Teaching Philosophy
Begin With the End in Mind
Effective teaching starts by identifying clear objectives: What should students be able to do, understand, or create by the end of this course? By envisioning the final outcome—such as building, rigging, and animating a 3D character for a game engine—we can design lesson plans that strategically develop the needed skills and knowledge.
Thorough Planning
A well-prepared lesson communicates respect for students’ time and intelligence. It demonstrates forethought, ensures lesson flow, and provides a blueprint for learning. Good planning also helps learners see how each new skill or concept connects to the bigger picture.
Clarity and Conciseness
Information must be presented in a way that is both accessible and precise. Wherever possible, provide multiple methods of explanation—visual aids, step-by-step instructions, demos, or analogies—so that different learning styles are supported. Continue refining content delivery based on student feedback and performance.
Meeting Students Where They Are
Each student’s journey is unique. Effective educators gauge each individual’s skill level and learning style, then offer the right level of challenge. By providing the right context and scaffolding, students remain motivated, engaged, and able to succeed.
Guided Practice and Independent Repetition
Students benefit from seeing a successful example before attempting tasks independently. Through guided supervision, they gain confidence and develop muscle memory and neural connections. Repeated practice away from the instructor cements these connections, turning new skills into lasting competencies.
Active, Self-Directed Learning
A “student” is anyone who actively seeks knowledge, asks questions, and maintains curiosity—both inside and outside the classroom. There are no “bad” students; the pace of progress varies, but a genuine learner will continue to discover and improve over time.
Career-Focused Skill Development
In digital art and cinematic fields, skills should be both theoretically grounded and practically relevant. By emphasizing core principles (such as critical theory, complex algorithms, and career-focused technical skills), students will be well-prepared to adapt to various professional demands.
Practical Application and Integration
Ultimately, the ability to do matters most. For instance, if the course goal is to create, rig, and animate a character, and then integrate it into a game engine (Godot, Unity, or Unreal), students should reach the point where they can confidently say, “My character works perfectly.” Through regular iteration of this process, they gain the comprehensive skills needed to succeed in the digital arts industry.
