Teaching and Guiding Philosophy

Harris Ambush, Ed.D.

Learners begin to enter into a classroom. The emotions are vast, and as fluid as a tsunami wave, growing in force and shifting with glorious tempo. Unease and excitement are so intertwined that they are not two sides of a coin, they are the reeded edges of the coin, rolling down an unknown road while not knowing if ease and comfort may be a common feeling ever again.

The first day of a training or workshop is a powerhouse of emotions and energy, and I love to be a guide to harness those emotions and powerful energy into positive momentum. While these learners exhibit great courage of the unknown on that first day, little do they know that we will create an impactful learning experience, whether it be a short lesson or a longer training. 

Education is not just about teaching and learning; it is about empowering the learner to become engaged through their own personal systems and styles.

My teaching methods focus on Holistic and Interdisciplinary Learning, which allows for learners to become more engaged in their own way through their own personal understanding.  It also allows them to move in a rhythm that supports their learning and growth in a more experiential and personal manner.

Students will learn content in my courses, but more so they will learn how to learn, and how to be passionate about learning.  They will do so by finding their connection to the content, learning community and culture.  Learning is not about remembering, it is about connecting and this will be a main staple for our trainings. 

My teaching philosophy is to create a safe and semi-structured atmosphere to allow for both success and intrinsic motivation in a supportive environment; where learners can find the various routes to a single destination, or create their own new routes to a never explored path. 

It is important that students leave with a better understanding of their strengths and how they can best use them for their personal and professional success.  I focus on empowering students to learn and lead in a manner that best supports their style and strengths. 

A main influencer of my teaching and my personal direction has been Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory.  Engaging with the focus that all students are intelligent and have value in their own unique ways allows me to expand the way students connect to learning in a multifaceted manner.  When students feel connected to the content in their own personal ways, whether that be by experiential learning, group work, projects, research, or simply by reading the material, they will be more inclined to draw on that learning and make deeper connections well beyond the conclusion of a training.

In my teachings we use real world examples and experiences to connect the learner to the material.  A few examples of this have included scavenger hunts, class involvement, critical thinking activities, group dialogue, experiential learning, community engagements, projects, and intrinsic mindfulness to become more aware of why they are here and what they want to learn.

An important motto of mine is that learning never ceases, while learners ability always increases.  Scaffolding on learning styles and material allows students to continue to expand on their learning and knowledge.  A lifelong passion for personal and professional growth is instilled in the learner who is offered the key, a key that is not to one specific door, but a master key that opens up possibility, trials/errors, wonderment, fascination, play, curiosity and creativity. This is how we as humans really learn, and more so connect, to the content, and the world around us.

Student Testimonies: 

"IDS2378 is an interactive course that is essential to understanding the importance of each focus of study, and how the college community and broader community impacts the work we strive to accomplish. It was through this class, and the leadership of Dr. Ambush that I was able to tangibly see how the community of St. Petersburg works together with every major discipline of study. We took tours of different businesses and organizations around the Innovation district. Each tour guide was a friend of Dr. Ambush and was able to answer any question we had about that business's service to and dependence on the community. I left this class with the contacts of passionate community service leaders, a deeper understanding of the importance of all areas of study, and a stronger ability to think critically on any problem I face. I am a better student and community member because of the work Dr. Ambush put in to crafting this course."

"I would like to take a moment and give a shout-out to Professor Harris for EDF 3132. He's the greatest and cares a lot about not just his students success but also our mental health. He is more than a professor. He's a professor, advisor, counselor, father, and doctor-all in one. This semester has been mentally draining for me dealing with family, home, the storms, and taking 6 classes. He has been very understanding and provided me excellent feedback on my assignments, not only to help improve myself but also to succeed in the course. I have been blessed and honored to know & have him as a professor this semester. I couldn't have done it or finished strong without his support!!!"