TEACHING

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

My philosophy of teaching is something, which has evolved over time. Many components have been consistently a part of this pragmatic philosophy. The parts are not mutually exclusive. To be a good lecturer one should: 

Have a thorough knowledge of the subject area. You cannot teach something well unless you know it well. A thorough knowledge and experience of the subject area allows me to see and make connections between seemingly diverse concepts and show these connections to the students. 

Be well prepared. A conscientious teacher should be well prepared. This is to make sure that the knowledge disseminate is correct factually, meets the curriculum specification, meaningful to students and up to date.

Make the classroom a friendly, non-threatening learning environment. I believe that a friendly, non-threatening classroom maximizes the possibility for real learning to take place. I make it clear from the first day that asking questions is a welcome and imperative part of the learning process.

Understand that learning is an active experience. Students need to be active not passive, participate in the adventure of learning. I use discovery type problems, as will be elaborated in the next section to assist student in finding results on their own. I encourage my students to work together as a team.

Therefore, teaching is a central part of my development as an academician. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a wide variety of teaching experiences as an undergraduate student at the UTM, in the Department of Polymer Engineering. Teaching undergraduates has been gratifying not only in my success in introducing students to a world of polymer and chemical engineering, but also in the way in which addressing my students’ difficulties with analytical thinking and research has revitalized and refined my own research and skills.

COURSES TAUGHT 

(Since 1999) 

1. Teaching of Postgraduate Subjects (MSc)

Polymer Physics and Properties, Polymer Processing, Research Methodology.

2. Teaching of Undergraduate Subjects

Mechanical Aspect of Polymer Engineering, Technical Drawing, Composites

Polymer Composites, Material Science, Polymer Properties, Polymer Rheology and Processing, Smart Materials.