Cultivating Critical Thinkers: The Teaching Approach of Assistant Professor Elaine Borazon in the International Graduate Program in Education and Human Development
In the International Graduate Program in Education and Human Development, Assistant Professor Elaine Borazon views education as a catalyst for empowerment. She cultivates her students' critical thinking abilities and encourages them to challenge entrenched societal norms and structures, thereby fostering social change and cultivating an environment of innovation and active engagement.
Professor Borazon prioritizes creating a safe and dynamic learning environment where open inquiry is encouraged and diverse perspectives are valued. Through open discussions and case analyses, she guides students to understand the current status and challenges faced by educational institutions and other organizations. She encourages them to propose viable solutions to these challenges, thereby fostering a hands-on approach to learning and problem solving.
In her classroom, students from various countries are not just recipients of knowledge but are also active agents of change. Professor Borazon emphasizes developing students in areas such as leadership, statistics, and innovative management. By leading students to identify and analyze real-world problems in education and management, she enhances their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Her courses cover a range of topics including ethical leadership, diversity and inclusion, the role of leaders in organizations and change, as well as the importance of statistical analysis in decision-making and innovation.
Beyond imparting knowledge, Professor Borazon's classroom transcends traditional educational boundaries. She leverages the unique backgrounds of students from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines as resources that enhance multicultural exchanges. During these dialogues, she stimulates students to engage deeply with both academic and social issues. Professor Borazon also places significant emphasis on establishing long-term connections between students and teachers. She believes these connections extend beyond the academic realm to become valuable social capital for all parties involved. Such positive student-teacher relationships not only provide support for students' career development after graduation but also offer new collaborative opportunities and perspectives for teachers and educational institutions.