Faculty Profiles

Dolapo Adeniji-Neill

Professor, Chair
The School of Education, Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences

Alumnae Hall 223
516.877.4048
adeniji-neill@adelphi.edu

General Information

Diplomas/Degrees

Diplomas/Degrees

Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction (Cognate field: Sociology/Anthropology and Multicultural Education), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii (2008)

M.A., Liberal Studies, Dartmouth College (2004)

M.A., Sociology and Anthropology, The American University in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt (1986)

Personal Statement

Personal Statement

My teaching philosophy is founded on the theories of Paulo Freire, Jane Addams of the Hull House and John Dewey and my ancestors.

I believe in creating a teaching environment that is safe, interactive, and collaborative, promotes problem-solving and critical thinking skills. I believe in creating a welcoming environment that accommodates a variety of intelligences and learning styles and encourages students to present their opinions while respecting the opinions of others. I strive to give students “voice” in my classes; not only do the students benefit from peer-peer learning by enriching the course material with personal experiences and knowledge, but also take responsibility for their own learning; therefore, enhancing the integration of their new knowledge into practice. Promoting independent thinking is essential so that students can take what they have learned and apply it in real-life situations. Therefore, I endeavor to make my classroom a sphere for students to learn skills and demonstrate outcomes.

To create a safe learning environment, I encourage students to ask questions and give their views on the material we are covering. I challenge them to look at opposing view- points, and also clarify their own ideas and back them with sound research. I create assignments that improve students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills, such as analyzing psychological theories embedded in media for teaching students and adults and for changing or enhancing behavior. I utilize small-group discussions both to actively involve the students in their own learning as well as to improve their critical thinking skills.

In order to achieve the ultimate goal of student learning, I strive to implement strategies that create a collaborative and safe atmosphere and encourage the application of knowledge to new situations. I believe that these strategies help students become ready and able to utilize their knowledge in their studies and in their future employment.

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