ABOUT OLIVIA
Educating through Art
Hi! My name's Olivia, I'm 25 years old and recently graduated from the University of Hawai'i Mānoa with a Masters of Fine Arts in Theater for Young Audiences with a concentration in puppetry. I'm the 2022 Don and Elizabeth Doyle Fellow. I've always believed that theater has the power to change the world and create a more creative and compassionate generation. I am extremely passionate about educating young minds and using theater and dramatic techniques to help children find out more about themselves and invest in their communities. I love building and performing with puppets both onstage and in the classroom. I recently finished my thesis performance of "Puppets Against Bullying", an interactive classroom performance aimed at helping students in Hawai'i understand different bullying scenarios and how to deal with them.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
The pedagogical values that govern my teaching philosophy stem from my experiences as a student. Student Centered Learning is something I prioritize as an instructor. It is not our job as teachers to merely provide students with knowledge, but rather to unlock the potential they have for questioning the world around them. Provide guiding structure as they unlock the knowledge for themselves, therefore creating better learners. I strive to make my lessons inclusive for every student and work with them to devise the best course of learning for themselves. I recognize that every student is different and has different needs within the classroom and I will do my best to accomodate for diverse learners and thinkers. I believe that the aim of creative thinking is to stimulate curiosity and promote diversity of thought in our students. Understanding that learning is centered around what the students needs are and that our role as a teacher is to guide them on their journey of learning discovery. I recognize that growth is not measured by a grade or a standardized exam but rather the place a student finds themselves after a successful day of learning and hoping that that place is further than they were yesterday.