there has been such a strong push for “diversity” that the traditional majority group feels threaten and they misinterpret what diversity means. Some people would even say that so and so got hired because she was a minority. There is some truth to that, but what they do not recognized is that so and so is just as qualify as someone else. However, there is not enough of so and so. The interesting thing that I have observe in my career is that a group of highly diverse and qualify individuals make a more effective time than just a group of qualified individuals or a group of diverse individuals.

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Comment on Strength in Differences by kpham177

Posted on by kpham177

Great post! One thing that I find very interesting about the diversity discussion is that most people “think” that they are right and have a hard time to witness other perspectives. You mentioned that you have to be immersed in a new idea before you can learn to comprehend and accept alternative ideas. However, being immerse in a new idea forces people to step out of their comfort zone, and most are not willing to do that. Therefore, they will be “kicking and screaming” to keep things comfortable for them. I do agree that we have to encourage a more gentle a way of accepting diversity.

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Comment on Teaching Philosophy is Rooted in A Teacher’s Personality by kpham177

Posted on by kpham177

I do agree with you to some extent that your personality does play a role in your teaching philosophy. However, I do think that it is important to be able to “mimic” different styles because your audience will always be changing. Being able to effectively teach or communicate with the different audiences is a skill that will allow you to become a great teacher because the incoming students are ever evolving. For example, I was a freshmen-engineering student seven years ago, and now I am teaching a freshmen-engineering class. They incoming class now thinks very differently from my incoming class. I have to be able to adapt to what is most relevant to them in order to communicate the material effectively.

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Comment on The Best Class I Ever Took by kpham177

Posted on by kpham177

I also had the opportunity to take this course during my undergraduate studies. I definitely agree with you that it was one of the best classes that I have taken. I really like the grading systems where he allows you to choose how you earn your “A”. That “A” is more of a measurement how much you learned than how much you memorize something. I remember that the assignments were hard, but you were giving multiple opportunities to retake it until you get the grade that you want. The assessment always asked different questions, which makes you learn even more material. If you had the dedication, you can earn that A in the class.

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