Research Interests: Academic writing; English as a second/foreign language (ESL/TEFL); world literature
Social Change Interests: Promoting international literacy; human rights
Joined Walden: 2014
Location: Georgia
About Maisah: I began my career as an English as a Second Language (ESL) educator for international students at the University of Michigan, where I received a BA and MA in Education and English Language and Literature. I was part of the project at the University that introduced the concept of “Writing Across the Curriculum” and served as a reader for the University’s writing placement test. I received a PhD in English Education from Georgia State University. I am a published author, researcher, and editor. I enjoy editing others’ writing and have found that this reinforces my teaching abilities.
My Advice to Walden Students
Focus on your personal progress, as long as you work hard to achieve your academic goals and never give up, you will succeed.
Heed the words of Calvin Coolidge,
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
Why I enjoy teaching at Walden:
I enjoy teaching because I can help students break through the patterns of language and thought to the inner core of meaning. I get gratification from being able to help them develop an intellectual base, which encompasses learning how to learn, how to process information, and how to solve problems. Subsequently, this results in their knowing what is relevant, and how to make their education effective in the real world. Additionally, I learn from my students and establish a reciprocal bond with them that enhances my teaching abilities.
My teaching philosophy:
My teaching philosophy: I have been inspired by two philosophical orientations, social reconstruction and progressivism, which have shaped my philosophy of education. I believe that educators should put the student at the focal point of the learning environment. I strive to create a collaborative learning environment in which all different types of learners are provided with activities that fit their needs and abilities, and allows them to learn by doing as advocated by John Dewey: “Give the pupils something to do, not something to learn; and the doing is of such a nature as to demand thinking; learning naturally results.”
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