The Office of Science Education asks some of the contributors to the Living Library what motivates them to teach.
Tamara Western
Biology
I’m driven to teach for several reasons. I have a wide curiosity that drives my own life-long learning, as well as a love of solving puzzles and mysteries from crime novels to the genetics of development to teaching large classes. I hope to share these passions as well as provide tools and support to help others in their own learning journeys.
Pallavi Sirjoosingh
Chemistry
I love teaching chemistry because I love chemistry! I enjoy learning from the students each year and I am amazed by how different each year is (even if I am teaching the same subject/topics). I especially like teaching U0/U1 courses as the students refresh my memories of the excitement/aw of starting university.
Ken Ragan
Physics
Originally, because part of the job of being a professor is to teach—to train the next generation. But you grow into teaching. With these large freshmen classes, I just found that they are incredibly fun. It has become very rewarding to teach and have students come back years later and say, "You know, it was a great class", or to even see some decide to switch into physics because they enjoyed the course.
PHYS 110
John Stix
Earth and Planetary Sciences
That's an easy question because it's fun! I think most professors at McGill feel that way. It's just fun to interact with students.
Giulia Alberini
Computer Sciences
Information to be provided soon.
Jasmin Chahal
Microbiology and Immunology
I teach to inspire students and use innovative ways to educate. As someone who once struggled in school, I found out early that there are many ways to learn, and what works for me might different than what works for someone else. I aim to bring different teaching methods to the classroom so every student learns while being engaged.
Stephanie Weber
Biology
I love watching the light go off in a student's head and seeing a difficult concept finally "click". Vicariously experiencing students' discoveries such a thrill!
Armin Yazdani
Psychology
I love teaching because of the unique opportunity to accompany students who will shape our collective future. I hope to inspire and equip them with not just content, but also the ability to learn deeply so they can go on to solve the scientific and technological challenges of the 21st century.
Diane Dechief
McGill Writing Centre
What I like most about teaching is being able to create opportunities for students to learn valuable frameworks and skills that they can build on for the rest of their lives. I learn a lot from students each term which keeps things very interesting--student feedback is key to building great courses.
CCOM 314
Richard Koestner
Psychology
A number of years ago I realized that teaching is a flow activity for me. Flow activities are those that are optimal experiences for individuals--activities that completely absorb us, whether it is rock climbing, knitting, playing guitar, etc. So now I try to structure my life so that I cross-country ski 50 times a year, play golf 50 times a year, and give 50 lectures a year. Teaching is rewarding because I feel I am doing something meaningful.
PSCY 332
Jessica Flake
Psychology
When I was a psychology student I entered my first statistics class with trepidation, but the supportive and challenging environment the professor created inspired me to take more advanced classes, and set me on the course that led to the career I have today. No I have the opportunity to do the same for my students. Sparking interest and helping students succeed in quantitative methods is one of the most challenging parts of my job. But when I can be the one to inspire them it is also the most rewarding.