Dr. Diane Reese

Biography

My teaching philosophy focuses on motivating students to develop their own learning interests and critical thinking to establish a learner-centered environment in the classroom. Being aware of the needs and interests of a culturally and ethnically diverse student body, I prepare lessons/discussion plans that focus on the interconnection between the student's own knowledge, culture and learning abilities, the subject matter discussed in class, and trending discussions on social issues and best practices in the profession. The learning environment includes content and activities that are both significant and challenging for the students so that they are stimulated to think "beyond" their comfort zone, feel involved in their own learning process and encourage students to make connections between the relative field of study and other disciplines as well as begin the process of developing their professional identities. Collaborative learning is also central to my teaching philosophy in order to promote reflective thinking and improve the students' capacity to brainstorm and share with each other in the learning process.

Research Interest

Attachment quality, parental monitoring, and peer relations as predictors of risky behavior among ethnic minority youth Adolescent female leadership development and achievement Human trafficking/domestic minor sex trafficking Social justice practices in school counseling