For over a decade, I have been an instructor at the university level of various language-centered courses: Academic English, English Writing, Professional Communication, Research Methods, Food, Media, & Culture, Linguistics, and Spanish. My goal is to equip students to be critical thinkers and adaptable learners in a constantly changing, multilingual, globalized, and technologically advanced world. I consider that today’s students need to be flexible with the ability to respond positively to culturally diverse contexts and to be able to adapt to various discourse communities; has a range of language, knowledge, skills, and strategies to use appropriate to the discourse genre; and can use and produce a range of traditional and multimodal texts.
I have taught at four different universities: Nanyang Technological University (NTU), University of Florida (UF), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), and the University of Notre Dame (ND). I also was a Fulbright scholar at the National Pedagogy University, Honduras.
Writing and Communication
Inquiry and Communication in an Interdisciplinary World, Language and Communication Centre, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
This foundational interdisciplinary course develops students’ written and oral communication skills and their ability to read and analyze texts. Students practice revision as integral to the process of composition to convey ideas with confidence and clarity. Students learn to consider audience and purpose when communicating. Drafts, peer workshops, and one-on-one conferencing lead to a polished, thought-provoking op-ed piece on a contemporary topic relevant to Singapore.
Academic Writing in the Social Sciences and Linguistics Language and Communication Centre, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
This course develops students’ skills to write a literature review, conduct research, analyze findings, write a report, and deliver a presentation, preparing them to excel in their courses in the social sciences and linguistics.
Professional Communication for Engineers, Professional Writing in the Disciplines, Technical Report Writing, University Writing Program, University of Florida.
These courses teach students how to research and organize information in effectively written documents, work in collaboration with others, and master a variety of writing genres specific to their field.
Study of Rhetorical Theory, English Department, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. This course teaches students the art of rhetoric and persuasion while mastering their writing skills.
Food and Language
Food, Media, & Culture, Department of Journalism and Communication, University of Florida.
This course develops students’ writing skills for a career in food and media. Students practice writing in a variety of food writing genres, including a cookbook review, restaurant review, food magazine pitch, and a multimedia food and culture project. Through food, students learn how culture and media influence their food habits and choices, and make connections to their expressions of identity.
Linguistics
Language in Use from a Humanities Perspective, Linguistics Department, University of Florida.
This introductory course in linguistics facilitates students’ learning and awareness of how language influences the way in which we interact with each other and think about the world.
Foreign Language Classroom
Spanish I and II, Department of Romance Languages & Literatures, University of Notre Dame.
These Spanish-immersion courses are taught via communicative-based activities and practical application and supplemented with cultural activities such as cooking classes, movies, and dance.
Teaching English for Tourism (UPNFM (National Pedagogy University), Honduras)
In this course, students learned essential English vocabulary and communication skills in the genres of tourism and hospitality.