Teaching Philosophy
“If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people”, says a Chinese proverb. How true! Teaching is an important art that is vital for the preservation of human society and civilization, and a teacher can make or mar the career of students. So, I always strive to impart to my students the knowledge and skills needed to build a successful life. In fact, it was for this purpose that I undertook a postgraduate program in pedagogy obtaining a PG Diploma in Education (with Distinction). Since different students have different learning abilities, I employ both active and personalized learning strategies. The effectiveness of active learning can be summed up in the words of Benjamin Franklin: “tell me and I forget; teach me and I remember; involve me and I learn.” The gamification theory has shown that student engagement is critical to placing learners at the centre of the teaching process and this process ensures more effective learning. In addition, learners learn best when they are also having fun in the process. With this realization, I always integrate different active learning strategies such as group work, class discussions and case-based learning, and further tailor these to individual’s specific needs. I believe in creating an environment that encourages exploration, critical thinking, and the application of knowledge to real-world situations.
Finally, I am dedicated to continuous professional growth and regularly attend workshops and seminars on teaching innovations and pedagogy. These include workshops organized by the RSC Education interest group of the Royal Society of Chemistry, London, and the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), Australia. I also participate in the American Chemical Society’s and the Metabolomics Association of North America’s conferences and workshops in order to stay current in my field and in the realm of education.
Courses Taught
CHEM 3510: Analytical Chemistry II
A study of analytical chemistry including separation techniques for chemical and biochemical analysis, atomic – molecular mass spectrometry, atomic – molecular spectroscopy, surface analysis with electron spectroscopy, X-ray and mass spectrometry.
- Semester offered: Fall Semester
CHEM 5510: Introduction to Chemical Analysis
Principles and analytical applications of molecular spectroscopy, chromatographic separations, mass spectrometry, and radiochemistry. A brief overview of instrument electronics, signal generation and processing, and automated analysis is also provided. Graduate students are expected to achieve a higher level of proficiency on application and assessments compared to Chem 4510 students.
- Semester offered: Spring Semester
Office Hours
I hold office hours on Thursday from 1 pm to 3 pm. Appointments can be scheduled via email (meze@mst.edu).