Teaching and Instructional Competencies
The Inter-University PhD in Educational Studies: Doctoral Student Handbook explains that artifacts in this category as a student are required to be prepared to assume the role of a teacher and mentor [in] educational/training contexts" (Inter-University Doctoral Administrative Committee, 2021, p. 36). This competency category includes three artifacts that describe a range of competencies and experiences in this category. The artifacts included here are my teaching philosophy statement, a creative relaxation activity assignment, and a foundational nursing course that I taught to a group of students online through the Continuing and Distance Nursing Program at St. Francis Xavier University. The artifacts in this category demonstrate how I have met the stated requirements.
Artifact 10 - My Teaching Philosophy Statement
This artifact is a detailed explanation of my teaching philosophy statement. I discussed my pedagogical practices, beliefs, and values about teaching and my engagement with students through meaningful interaction, promoting education and reflecting on my teaching effectiveness. I chose this artifact because it is important prospective employers, colleagues, and my learners to know my worldview about reality – my ontology, my epistemology about how knowledge is constructed and my axiology – values and beliefs about my pedagogical practice and their effectiveness on student learning outcomes. This artifact also includes my theoretical understanding of the learning theories I utilize to help my students learn.
This artifact reflects the knowledge, attitudes, and skills developed at this stage of my journey towards my dissertation. Knowledge - In-depth, focused knowledge of several issues in educational studies related to curriculum studies, literacies, lifelong learning, inclusive education, education foundations and leadership, and psychological aspects of education; Attitude; Respect and appreciation for the scope of the area that they are exploring within the context of the limitations of their own work as well as the discipline of education, including an appreciation for the complexity of knowledge and the potential contributions of other interpretations, methods and disciplines; A keen sense of self-awareness leading to engagement in meaningful reflection about their place in the discipline, and Skills - Demonstrate a well-honed capacity to teach in the university context; Apply creative and divergent thinking leading to the conception of new ideas and practices with the intention to improve and advance current knowledge (they will be intellectually curious and will value interdisciplinary inquiry) (Inter-University Doctoral Administrative Committee, 2021, p. 45- 46).
Artifact 11 - Creative Relaxation Activity
Artifact 11 - Creative Relaxation Activity Conference Presentation
This artifact is a creative relaxation activity assignment that I completed and then presented as part of my PhD program. The artifact is offered in two formats on my website. One is in a written document entitled Creative and Relaxation Activity Reflection, and the other is in a PowerPoint presentation entitled Finding Peace within. I chose this artifact because I wanted to share the benefits, I gained from engaging in a creative relaxation activity that helped me manage stress and supported my successful academic performance thus far in the program. It includes a reflection on my thoughts and feelings about the activity.
This artifact reflects the knowledge, attitudes, and skills developed at this stage of my journey towards my dissertation. Knowledge - In-depth, focused knowledge of several issues in educational studies related to curriculum studies, literacies, lifelong learning, inclusive education, education foundations and leadership, and psychological aspects of education; Attitude - Respect and appreciation for the scope of the area that they are exploring within the context of the limitations of their own work as well as the discipline of education, including an appreciation for the complexity of knowledge and the potential contributions of other interpretations, methods and disciplines; A keen sense of self-awareness leading to engagement in meaningful reflection about their place in the discipline, and Skills - Demonstrate a well-honed capacity to teach in the university context (Inter-University Doctoral Administrative Committee, 2021, p. 45- 46).
Artifact 12 - NURS 135:76 Contemporary Issues in Nursing Course Syllabus
My twelfth and final artifact is a course that I taught to a class of first-year nursing students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at St. Francis Xavier University (StFX). The name of the course was NURS. 135. 76: Contemporary Issues in Nursing, and the textbook for the course was Realities of Canadian Nursing: Professional, practice and power issues, 5th ed., by McIntyre and Macdonald (2019). The course was offered online during the fall season through the Continuing and Distance Nursing Program at StFX. This foundational nursing course prepares students for subsequent courses in the Bachelor of Science Nursing program. The students learned about the philosophies and frameworks of nursing, explored how nursing evolved over the years, studied current legal and ethical issues in nursing, considered population health issues, and discussed the evolving responsibilities of professional nursing in Canada (Continuing and Distance Education, StFX [CDE/StFX], 2020). I chose this artifact because it demonstrates my ability to utilize my teaching philosophy, engage in meaningful discussion with my students, and apply the learning theories I believe helped students learn. I also offered constructive formative and summative feedback while adhering to the guideline of the syllabus course objectives. A detailed explanation of my experience is included in the artifact.
This artifact reflects the knowledge, attitudes, and skills developed at this stage of my journey toward my dissertation. Knowledge - In-depth, focused knowledge of several issues in educational studies related to curriculum studies, literacies, lifelong learning, inclusive education, education foundations and leadership, and psychological aspects of education; A thorough understanding of a substantial body of knowledge that is at the forefront of Educational Studies; Attitude -Intellectual independence and autonomy to remain engaged and current and be able to evaluate the broader implications of applying educational knowledge to complex leadership situations (capacity to be a professional, educational researcher and leader); Leadership through successful guidance and mentoring of co-workers and co-learners, and do so by articulating an empowering vision and helping others reach their full potential (transformative leadership instead of transactional leadership, and Skills - Demonstrate a well-honed capacity to teach in the university context; Employ interpersonal skills with advisors and fellow colleagues through one-on-one as well as network relationships, at the university and in the wider community; Demonstrate teaching competence explaining complex concepts in various contexts and adjusting instructions fully respecting their teaching style and others’ learning styles (Inter-University Doctoral Administrative Committee, 2021, p. 45- 46).