My story:
During my childhood in Singapore, both of my parents were teachers. My mother was an elementary school teacher and my father was a piano teacher. Yet, the thought of being a teacher never occurred to me until late in life when I discovered the joys of learning.
Education to me is more about mentoring and the facilitation of collaborative thinking (how we come to know) rather than the traditional notion of instruction (how much we know.) I believe that individuals learn most during the process of embracing change; because, while painful, it is only then that we discover who we are.
I have focused my work on developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of human-environment interactions as well as multiculturalism in environmental science and environmental literacy. Humans are part of the environment, whether we realize it or not. Thus, it is important to appreciate and understand that every action has a consequence. We are all connected. Given current issues such as population growth and global warming, this relationship between humans and the environment is becoming increasingly tenuous and warrants attention. Environmental science is a relatively new discipline; but, like much of science, it remains rooted in eurocentric worldviews and valid perspectives are denied legitimacy. Therefore, I work to acknowledge the diversity inherent in the ways we make sense of the natural world.
My students at University of Colorado Denver:
I enjoy learning about my students' experiences and helping them make personal connections to the course curriculum. In my classes, I try to emphasize the importance of critical thought and I hope it makes students aware of the complexity of environmental issues.
Classes I teach at the University of Colorado Denver School of Education & Human Development:
- Integrated Science and Social Studies for the Elementary Curriculum - IPTE 4006/5006
- International Perspectives on Curriculum - SECE 6120
- Introduction to Environment and Society - ENVS 1342
- Multicultural Science Education - ELED/SECE 5340
- Teacher Education Internship and Site Seminars - IPTE 4910/5910, 4911/5911, 4912/5912, 4913/5913, SPED 5910/5913
My research interests:
- Children's geographies
- Developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of human-environment interactions
- Environmental sustainability
- International perspectives
- Multiculturalism in environmental science and environmental literacy
- Photography, research and applications
- Visual methodologies
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