College of the Pacific
Ethel Nicdao
Teaching Approach
My teaching philosophy centers on emphasizing critical thinking skills and encouraging students to develop their theoretical and analytical proficiencies. I introduce empirical evidence to show the relevance of applied research, with the hope that students will respond with curiosity to the material. I also encourage students to actively engage in and participate in discussions, and realize that they can have dissenting opinions.
I am enthusiastic in nature and passionate about teaching. These characteristics are reflected in my style of teaching.
Because students have various learning styles, I apply a variety of teaching mediums to stimulate interest in the course material. I prefer not to lecture excessively, but instead combine lecture with in-class activities, including group discussion, student presentations, inviting guest speakers from the community, and drawing from various media sources.
I also incorporate aspects of experiential learning as an important component in my teaching. For example, local guest speakers provide a critical perspective and allow students to hear firsthand how topics covered in the course apply in real life situations.
Other examples of experiential learning involve taking students to a local organization that primarily serves the homeless and working poor. The fieldtrip allows students to make connections between our classroom discussions on homelessness, poverty programs, and health care issues.
During one semester, several of my students toured the facility and later joined me and other volunteers in serving meals to clients. Additionally, several students attended Homeless Court with me, which is one of the programs where the homeless and poor can successfully clear up misdemeanor charges and fines through community service.
Please visit these pages for additional information:
Ethel Nicdao, Assistant Professor of Sociology
Wendell Phillips Hall 201
(209) 946-2931
enicdao@pacific.edu