Teaching Philosophy

Education is being open to and encouraging new thoughts, structures and frameworks for knowledge. It is a dynamic foundation from which people come to understand themselves, the environment, the esoteric and the mundane. Often, education is touted as being a massive accumulation of facts and theories. But true education creates curious, creative and analytic minds: students who can ask smart questions, use logic and embrace abstract thinking. For many decades, we’ve been taught that the adult brain does not create new nerve cells. But research has shown that thousands of new brain cells are produced each day, although, without reinforcement, many die within weeks of their birth. This process of neurogenesis is integrally linked to learning and creative problem solving, while its absence has been linked to depression. For me, every moment is an opportunity for neurogenesis. Everything can be a learning tool, a new perspective or method of thought. As a tutor, I am always looking for a way into each student’s learning process, whether it be through Socratic method, anecdotal teaching or kinesthetic engagement. I encourage students to find their own resources, understand their own processes and appreciate the subjectivity of data. And every time I witness that ‘Eureka’ moment, I know that I am incredibly lucky to be a part of that learning.

Bio

Originally from the northeast, Erica has been a northwest transplant for over eight years. Erica graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a double major in Biology and Theatre and a minor in comparative religious philosophy. After graduating, Erica attended Trinity College Dublin where she received her M.Phil in International Peace Studies and Development. She returned to the Northwest to attend Medical School at the University of Washington. Erica’s unique teaching perspective is reflected in her global travels, which range from teaching at an orphanage and serving as a Medical Assistant in Nepal to helping victims rebuild their homes in Jamaica after hurricane Ivan ravaged the island in 2005. Erica loves swing dancing, mad scientist experiments, cooking, yoga, and reading, reading, reading.

Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, Reading, Writing, French, Test Prep (PSAT/PLAN/SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT), Study Skills  (K - Adult)

Resumé

Coming soon!