2016 Teaching Initiative Award Winner

Lauren Bratslavsky, Ph.D.

Ph.D. in Communication and Society, University of Oregon (2013)
Assistant Professor, School of Communication

Teaching philosophy

I emphasize process as a key component to critical thinking —that in my classroom we are not seeking right or wrong answers but evaluating the conditions and consequences of our mediated world.

Three most valuable approaches that I bring to my teaching practice

Curiosity

Deconstruction and reconstruction

Historical context

My motivation to become a college professor comes from

A desire to contribute to fostering media literate and mindful citizens.

The most rewarding aspect of teaching for me

When students integrate their experiences with the course material, especially without my prompting.

The most challenging aspect of teaching for me

Figuring out the ‘best’ way to organize a course. At some point, I just have to commit to a course structure and learn from my experience and how to improve my courses for next time, especially identifying how to scaffold the learning process.

A resource that has been important to my teaching

With out a doubt, CTLT.

the University Seal — “…We are not seeking right or wrong answers but evaluating the conditions and consequences of our mediated world.”