- My teaching philosophy is based on fundamental principles essential to providing a great learning experience for my students. I strongly believe in assisting students in identifying and developing their own learning processes. Every student has a unique way of learning that is characterized by their strengths, weaknesses, and pacing, which can only be recognized by themselves. As an educator, I aim to offer guidance and support to help students discover and enhance their learning processes, strategies, and skills.I want to stress the significance of providing training on the latest construction software and tools. It is essential to acknowledge that the complexity of this software requires students to learn it quickly, which can sometimes become an obstacle. It is fair to clarify that the training is to produce certain outputs using these tools and not the tools themselves. That’s why I am proposing to make it mandatory for students to undergo self-training on the software and obtain certification. As the construction field evolves, it is crucial for students to have hands-on experience with the latest tools and techniques used in the industry. Obtaining such certifications will keep them current and better prepare them for their future careers. While we, as educators, focus more on providing them with quality case studies and real-life scenarios.To complete the cycle, I promote using three-dimensional visualization tools to understand the building process. Visualization tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) software allow students to create 3-D models of buildings and infrastructures, providing a more immersive and intuitive understanding of the construction process. This approach helps the students better visualize and understand complex building systems and structures, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of how buildings come into being.
Finally, I believe in providing tools that help students be aware of the environmental impact of construction. I introduce the topic in my lecture “Principles of Sustainable Construction,” outlining the fundamentals of sustainable design. Now, more than ever, students must be conscious of the environmental impact of their work. By emphasizing the importance of sustainable design and construction practices, students can develop a greater appreciation for the role that their work plays in shaping our world.
In recent years, my teaching philosophy has expanded to embrace artificial intelligence as both a tool and a critical lens. I believe students entering the construction and architecture professions must understand AI not just as something that will affect their work, but as something they can use purposefully and evaluate thoughtfully. This conviction led me to develop custom AI co-pilots for each of my courses, to secure the CUNY AI Innovation Fund grant for the CMCE AI Studio initiative, and to pursue formal AI training through an eCornell certificate in Generative AI for Productivity. Alongside this, my completion of the Writing Intensive certification has deepened my belief that technical training and writing are inseparable: the ability to document, describe, and justify design decisions in clear prose is as essential as knowing how to draw them. My teaching philosophy centers, now more than ever, around producing students who are not just technically skilled but critically aware, adaptable, and prepared to communicate their work to the world.