“If teaching has any purpose, it is to implant true insight and responsibility. Education must lead us from irresponsible opinions to truly responsible judgment. It must lead us from chance and arbitrariness to rational clarity and intellectual order.”— Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe
My approach to education, mentorship, and academic excellence reflects over a decade of experience as an Assistant Professor across various universities. Through diverse undergraduate and graduate-level courses, I have consistently enriched the academic landscape with comprehensive design studios, technology courses, and specialized teachings in sustainable design.
With over a decade of experience as an Assistant Professor across various universities, I have consistently enriched the academic landscape by imparting a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate-level courses. My portfolio encompasses comprehensive design studios, technology courses, and specialized teachings in sustainable design. My instructional prowess spans from initiating novice students into architectural theories during preliminary design to guiding seniors through holistic building design with a focus on performance and constructability.
Notably, my pedagogical repertoire extends to "HVAC Design for Buildings," where I adeptly dissect the intricate interplay of heat, moisture, and HVAC systems within building design. My instruction in "Thermal Sciences" equips students with a deep comprehension of heat transfer and temperature distribution through building materials and assemblies. Similarly, in the course "Solar Energy in Buildings," I distill the core principles of renewable and solar energy, fostering a comprehensive understanding of collection, conversion, storage, and distribution.
A distinctive facet of my academic journey lies in the mentorship of countless undergraduate and graduate students. My approach hinges on leveraging all available resources and infusing my wealth of knowledge and experience to provide robust academic support services. My guidance is underpinned by the principles of accuracy and consistency, ensuring students align with the program's study plan and make informed choices about their courses. I illuminate the rationale behind the curriculum, program policies, and requisites, nurturing their evolution into valuable members of the architectural and engineering community, and elucidating their roles and responsibilities.
My multifaceted experience and unwavering commitment to education position me as an invaluable asset within the academic realm, primed to empower and elevate the next generation of architects and engineers.
Teaching is undoubtedly one of the most intellectually challenging facets of academic life. My personal teaching philosophy is rooted in the profound belief that being an educator within a higher education institution is a privilege, an honor, and a monumental responsibility. As an educator, my primary mission is to guide students in cultivating their creative capacities and aiding them in self-discovery while honing their design language for self-expression.
At the core of my approach is the principle of not merely instructing students in what I do or how I think. Instead, I empower them to form their own perspectives and embrace individuality. My exposure to diverse academic institutions has underscored the significance of infusing practical skills and real-world ideas into both the design studio and classroom settings. From my experiences, it's evident that effective teaching thrives on engaging students with the learning environment and course materials. A successful class involves students actively participating, acquiring new knowledge, collaborating with peers to solidify concepts, and subsequently applying these ideas to real-life situations.
Within design studios, I provide students with a robust foundation in design visualization principles, processes, tools, and techniques, which serve as cornerstones for their problem-solving skills and visual communication abilities, both in their academic journey and future professional endeavors. I cultivate an environment of active learning, urging students to fully immerse themselves in the subject matter and foster a strong collaborative rapport amongst themselves and with me.
Clear articulation of ideas is pivotal, though not all students find it easy. My patience and methodical approach allow me to elicit self-expression from students while offering constructive feedback. My aspiration is for students to kindle a fervor for ideas, design, and analytical thinking that extends beyond the classroom and studio.
I advocate for a well-rounded design studio environment by inviting external professionals as jurors and mentors, incorporating real-world projects, and organizing field trips that cultivate observation, behavior mapping, and on-site inventory skills. Enhancing students' exposure to their built environment enriches their context for design thinking and processes.
In response to the growing significance of sustainability and energy efficiency in design, I conceived and introduced two courses, "Solar Energy in Buildings" and "Thermal Sciences." These courses, approved by the College of Engineering at the University of Sharjah, provide students with a foundational understanding of sustainable building design, renewable energy, heat transfer, passive design techniques, and energy efficiency. Students engage in projects that leverage their learning to create energy-efficient designs, thereby reducing environmental impact.
For lecture-based courses like "HVAC Design for Buildings," "Solar Energy in Buildings," and "Thermal Sciences," I foster dynamic and interactive classrooms that encourage student engagement. I endorse a conversational lecture style that invites open discussion and active participation. Multimedia integration bolsters content delivery, and assignments, exams, and projects are designed to encourage creative thinking and holistic learning.
Feedback from students underscores the efficacy of my approach, often commending my motivating, approachable, and supportive demeanor both within and outside the classroom. My dedication to enriching their learning journey is evident in their positive responses and growth.
In the pursuit of teaching excellence, a robust framework of assessments and continuous improvement strategies forms the cornerstone of my pedagogical approach. Here's a breakdown of my methodology:
Overall, my teaching philosophy is grounded in an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and active engagement with students. This multifaceted approach not only ensures that students meet their learning outcomes but also cultivates a passion for lifelong learning and professional excellence.
My extensive experience and deep-rooted commitment to education have extended beyond the classroom, encompassing a wide array of activities that contribute to the growth and excellence of higher education institutions. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of my contributions:
My contributions extend far beyond the classroom, encompassing curriculum development, accreditation compliance, committee involvement, leadership roles, workshops, support for colleagues, and a positive influence on the academic community. These actions underscore my unwavering dedication to fostering excellence in higher education and furthering the growth of both institutions and individuals.