STATEMENT OF TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Marcia L. Ashbaugh, PhD
marcia.ashbaugh@gmail.com ~ URL: www.DrMLAshbaugh.com
442 Gardner Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104
303.862.8590 or 970.214.2686
Socrates reveled in dialogue and considered any hindrance to learning a threat to his very
life. In modern times, a much larger, mobile community of adult learners often requires
immediate access, on-the-go answers, and quick understanding of how to efficaciously choose
and utilize relevant information. I regard my responsibility as a scholar to imitate the methods of
Socrates to engage learners in inquiry and dialogue while providing those seekers of knowledge
what they need, when they need it, and where they need it through the use of modern technology
and expert pedagogical course designs.
Moreover, it is my belief that there is a need to teach students how to think about how we
think (metacognition), and to question the integrity of our thought processes. All learners can
improve in the area of genuine self-confidence borne from a correct conception of one’s place in
their unique community as well as in the larger world. At times, removing perceived roadblocks
to a successful future begins by being more fair-minded with one’s self—awareness of selfpotential in pursuing a healthy cognitive framework. For example, teaching students how to
separate the real from the perceived through critical thinking principles produces mindsets of
positive force that opens up fertile minds to greater understanding than ever thought possible.
Moreover, to encourage healthy thinking and learning, I find deep satisfaction in
inspiring others to love truth and knowledge as much as I do. It is thrilling to pass on fascinating
innovations; just as importantly, learners need to be able to conduct personal research, to
evaluate new technologies for their value to the learning process, and to separate the
entertainment affordances from the truly pedagogical. It is my determination to make a
difference for all learners using all means possible exemplified in a sincere desire to coach and
prepare others to learn all that is needed for creating a successful future and to overcome selflimiting thinking.
In conclusion, as I reflect on the approach to learning adopted over my years of training
and teaching in multiple venues, my goal is to introduce and encourage curiosity and inquiry
toward fascinating discovery of this amazing world. My agenda for teaching lies in setting aside
policies, empty academic arguments, and personal gain in lieu of the joy of being someone’s
more knowledge other toward advancing their understanding from one level to the next.