For the mind does not require filling like a bottle, but rather, like wood, it only requires kindling to create in it an impulse to think independently and an ardent desire for the truth.
~ Plutarch (Moralia c. 100)
The joy in teaching is seeing the fire ignite, seeing not only does the student hear what you are saying, but that they can connect with the topic in a way that will remain with them beyond the final project or exam. An instructor must exemplify and model commitment to integrity in their actions and academics, act with authenticity and a strength of character that comes from reflection. Showing respect for the diversity in their community and approaching difficult topics with critical examination and cultural sensitivity. Modeling these ethics and values, the educator can create a learner centric environment through effective communication and clear expectations in an action based, collaborative community utilizing experiential learning, acknowledging diverse perspectives, encouraging respectful open discussion through open-ended questions, diverse course sources, and conceptual storytelling. The key skills an instructor can and should impart along with the topical data and core academic ethics are critical thinking, reflection, inclusion of diverse perspectives, analysis of power dynamics and social inequities that may be in place, literature analysis, and an understanding of the dangers in anachronistic value judgement of historical persons and subjects.
If there is only one thing a student takes away from participation in one of my classes, I hope it is that learning for its own sake can take you down many roads you never expected to go down, meet people you never would have guessed you’d meet, and have experiences you’d never have thought possible.
It is never too late to ignite a spark and go down a new rabbit hole on a grand adventure. ~JWW