(For an detailed version of my teaching philosophy, please email me at aartibodasphd@gmail.com)
My teaching is shaped by my research in cognitive development, which examines how children learn from others’ explanations and develop scientific ways of thinking. As an instructor, my goal is to help students see scientific thinking as a transferable skill that extends beyond the research lab.
To support this goal, I encourage students to connect classroom concepts to everyday life through familiar examples, critical reflection, and active discussion. Rather than asking students to passively absorb information, I aim to help them make sense of ideas by asking questions, evaluating evidence, testing their assumptions, and revising their explanations.
I also strive to create classroom environments where mistakes are treated as productive opportunities for learning. Through peer discussion, disagreement, and perspective-taking, students learn to share developing ideas, examine misconceptions, refine their reasoning, and engage more deeply with course material.
Beyond the classroom, I am committed to mentoring undergraduate researchers as they develop research questions, conduct literature reviews, design studies, analyze data, and present their work. Across both teaching and mentorship, my overall goal is to help students see themselves as active participants in the scientific process and leave with greater confidence, curiosity, and independence as learners.
Aarti Bodas 