Dr. Rebecca M. Jones                Office:  D320 Sundquist

           Department of Chemistry           Phone: 931.221.7621

           P.O. Box 4547                           Fax:  931.221.6261       

           Clarksville, TN  37044                Email:  jonesr@apsu.edu

“The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom,

but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.”  - Kahlil Gibran

        My approach toward teaching begins with stimulating independent critical thinking.   While teaching chemistry to undergraduates,  I have seen how each student has a unique learning process.  Regardless of a student’s inherent cognitive abilities, all benefit from encouragement of their own style of critical thinking.  I aspire to extend each student’s confidence in his/her own ability to think critically about abstract problems.  I desire to encourage students to be bold rather than fearful in their approach to difficult questions.  Good problem solving skills are modeled by demonstrating how to think about a problem and walking through the steps required to reach the answer.   In serving as a personal learning example, a teacher must be knowledgeable, skilled, and humble.

         Lucid communication skills are indispensable to an effective teacher.  Being a mathematical science, chemistry requires efficient communication of mathematical ideas and solutions in addition to chemical principles.  One must be adept at presenting topics from multiple angles and strive to connect newly presented concepts with the stored knowledge of each student.  This skill is difficult, but a diligent and excellent teacher will always persist toward its mastery.  In order to approach the ideal, I intend to utilize creative techniques, such as multimedia presentations and hands-on-demonstrations, to engage students on multiple sensory levels. 

         An effective teacher establishes a classroom environment of integrity and transparency; the classroom is not a place for manipulation or obscure expectations.  In order to promote student achievement and confidence, all expectations a teacher has for his/her students should be clear and presented within the first days of class.  Honest and fair evaluation of a student’s grasp of the subject matter is also fundamental and many different forms should be employed, including such tools as examinations, homework assignments, collaborative group projects, and oral and written communications.  

         Application of the subject matter is also critical and significant effort can be made to bridge the apparent gap between the classroom and the real world.  Undergraduate research is one way in which students can begin to personally understand the real-world applications of those first principles they have studied.  Through research, students can experience both the thrill of discovery and the frustration of obstacles.  Student researchers develop the perspective and motivation characteristic of a successful individual.

         I am dedicated to and passionate about pursuing excellence in teaching.  Being a teacher is not simply an occupation, but a calling.  Being an excellent teacher is my goal.  When I encounter former students, I feel privileged to have contributed to their education and I am reminded of the responsibility intrinsic to my position.   I look ahead to the joy of serving a community of young scholars and observing their transformation into educated adults.   On my journey as an educator, I look forward  to new and deeper opportunities to challenge, encourage and engage students.