Teaching

As an educator

I’m interested in the creative process as an empowering learning tool, and in film storytelling as a way find voice, nurture intellectual curiosity, and spark critical thinking.  As I guide students through the peaks and valleys of the creative process, I know that a learning exchange will unfold. Everyone has a powerful story to tell, and story is at the core of my teaching. I’m there to facilitate, provide tools, encourage, question, challenge and also learn from the experience.

Film is a powerful story telling tool. I aim to prepare students to function effectively in a world that bombards them with images, so they will have the tools and the thoughtfulness to create stories with insight, and take responsibility for their content. I think it is important to provide media literacy tools, as well as technique and craft, so students are able to decode and construct film language. My production courses include a combination of the technical, the historical, screenings, discussion and critiques.  My theory and history courses usually have a production component. Learning through creating generates a personal connection and a relevance to the material. I’m particularly committed to opening space to voices that don’t have an easy seat at the table. A rich educational space is one with diverse voices, and experiences.

I consider instruction a process of discovery for my students as well as for myself.  I often learn a great deal from this exchange. I especially encourage students to search into their own imagination and to draw their creativity from what matters to them, from what they want to investigate, from issues that puzzle, and intrigue them. Once there is a spark, a curiosity, then it’s time to roll up sleeves and dig deeper. It is exciting to see the work grow by developing the strengths, re-examining the weaknesses, rolling with the punches. The process of creative work gives students life-long learning skills of perseverance, problem solving and flexibility.

The idea of creating a community between the students is also essential. I stress the importance of constructive feedback in my classes and the importance of listening and offering different perspectives.  Students work together, support each other, learn from each other and encourage each other in frustrating times. The result is an open and creative environment that celebrates freedom of ideas with positive creative energy.

Teaching is an organic process. I am always re-evaluating my courses and listening closely to students’ comments so that I can grow as a professor as they grow as emerging artists and thinkers. I feel that my students should be respected, supported and stimulated. I hope to infuse the curiosity and energy necessary to create their best work. I hope to motivate a combination of imagination, critical thinking and technical skills so they will be able to achieve their vision.

My favorite teaching moments are the small moments of discovery, of working and re-working a project together until it “clicks”; having dissecting conversations about character and story; producing short projects together as a class, and being a witness of students discovering their voice.

Courses I teach at Pacific University:

MEDA 250 Introduction to Video Production

MEDA 153/353 Video for Community Engagement

MEDA 302 Documentary: Studies and Practice

MEDA 320 Narrative Production: Script to Screen

MEDA 300 Alternative Film Production: Experimental Studies and Practice

MEDA 332 Screenwriting

MEDA 392 Junior Seminar

MEDA 491 Capstone Seminar

MEDA 331 Sundance Film Festival Travel Course

HUM 100 Freshman Year Seminar