Course: Teaching science and engineering

When I began my teaching assistant (TA) role at EPFL, I decided to take the MOOC course on the Foundations of Teaching Science and Engineering.

Prior to this, my teaching was largely based on strategies I had observed from teachers I admired and methods that had worked well for me as a student. While I had years of practical experience, particularly in coaching gymnastics, I felt a formal course on teaching in an academic context would be helpful. This course expanded my teaching toolkit, introducing me to effective strategies and concepts for science and engineering education.

I was particularly drawn to the modern approach of encouraging students to take an active role in their learning. While traditional lectures and textbooks are easily accessible online, in-person teaching offers unique advantages. I believe in fostering an environment where students not only learn about existing science but also engage in the process of doing new science through collaborative brainstorming and hands-on experience.