AmyM's Eclectic Education Program
Fusing the Arts and Humanities with Science, Math, and Language Skill Building,
To Inspire and Promote Critical Thinking Skills for All Ages.
Focus on Intrinsic Motivation
Humans love learning.
My Master's Degree thesis was based on the benefits of intrinsic motivation (play, discovery,"trial-and-error" leading to mastery, and learning for the sake of understanding and experiencing the "Ah ha!" moment) versus our common extrinsically motivated systems (rewards, punishments, grades, test-taking, comparative narratives). Numerous studies have shown that significant, long-term, educational growth takes place when a person is wanting to learn and someone is there, ready to guide them.
When does a person truly want to learn? It depends on both the individual and the circumstance. Sometimes we need to wait until the right moment to introduce new ideas - then take each student as far as they can go. Sometimes we need to encourage curiosity through games and challenges - then apply the fun learning experiences to educational learning standards. Sometimes we need to ask for (and model) rigor and discipline, for each student to accumulate the necessary hours of practice it takes to succeed.
My pedagogy reflects all of these ideas. I strive to activate each human's natural desire to learn new concepts and skills.
I love learning and want to share the joy I experience, when I learn something new, with others. When I started my teaching career about 10 years ago, I filled my schedule teaching at multiple schools, and to all ages and skill levels. I have constructed lesson plans for elementary students (Bellingham Art and WWU summer camps), middle and high school students (Home Port Learning Center), and adults (WWU Art Department). I have learned two valuable lessons from this experience. First, when it comes to learning, age is not as much of a steadfast indicator of skill level as is observing, thinking, and practicing fine motor skills. Second, "greatness" comes from dedicated practice, and practice is easier to commit to when it is enjoyable. My teaching style incorporates these practices within each lesson. My goal is to help people of all ages gain a better understanding of all subjects in a way that is fun, memorable, and relevant.
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I believe all people have immense potential and that potential is released when individuals are able to create and communicate in a safe, supportive, comfortable environment. Creating a positive environment is a priority for me. I embrace diversity and strive to elevate each and every person’s view of the world and their experiences within it.
I have a knack for adapting to the individual need of each student at any particular moment in time. My personality has been said to be a mix between Mary Poppins and Joan Jett, and - even at age 50 - I engage in " creative play" (art, music, dance, improv) every day. I enjoy finding ways to make undesirable tasks fun and rewarding. I naturally balance spontaneous, playful moments with being firm, articulate, and empathetic on serious matters.
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My strongest subjects to teach are ones that involve some type of discovery - Science, Social Studies, History, Communication, Life Skills, and (of course) The Arts. The subjects with strict rules (Math and English) can be a challenge for me, but I treat the assignments with these subjects as a "game", where rules need to be followed, but the process is still fun and rewarding.
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My experiences in teaching and connecting with people are vast and diverse. I worked at an alternative school for "at-risk" youth (Home Port Learning Center) for 8 years, teaching all subjects to students ages 12-18. I have taught art classes to younger kids (5-12 years old) for over 10 years and had an opportunity to teach art to elementary school teachers (helping adults learn how to become better teachers) at WWU for 3 years. I have also provided child-care for my friend's younger children (2-5 years old).