Description
DJ Quinn of the University Writing Program shares his philosophy of teaching student-centric classes, using Zoom and other tools to include students who are challenged by the ongoing pandemic and by learning disabilities.
About the Interviewee
I am Dr. DJ Quinn (he/him), a Lecturer in the University Writing Program, where I teach Introduction to Composition, Reading and Writing, Business Writing, and Advanced Composition, among other classes. Regardless of the class, my goal is to empower emerging scholars to take control of their own learning, using contract grading, a focus on structured peer response, and engaging in genuine scholarly and professional genres of writing. I believe that Maslow's Hierarchy is central to education: if students don't feel safe, they can't learn. In my classes, that means affirming students' starting places as a first step in helping them grow as writers. It means regular reflection and community engagement, from everyone in the room to whatever degree we are able. I am a parent, a writer, and a neurodiverse learner. I don't leave those identities at the classroom door, and I don't think my students should have to, either.
