What skills and techniques did I learn that will help me become a better educator?

1. Tailor my teaching philosophy and goals with institution’s
2. Self-reflect on my skills to identify what I have and what I need to learn to be in harmony with specific institution’s mission
3. Each institution has a mission statement and teaching expectations documents that I need to review before applying
4. Institutions vary regarding teaching load, expectations, strategies, students’ level, etc.
5. Teaching outside my discipline is very probable in most institutions. I need to prepare for that.
6. Not only should I review the institution’s website, but also it is recommended to consult faculty that already work in that specific institution to get their first-hand experience on the environment and context
7. I need to conciliate my philosophy and style not only to the holistic institutional level vision, but to the departmental and college-level as well

What things am I still uncertain about regarding this topic that I need to investigate further in the future?

1. How to show my awareness of the institutional context during the interviews and cover letter
2. The best way to approach faculty working in an institution before applying
3. What other information I should get about the institution before applying
4. If I am applying to several places, my teaching philosophy will slightly change to fit each place. However, I am perplexed whether that will make it sound not genuine statement

How can I apply materials from this session to my own class to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning?

Ensure that the pedagogical approach I use in the classroom conforms with the institution and also in harmony with what the students may encounter in other classes with other faculties. Students might feel overwhelmed if teaching strategy is not consistent among the faculty. To do so, I will have to actively ask other faculty in the department. Furthermore, institutional context entails students with a certain background and or needs and then goals. Teaching activities I design must accommodate that. This is the hardest part I am apprehensive about because I might make this mistake of assuming untrue facts about students. I should always keep in mind where I am and to whom I am teaching. Therefore, I will keep checking with students that they feel on track. Their feedback will guide my teaching philosophy.