Jennifer Drake - Teachers Make a Difference

The speaker reflects on the profound influence of their graduate school advisor, Ellen Winner, on their professional development. Ellen taught them critical research and teaching skills, emphasizing the importance of being an effective teacher and mentor. Ellen's engaging teaching methods create an active learning environment that encourages critical thinking and skill development. The speaker admires Ellen's dedication to student learning and has incorporated many of her strategies into their own teaching approach.

Who had a significant influence on the speaker's professional growth?

• Their undergraduate professor

• Their graduate school advisor, Ellen

• A family member

• A colleague at work

What is one of the key lessons the speaker learned from Ellen?

• How to manage a large classroom

• The importance of publishing research

• How to secure research funding

• What it means to be an effective teacher and mentor

How does Ellen engage her students in the learning process?

• By providing online resources

• By giving them extra homework

• Through active discussions and classroom demonstrations

• By organizing field trips

What skills does Ellen encourage her students to develop?

• Programming and data analysis

• Public speaking and networking

• Critical thinking and evaluating scientific findings

• Time management and organization

How has the speaker incorporated Ellen's influence into their own teaching?

• By teaching in a completely different field

• By focusing solely on research

• By adopting Ellen's teaching strategies and philosophies

• By avoiding Ellen's methods