Dr. NORBERT CORDEIRO

Associate Professor, Department of Biological, Chemical and Physical Sciences

ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY

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Teaching Philosophy

I teach using an inquiry-based and hands-on approach, and encourage students to be responsible for what and how they learn.  By encouraging students to think critically about fundamental aspects in the biological sciences, either in the laboratory or through creative exercises in the classroom, I expect that students will already be in a state to make their education challenging, but at the same time more exciting and meaningful.
While I recognize that some traditional teaching methods work, my primary objectives are to focus on quantitative, analytical and conceptual abilities.  Apart from field and laboratory exercises that engage students in hands-on and critical thinking situations, I also emphasize quantitative skills.  Being an ardent supporter of interdisciplinary approaches in education, I like to integrate and relate the sciences with other academic disciplines.  I find that this often offers students the opportunity to think about topics in the sciences beyond the classroom setting, and beyond the scientific norms, thus making learning more than just an interesting adventure.

Finally, I try to promote independent thinking and collaboration with individuals across disciplines in my students.  This last aspect is central to my teaching philosophy, and my close connections with local institutions such as The Field Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo will allow me to engage my students in more hands-on learning experiences with each other as well as with local scientists and conservation practitioners who have both diverse skills and expertise.  My connections with colleagues at a variety of international institutions will help foster international collaborations and dialogue between students and professionals across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.