Maureen Kiley

where she’s studied...
Boston State College, B.S. Education
Lesley College, M.S. Management

what she’s taught...
Introduction to Computers
Computer Concepts
Microsoft Applications
Database Management
The Internet
Human Relations in Organization
Speech Communications
Introduction to Education
Community & Corporate Education-
Business Courses

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT QUINCY COLLEGE?

I enjoy the caring and committed attitudes of faculty and adjunct staff, which is also the first thing students identify with. The students who entrust their education to us are a very diverse group; young adults who are looking to find their niche, older adults who are coming back to school after many, many years unsure of themselves, and some students who know exactly what their next steps will be. In addition, many of our students come from other countries with different cultures. This diversity presents many challenges and opportunities for the instructor, and it always provides for an interesting semester. Working with such a diverse population requires that teachers explore different teaching/learning techniques to accommodate the many different learning styles and educational abilities. One of the tools I use to determine the needs of my students is an information sheet entitled, “Getting to Know You!” One of my questions I ask is “In what ways do you learn best?” And “How can I help you succeed in this course?” Because I think humor transcends any culture, my last question asks, “Who or What is your favorite cartoon character and why?” As we share our choices, some interesting discussions abound, and we learn something about each other in a fun way.
Another reason I enjoy teaching at Quincy College is the fact that the Administration encourages faculty and staff to continue to learn and explore new ideas, new philosophies, new teaching and learning techniques, and to share their expertise with the students and other faculty members. I appreciate, also, that I have been able to share my expertise across different disciplines as evidenced by the different courses I have taught. Because the college is committed to providing the community with special programs for the at-risk student, I have been fortunate to direct the Computer Applications Grant Program which I authored—a two-semester certificate program which is free to eligible candidates (Funding--Perkins Post secondary Vocation and Technical Act). For the past ten years, I have enjoyed a challenging and rewarding career here at Quincy College and look forward to my continued association with the college.

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING?

My philosophy of teaching has always been one that is student centered, the students are my focal point and all else revolves around them. Because we know that the adult learner needs to be involved in the learning process and to view the material being taught as relevant to his/her world, I provide lots of “hands on” time on the computers and use business-related situations and documents to teach the required computer concepts. I like that our college is small because faculty and staff are able to really get to know the students. This is a major factor in helping students stay the course; they know we care about them and they know we will do what we can to help them succeed.
I believe that anyone can learn if the academic setting allows each student to feel comfortable (intellectually, physically, and socially). If students feel at ease in their environment, feel respected as individuals, feel okay about asking questions, and feel sufficiently challenged, they will learn. Because learning is a life-long process, I work to help students “learn to learn” and to be comfortable in the process. Especially in the Computer Science Department with ever-changing technology, both students and teachers need to be continually in a learning mode just to keep abreast of the latest technological advancements in the workplace. As most of my students enter the workplace following graduation, they need to be able to learn and learn quickly. My goal is to prepare them to enter the workplace successfully and experience a seamless transition from school to work.

  Click Here to View More Testimonials