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Between Classes: Lynette Sigola
Biology
Lynette Sigola
thinks honesty is the best policy.
Currently:
Biology professor (General Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Cell Biology)
I love my job:
Teaching gives me the opportunity to interact with stimulating colleagues and students while enjoying the privilege of being a continuous life-long learner.
My philosophy:
I like to encourage questions and emphasize at the outset that no question is a stupid one.
Keeping things interesting:
I support my students' learning by challenging them a little more each time they become completely comfortable with what is familiar.
Why I teach
I was inspired by amazing professors who shared their interest and enthusiasm in biology and medicine. They were very knowledgeable in their scientific and medical specialties, in addition to being wise in their understanding of the influence of the human factor on several aspects of their work.
Not knowing is okay
Most of us feel uncomfortable about what we don't know. I try to encourage students to be open and honest about what they don't know or understand. I regard this as the first step to learning. Once we know what it is that we don't know, and care about it, this opens the door to great opportunities for learning.
My inspiration
My best moments include witnessing the dawning of a student's deeper understanding, as well as experiencing the moment where a student ventures to ask the questions that science has not yet answered.
Every class is unique
One of my goals in the classroom is to establish a distinct relationship with each class so that the atmosphere is both relaxed and respectful for all. Achieving this is different in every class because the dynamics with each set of students varies.
The ideal Biology student
- Seeks to go beyond merely memorizing facts to understanding and applying concepts
- Is a clear, logical thinker who enjoys learning
- Is not afraid of uncertainties and is confident in his or her ability to find solutions
- Enjoys solving problems using imagination and creativity
