My teaching philosophy revolves around three core principles: (1) empowering students to think deeply and critically about the social world, (2) nurturing their curiosity through active and student-centered learning, and (3) cultivating an inclusive and accessible classroom environment supportive of all students. Since 2014, I have taught a diverse array of my own courses as instructor: Introduction to Sociology, Eco-Metropolis (urban and environmental studies), No Place Like Home (racial discrimination and US housing policy), World Society (global sociology), Project Implementation and Grant Writing for Social Entrepreneurs (a course co-advising student research projects), and Sociology in a Global Context.
In all of these settings, I draw on sociology’s capacity to illuminate the structural forces shaping our lives. Additionally, active and student-centered learning is at the heart of my pedagogical approach. I employ group work and guided activities to deepen engagement with course material. To create an inclusive and accessible classroom environment, I incorporate diverse assessment approaches such as exams, papers, group projects, and reflective essays, tailored to accommodate different learning styles. My background includes completing an advanced graduate seminar focused on teaching writing.
I invite students to share their own stories and make connections to course themes, enriching our discussions with diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive classroom. To ensure accessibility, I adopt flexible deadlines, provide online access to all course materials, and employ varied instructional methods to accommodate different learning styles. My experience teaching during the pandemic has also equipped me with skills in utilizing teaching technologies effectively, including Zoom, hybrid modalities, and online discussion boards.
Kyle Galindez 