Sample CSUF Carnegie Faculty Reactions to Our CASTL Program

 

“I learned details about my teaching style that only colleagues could bring to my attention.  I recommend microteaching to anyone wanting to learn more about themselves as a teacher.”  Mark Gillogly, Sociology

 

"Being a part of this group has made me rethink my teaching strategies. Although I am a teacher educator and have been taught how to teach, I still need to keep my teaching focused. This group, and speaking to students, assists in the rethinking of how I teach and what I teach.“  Fred Ramirez, Secondary Education.

 

 

 

“The focus of the academy, the study of teaching and learning, assists me in my day-to day practice, helps me to set personal and professional growth goals and keeps me current with the research in this area.  The microteaching experience is worthwhile because it creates collegial discussion and metacognition about the teaching/learning process. It allows for 'stretching', risking, and trust-building within the professional circles. It serves to clear the cobwebs in teaching and learning. It sows the seeds for an individual and collective improvement process. The program has touched me, and I have grown.”  Judy Smith, Special Education.

 

 

“My most valuable experience has been to find out about teaching approaches (strategies, techniques, etc.) in other disciplines, something I never get the chance to do.  Also, to talk to my colleagues (all very experienced and motivated instructors) about how one can improve one's teaching, and about other classroom-related topics; that’s something I don't do often enough, even with my colleagues in my department.”  Juan Carlos Gallego, Foreign Languages & Literatures.

 

“The Carnegie program was especially meaningful for me in that in a non-threatening atmosphere, peers outside my discipline (just like my non-major students) offered support, advice, and reaffirmation. I had to be sure that I could reach people from a variety of backgrounds. I also personally enjoyed seeing how my colleagues profess, and that made me feel good about our University!”  Jack Bedell, Sociology.

 

"The C.A.S.T.L. experience was intellectually stimulating and very worthwhile.  To critique the lessons of fellow faculty members in a constructive manner, and to have my own lessons critiqued, opened the group up for discussion about the qualities inherent in good teaching.  I enjoyed the process thoroughly.“ Terry Saenz, Speech Communications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“When I was told that I would be presenting a micro-lesson to colleagues from other areas my first reaction was one of apprehension, not so much about having other professionals see how I teach, but about my ability to explain any topic on Spanish linguistics (which I usually teach in Spanish!) in 10 minutes.  So I began to worry--what could I choose, what materials to use, how to plan it.  I was concerned until It dawned on me that I was not passing an exam, that  I was there to get feed back and learn.  And I certainly did.  I was really impressed with the creativity of my colleagues and their very supportive and kind comments.  I must admit, I learned more about my teaching style in one day than I ever expected would be possible.  Thank you for this program.”  Reyes Fidalgo, Foreign Languages & Literatures.