Lief Albaugh - Teaching English

As if my regular jobs of being an accountant and running a music store weren't enough, I am also an adjunct faculty member in the English department at the local community college: Northwest Colorado Community College. This page is designed to detail my teaching philosophy, my work in teaching English, and some useful suggestions for writers and critical readers.

My Teaching Philosophy

A teaching philosophy is constantly evoloving. As one continues to improve and to help others, viewpoints can change and become more refined. Further, one's teaching philosophy is developed from knowledge passed on by one's educators. The teachers I have had in the past have greatly refined the ways in which I approach writing and reading, and the conglomeration of those skills are what I hope to convey to my students.

Writing and reading are both processes. Neither of them can be developed overnight, but come as a result of prolonged effort. The skills I try to teach in my classes are the patterns necessary for developing good writing and reading habits.

Further, my teaching is research based. I strive to remain aware of current findings with regard to the best techniques for teaching and learning to read and write well. Wherever possible, I work to incorporate these findings into my lesson plans and curriculum.

Following is a list of the classes I have taught and their main objectives:

Classes Taught to Date by Lief Albaugh
Course Title	Semester(s) Taught	Course Objectives
Introduction to Literature	Fall 2017, Fall 2018	Introduce students to fiction, poetry, and drama Emphasize active and responsive reading
World Literature to 1600	Spring 2018	Examine significant writings in world literature from the ancients through the Renaissance Emphasize careful readings and understandings of the works and their cultural backgrounds
British Literature to 1770	Spring 2017	Provide an overview of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the 17th century Explore ideas, historical and social contexts, themes, and literary characteristics of works in various genres by major writers
British Literature from 1770	Spring 2016	Provide an overview of British literature from the 18th century to the present Explore ideas, historical and social contexts, themes, and literary characteristics of works in various genres by major writers
English Composition II	Fall 2018	Expand and refine the following objectives from English Composition I: Emphasize the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills Stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing Develop language skills including grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph development Build research strategies by gathering, summarizing, and incorporating information into writing Develop critical thinking skills and analytical abilities by defining problems and analyzing viewpoints and strategies Extend critical thinking and reading skills