Philosophy of Teaching and Learning

1. Philosophy of Teaching and Learning

2. The Philosophy of Teaching and Learning Defined Samuel Merritt University defines the Philosophy of Teaching and Learning as follows:

3. Definition The philosophy of teaching and learning at Samuel Merritt University consists of a system of beliefs and values about the partnership between faculty members and students in the teaching and learning process. Our philosophy is directed toward the preparation of health care practitioners whose practice is planned and coordinated around the unique qualities of each person served. Our philosophy requires that our graduates use sound reasoning that incorporates the current best evidence, their clinical expertise, and the preferences of the people served. In the partnership between student and faculty, we believe that the responsibility for effective learning ultimately rests with the student. Our partnership honors and respects the varied life experiences students bring to the learning environment. Learning is a social process and takes place within the context of the learner’s lifestyle, culture, and readiness to learn. Process, outcomes, and competencies are integral to the educational enterprise…

4. Definition (continued) Faculty members, as the experts in the discipline and in the academy, have the responsibility to establish an environment conducive to learning, exhibit expertise within their discipline, and facilitate learning through use of current, best practices of effective teaching and learning. Programs, curricula, and courses are designed to value active, experiential learning and collegial, scholarly, and effective interaction among students and faculty. Faculty members have a fiduciary responsibility for the students who trust us to create an effective learning environment. We believe that clinical and practical applications, grounded in the basic sciences, social sciences, and humanities, provide a critical foundation for learning in the health professions. Ultimately, the responsibility our graduates have for the health of the people they serve requires that they integrate, apply, and critically evaluate their learning throughout all phases of their health professional education.

5. For More Information For more information about the Philosophy of Teaching and Learning and details about the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, please consult the Samuel Merritt University Faculty Handbook: https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/faculty/handbooks

6. Philosophy of Teaching and Learning