2013 Outstanding University Graduate Student Teaching Award Winner- Doctoral I

Gina Cooke, M.A.

M.A. in Linguistics from the University of Chicago (1994)
Ph.D. Candidate, Department of English

Teaching philosophy

I aspire to truth and understanding in my teaching and I exact the same standards from my students.

Three most valuable approaches that I bring to my teaching practice

Intellectual honesty (the willingness to be wrong), direct and precise communication, and student choice.

Most rewarding aspect of teaching

Being part of an international scholarship community comprised of students and other teachers whose questions and investigations are a rich source of learning for me. I cannot consider teaching independently of learning, and within this hierarchy-free community, we are all positioned to do both.

Most challenging aspect of teaching

Preparing materials far enough in advance. I like teaching and learning to be organic and spontaneous, but a syllabus, study plans, handouts, etc., are necessary springboards.

Least favorite part of teaching

Grading, because it does not involve interaction with students, the cultivation of their trust, or the engagement of their intellects. Grading marks an end to these opportunities, not a beginning.

Teaching strategy to recommend

Trust your students’ intellect.

Photo of Gina Cooke, M.A. — “I don’t have to guess what my students think makes me an effective teacher because my students have openly communicated with me about what they think. Descriptors of my teaching that make a frequent appearance include passionate, committed, knowledgeable, available, and professional.”