Susan Ray

While I have been passionate about writing and literature since childhood, I realize not all of my students share my interests. I’ve learned that students put forth their most sincere efforts when they recognize how skills from our course will serve them outside the classroom. Thus, I tell my students the most important accomplishments they can take from a college English class are the abilities to write confidently and think critically.

During my eighteen years of teaching, I have always been an advocate for student-centered learning: I may open class with a brief lecture, but the lesson will always require student participation. This may include collectively answering discussion questions, peer editing, or group activities. Directly involving students in the learning process encourages them to engage with the material and inspires a collaborative environment.

I offer frequent low-stakes writing assignments in my composition courses and always provide students with the opportunity to revise their essays. This removes the stigma of looming paper deadlines and emphasizes that writing is a process and revision is the key to successful composition.

Whether teaching a composition or traditional literature course, one of the most important steps in becoming a more confident writer and thinker is to read, discuss, and analyze well-written works. Assigning readings that students can relate to fosters lively class discussion and invites them to ask “Why is this a strong piece of writing?” as well as “How could it be better?”

A lifelong love of fiction led me to academia but the adventure of teaching lies at the heart of my career. As I continue to learn from both students and colleagues, my teaching strategies are evolving to better fit the needs of my students.