Andrew Chaney
about the teacher
Andrew Chaney lives in Cookeville, TN. He holds an M.A. in English from Tennessee Tech University. His research interests include literature, music, and biblical culture. He is currently working on a Ph.D. in humanities through Faulkner University.
Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher, I believe that allowing students to choose their writing topics and providing constructive, qualitative responses to their work builds a foundation for a successful classroom. Giving students a choice regarding what they write about helps them excel and fosters creativity. Students who feel invested in their research topics find it easier to focus, and their enthusiasm for their subject matter will generate stronger writing that reflects their individual interests and worldview.
It is vital that we teachers help our students become stronger thinkers, readers, researchers, and writers by providing constructive, qualitative feedback to their assignments. Every writer has unique strengths and weaknesses for which holistic grading cannot always account, making qualitative criticism necessary to provide students a clear impression of their efforts. Teachers are constantly learning, adapting, and progressing, but no matter how far our profession advances, certain philosophies remain relevant. In the classroom, my aim is to give students choice in what they write about to help …