Knowledge formation is a research interest that informs my teaching.  One of the visible divisions in the literature on knowledge formation is to be found between those who adopt a process perspective and those who identify knowledge in resulting products.  The first involves a relational epistemology where knowledge is acquired in contextual and dynamic ways. The second assumes knowledge can be codified and stored. I adhere to the first approach, and this informs my educational philosophy.  Below are some examples of this teaching philosophy in action.

Comparing COVID impacts through a Global Classroom

With students from Argentina and Toronto we examine impacts of and responses to a global pandemic comparing cities in the Global North and South

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Global Classrooms Project

I embarked on a special project to internationalize the traditional classroom.

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Active Learning Resources

For specific examples of active learning strategies I use in my classroom, see my blog post.

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Political Science Resources

For more specific examples related to political science classes, see this blog post.

Awards

2021 Northrop Frye Faculty Award of Excellence, University of Toronto

2014/15/17/18/21     Dean’s Excellence Award, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto

2016 - 2017           University of Toronto Teaching Fellowship

2013                     Dean’s Excellence Award, Woodsworth College, University of Toronto


Classes

  • PCJ360 - Environmental Justice in the Global South, 2021

  • POL299/POL399 – The Politics of Environmental Disasters and the Social Production of Risk, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto, 2020-2021.

  • PCJ499 - Independent Research Course. Digging Deep: The Labour Experience of Chinese Migrant Workers in the Oil Industry of Ecuador.  Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto, Winter 2019.

  • GLA2095:  Independent Research Course. Economic Development through Ecotourism: Can the Costa Rican Model be Successful in Ecuador? Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto, Fall 2018.

  • International Study Tour.  The Politics of Oil Exploitation in the Amazon. Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, Fall 2017

  • GLA2091 - Water as a Global Challenge:  Science, Economics and the Politics of Policy Making, Munk School of Global Affairs, Economics and Engineering Departments, University of Toronto, 2016

  • POL380 - Localizing Global Governance, University of Belgrano, Argentina, Summer 2014

  • GLA2000 - Graduate Capstone Seminar, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto, 2013-2016

  • MUN102 - Governing Global Public Goods, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto, Winter 2014-2016, 2021

  • MUN105 - Global Problem-Solving: Laboratory Opportunities, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto, 2013-20121

  • WDW152 - Order and Disorder: Problems and Solutions, Woodsworth College, University of Toronto, 2013

  • WDW151 - Order and Disorder: Issues and Perspectives, Woodsworth College, University of Toronto, 2012

  • POLA81 – Leaving Home: Politics and Emigration, University of Toronto Scarborough, 2007 and 2008 (Guest Teaching)


SELECTION OF TEACHING-RELATED INVITED LECTURES

  • “Towards a Fair Ecological Transition in the European Union,” Keynote Speaker, European Parliament, Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Madrid. November 15, 2019

  • “Mining for Renewable Energy,” Invited Speaker to the Special Panel on Climate Change and Global Governance, organized by the Center for International Policy Studies (CIPS), University of Ottawa. February 28, 2019.

  • “Birds of Passage and the Beginning of Colombian Drug Trafficking.” Invited commentator of the Toronto International Film Festival, Global Speaker Series, September 11, 2018

  • “Green Courts to the Rescue,” Keynote Speaker in the Environmental Governance Summer Institute: Metrics of Sustainability and Critical Studies of Accountability, University of Toronto, July 13, 2018

  • “Sustainable Pedagogies,” Invited Speaker at the Environmental Humanities and German Studies, 11th Annual Toronto German Studies Symposium, University of Toronto. April 12, 2018.

  • Model Diplomacy Simulation: “Climate Change Post Paris Agreement.” Organizer and facilitator, University of Toronto Schools. February 6, 2018.

  • “Silas and Illegal Logging in Liberia.” Invited commentator of the Toronto International Film Festival, Global Speaker Series, September 13, 2017.

  • “Global Classrooms.” Presenter at the Center for Teaching Support and Innovation, and The Center for International Experience University of Toronto, October 17, 2016 and July 28, 2020.

  • “The Animal’s Wife and Gender Violence in Colombia.” Invited commentator of the Toronto International Film Festival, Global Speaker Series, September 14, 2016.

  • “Simulations and Small Scale Experiential Learning: Practice, Application and Experience.” Presenter at the Tri-Campus Teaching Assistance Training Day, University of Toronto August 31, 2016.

  • “Orwell’s Animal Farm and the Importance of Active Citizenship.” Opening Speaker for #OrwellArt Gallery, Metro City Hall, May 31, 2016.

  • “Careers in Sustainability,” Panel moderator for Master of Global Affairs Career Week. University of Toronto. October 19, 2016

  • “Small Scale Experiential Learning.” Presenter and facilitator at the Faculty of Arts and Science Community of Practice on Teaching and Learning, University of Toronto.

  • “Simulations and Small-Scale Experiential Learning: Practice, Application and Experience.” Presenter at the Tri-Campus Teaching Assistance Training Day, University of Toronto. August 31, 2016

  • “Characteristics of Wicked Problems and Goal-Oriented versus Systems-Thinking Project Development,” Global Ideas Institute, December 3, 2014.

  • “Is Cooperation Possible in Global Affairs?” Spur Festival, Toronto, April 4, 2014.

  • “Diplomacy in Global Affairs,” University of Toronto, November 15, 2013.

  • “Teaching and Learning: Instruction and Experiential Learning Strategies.” Youth engagement training for UNICEF volunteers. Toronto, November 14, 2013.

  • “The World Bank: Bureaucratic Rule and Partnerships for the Environment,” Woodsworth College Alumni Association, Toronto, March 6, 2013.

  • “Public-Private Partnerships and Development Studies,” Lecture for students in the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, November 22, 2012.