Introducing LKAwesome

In an effort to move closer to my ultimate vision of what Philosophy Matters will become, I am in the process of bringing on two new co-authors that I believe will strengthen the community and energize the conversations we are able to have here. An important part of this vision includes discussing philosophy in an interdisciplinary way that strives to approach topics from multiple perspectives. Today I am excited to welcome our science expert, who uses the nom de plume LKAwesome, as a new co-author for Philosophy Matters!

LKAwesome has a B.S in Entomology and an M.A. in Education. She views the world from an evolutionary standpoint. She believes that science and art are interdependent and loves teaching everyone she meets about bugs. Vegan, Californian, and loves to ride her bicycle while reading. L blogs daily at Honey Without Flowers.

She has taught lab procedures to college students and high school teachers, provided educational outreach for entomology museums across the country, taught high school Geometry and Algebra II, Reading and Study Skills to college students, and Entomology and Art along with a course on Sustainability and Green Initiatives to gifted high school students. She also enjoys playing with Nerf guns.

My Teaching Philosophy

Students’ ability to learn can and should be encouraged from an early age. Students must maintain and cultivate their capabilities to ask questions and remain curious about their cultural lives and the natural world around them. This curiosity can be honed and explored through a formal education. I am a true believer that the more we know and understand, the less we fear. I believe that ignorance breeds fear, therefore through natural inquisitiveness and education students can become empowered life-long learners and progressive citizens in their communities. The more students realize their influence on others, the more they can value their life choices and feel a sense of empowerment in making the decisions that make them who they are as individuals.

I believe that a student’s success in a classroom can be based on their abilities to break down their walls of self-conscious tendencies and their ability to immerse themselves in a positive learning environment. Students need to ask questions to learn, which is why I strive to establish a learning environment where asking “why” something works is the norm, be the topic science, math, historical significance or even literature. The ability to formulate a question and develop methods to find an answer is the key to encouraging a learner to strive for information and solutions beyond the classroom. I also believe in the necessity to integrate learning based on ability, interest while using interdisciplinary approaches to instruction; fusing different subjects, like art and science, is an effective way to create diversity and encourage collaboration. I believe that teaching the basic subjects in an innovative and interesting way will promote students to seek educational outlets outside the traditional primary educational system.