Dr. S. Irene Matz

CP-420-26
(657)278-4418
imatz@fullerton.edu

Teaching Interests

Speech Communication
Management
Leadership
Ethics, Crisis Management
Conflict Management

Research Interests

Leadership
Women Leaders
Intercultural Communication
Gender Differences
Communication

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

“Learning is preeminent at Cal State Fullerton.” Our University mission statement, adapted in 1995, captures my professional philosophy in teaching and learning. Learning implies not only the course content, but also other important considerations. I believe that it is my responsibility to provide an environment that facilitates and encourages maturity, growth, and professionalism for my students.

I attempt to provide a safe environment, allow the students to become familiar with one another and encourage their interaction and participation. I take pictures of my students that I keep in my records. This allows me to learn names more quickly and keep these pictures for future reference when students contact me for a reference. I provide student nameplates displayed during class so that other students learn their classmates’ names that encourages more communication and interaction.

The course content should be presented in a manner that is interesting and inspiring. This can be accomplished by using more nontraditional techniques and innovative pedagogy. Small groups, simulations, case studies, and other techniques are used. The concept of teamwork is integrated into my course content.

The classroom should be not only a learning lab for students, but also an opportunity to teach professional values such as timeliness, work ethics, and commitment.

Lastly, students should be challenged. Identifying students’ talents and skills and encouraging them in these areas can be enlightening and motivating. Students should also accept responsibility for their work.

In the words of William Perry, Jr., “A fundamental belief in students is more important than anything else. This fundamental belief is not a sentimental matter: it is a very demanding matter of realistically conceiving the student where he or she is, and at the same time never losing sight of where he or she can be (Perry, 1999, p. xii).”

My personal philosophy includes my responsibility in providing a high quality of learning enhanced by scholarly and creative activities. I strive to be sensitive, yet sensible in my approach.

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