Teaching Philosophy
As an educator in marketing and entrepreneurship, my teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education should be active, student-centered, and deeply connected to real-world practice. I aim to empower students to think critically, explore problems independently, and apply theoretical concepts in practical settings. I view myself not only as a lecturer but also as a mentor who fosters curiosity, confidence, and reflective learning.
I believe in clarity, structure, and inclusivity in teaching. Each course is thoughtfully designed with clear learning outcomes, a logical progression of topics, and transparent assessment strategies. My goal is to make complex subjects accessible and engaging, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning while feeling supported and challenged.
Core Pillars of My Teaching Approach
1. Active and Experiential Learning
I integrate hands-on learning experiences, such as simulations, real-world case studies, and marketing campaigns, into my teaching. For instance, students in my Integrated Marketing Communications course developed campaigns for local businesses, applying course theory to live business contexts.
2. Inquiry-Based Exploration
I use inquiry-based learning to encourage students to ask questions, design research, and discover insights independently. A notable example comes from my Marketing Research course, where student teams investigated real marketing problems, collected data, and presented evidence-based solutions.
3. Bridging Theory and Practice
Drawing from my industry experience in banking, ERP systems, and entrepreneurship, I bring business realities into the classroom. I connect academic models to real startup strategies, CRM systems, or current market trends, helping students see how theory operates in practice.
4. Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment
I promote respect, diversity, and collaboration in my classroom. I use small group discussions, live polls, peer reviews, and one-on-one feedback to engage all students, especially those who may feel less confident or face language barriers. My volunteer work supporting international students at the University of Otago further informs this commitment.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
My international teaching background across Iran, Italy, and New Zealand has shaped a strong commitment to inclusive pedagogy. I embed global case studies, multicultural team projects, and diverse role models in my curriculum. I create space for every voice, ensuring that students from all cultural and academic backgrounds feel heard and supported.
Perspectives on Inquiry-Based and Collaborative Pedagogies
Inquiry-Based Learning
Inquiry-based learning is at the heart of many of my courses. By encouraging students to define problems, explore data, and derive conclusions themselves, I nurture independent, confident learners. I support this process with structured templates, check-ins, and feedback to maintain a balance between freedom and guidance.
Collaborative Learning
Collaboration is central to the professional world of marketing, and my classes reflect that reality. I facilitate team-based projects where students adopt roles, solve problems collectively, and reflect on their group dynamics. Even in online classes, I use breakout rooms and peer feedback tools to maintain a strong collaborative environment.
Teaching Reflection: Engaging Students Online
When I taught a Marketing Research course online in 2024, I initially struggled with low engagement. By redesigning sessions with breakout discussions, live polls, and personalized encouragement, participation improved dramatically. This experience taught me the importance of adapting tools and strategies to maintain interaction and energy in virtual settings.
Certifications & Professional Development
To remain a responsive and effective educator, I continually invest in pedagogical training. My credentials include:
- Harvard Bok Higher Education Teaching Certificate (2023–2024)
- Learning to Teach Online, UNSW Sydney (2023–2024)
- Classroom Management & Communication, Udemy (2023)