Amy Zidulka: Stranger in the Land of Suits: When Instructors Teach Students
Over the course of their careers, many instructors will teach outside of their ?home? departments. Accountants may teach science students how to balance books. Philosophers might teach in medical schools. English and composition instructors typically teach students from all departments.
Amy Zidulka, who teaches Business Communication, will present as a case study of her own experience transitioning from an English department to a management department. Building on the work of thinkers such as Parker Palmer, she posits that to succeed in a new academic culture, instructors must, at first, not concentrate on teaching theory or technique, but on truly understanding the culture into which they?re entering, a process that requires humility, empathy, and a willingness to accept changes to one?s own identity. This journey also requires collaborating with students, colleagues, and members of the community into which students wish to enter.
A 15-20 minute presentation will be followed by structured discussion in which the audience will explore the experience of teaching students from a different academic culture. Participants will leave having explored strategies for success.
Amy Zidulka, who teaches Business Communication, will present as a case study of her own experience transitioning from an English department to a management department. Building on the work of thinkers such as Parker Palmer, she posits that to succeed in a new academic culture, instructors must, at first, not concentrate on teaching theory or technique, but on truly understanding the culture into which they?re entering, a process that requires humility, empathy, and a willingness to accept changes to one?s own identity. This journey also requires collaborating with students, colleagues, and members of the community into which students wish to enter.
A 15-20 minute presentation will be followed by structured discussion in which the audience will explore the experience of teaching students from a different academic culture. Participants will leave having explored strategies for success.
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