Brian L. Burke, PhD

Professor of Psychology

Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO 81301

(970) 247-7088 burke_b[at]fortlewis.edu

PLEASE CLICK ON THE UNDERLINED LINKS FOR MORE DETAILS ON MY SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE IN COLLEGE TEACHING

EDUCATION

Doctor of Philosophy (2003)
Major: Clinical Psychology; Minor: Teaching & Teacher Education

The University of Arizona, Department of Psychology, Tucson, AZ.

Certificate in College Teaching (2001)

The University of Arizona, University Teaching Center, Tucson, AZ

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
As I learn from my colleagues and mature as an educator, I have refined my pedagogical philosophy as VOICE to include greater emphasis on teaching students how to think critically as well as how they come across to other people. In addition, pedagogical research shows that students are motivated to engage in learning when they view information, activities, and assignments as relevant, feel emotionally connected to the course content, and experience positive interactions with their professor (Lukowiak & Hunzicker, 2013). Accordingly, here is my current teaching philosophy:

V.O.I.C.E.

V=Valuable to the student’s life – I encourage students to apply course concepts to their own life situations, such as in my Positive Psychology class when they complete a “Life Application Project” or the personal journaling and therapy they do throughout Counseling Skills.

O=Organized – I am explicit with students on classroom expectations, assignments, and grading via clear syllabi and instructions as well as use of canvas; in addition, I structure class time productively.

I=Interpersonal learning – In accordance with an article I wrote in the APS Observer called “Beyond the Grade,” I give students feedback on how they come across to others in class, and foster a healthy interpersonal space in the classroom. I want students to learn more about themselves in my classes.

C=Critical thinking – In classes like Abnormal or Forensic Psychology, I want my students to evaluate claims and make decisions such as which therapy is most effective for specific disorders or which lineup policy yields the most accurate eyewitness identifications in court.

E=Engagement – I create regular opportunities for students to connect not just with me but with each other, such as by doing jigsaw or collaborative case study assignments. As an example, students participate in a mock classroom trial in Forensic Psychology in which they play roles ranging from jurors to lawyers and expert witnesses.