I believe higher education should serve as a bridge to critical thinking about the pivotal issues facing the next generation of the professionals. Students should be challenged to define their educational goals and inspired to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. My aim is to equip journalism students with not only practical skills but also a deep understanding of key journalistic concepts, strong critical thinking abilities, and excellent written and oral communication skills, all of which are essential for success in the field. This integrated approach, combining practical skills with critical thinking and writing, challenges students to explore and refine these skills through diverse learning methods. My research, professional experience, and teaching converge around my interest in developing ideas and practices that push journalists toward a more robust public service role and ethical journalism practice. I am particularly interested in exploring how journalists and the media houses can be the voice of the unheard voices of society.
I am dedicated to the pursuit of truth in all aspects of my work, both professionally and academically. I believe truth-seeking should be the fundamental epistemological assumption underlying all communication. While acknowledging the impossibility of attaining absolute truth, I believe that truth, in the classical sense, serves as the foundation of knowledge. Journalism, in particular, deals with truths, or at least with functional truths, and therefore functions as a knowledge-building process where adhering to truth-seeking principles is paramount. In my view, journalism is founded on its public service role. A core function of journalism is to make unheard voices heard, thereby contributing to the development of a democratic and pluralistic society. By providing a platform for diverse perspectives, journalism helps to build a robust public sphere where all groups and classes of people have a voice.
In my teaching, I emphasize the importance of understanding the ontological and epistemological foundations of journalism. I believe it is crucial for students to grasp the primary purpose of journalism and the importance of truth-seeking in fulfilling this purpose. While absolute truth may be unattainable, I encourage students to strive for it by seeking out and considering multiple perspectives on any given topic or issue. By exposing students to diverse viewpoints, I aim to help them move closer to a more complete understanding of the truth. My teaching philosophy centers around the integration of theory and real-world application. My pedagogy prioritizes learning by doing, critical thinking, and technological integration, delivered with mentorship and empathy. I foster student engagement by designing assignments that connect classroom learning to real-world challenges. Guided discussions encourage students to leverage their unique strengths, while a strong emphasis on theory-practice connections ensures the relevance of their learning.
My teaching philosophy centers around the principle that learning is most effective when it is active, relevant, and student-centered. I believe in fostering a dynamic and engaging classroom environment where students are empowered to become independent and critical thinkers.
Key Principles Guiding My Teaching Practice:
- Experiential Learning: I prioritize hands-on learning experiences that allow students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. This may involve projects, simulations, case studies, or fieldwork, providing opportunities for students to develop practical skills and gain valuable insights.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: I encourage students to develop critical thinking skills by challenging assumptions, analyzing information, and evaluating different perspectives. I design assignments that require students to solve complex problems, make informed decisions, and communicate their findings effectively.
- Technological Integration: I believe that technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing learning. I incorporate technology into my teaching in a meaningful way, using tools like online learning platforms, multimedia resources, and collaborative software to facilitate student learning and engagement.
- Mentorship and Support: I strive to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, and seeking help when needed. I provide personalized mentorship and guidance to each student, offering constructive feedback and encouragement throughout their learning journey.
- Student-Centered Approach: I believe that every student is unique and learns differently. I strive to create a flexible and inclusive learning environment that caters to diverse learning styles and needs. I encourage student participation, value their perspectives, and foster a collaborative learning environment where students can learn from each other.
I am committed to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement in my teaching practice. I believe that by fostering a love of learning and equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, I can make a positive impact on their academic and personal growth.
A key aspect of my teaching philosophy is staying current with the latest research in journalism. This allows me to provide students with relevant and timely examples, while also encouraging them to stay informed about industry trends. I am passionate about teaching courses that emphasize practical skills, such as multimedia journalism and news writing, where students can engage in hands-on learning and develop their critical thinking skills. I also find teaching media sociology and media ethics particularly rewarding, as it allows students to understand the complex dynamics of the journalistic field, including its public service role, and to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. I thrive in a small-class setting that fosters open dialogue and encourages students to actively participate in discussions and receive regular feedback on their persuasive writing and critical thinking abilities.
Abu Taib Ahmed 