Statement of Educational Philosophy: "Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve!"
The education of students is no less important today than its inception in 17th century France. The axiom that education is knowledge and knowledge is power is even more a distinctive reality in the 21st century.
Undergraduate and Graduate students at St. John International University comprise special sociological groups that are characterized by a common outlook, with moderate or mixed Degrees of maturity, expertise, commitment and socialization. A postsecondary community, within a private University strives to complement its academic programs in an environment that works to embrace the dignity of the student, through cultural diversity and intellectual stimulation. St. John International University exhibits this philosophy through its integration of environmental studies and sustainable development.
Faculty, staff and administrators work collaboratively to instruct and direct the students so that the students learn and enhance their skills, which will enable them to become active contributors in society. The application of this pedagogical framework helps students build self-esteem and nurture self-worth. Nonetheless, a major challenge for Universities like St. John International is to match the lecturers' expertise in instructional research, with the students' developmental levels in order to create optimal learning conditions.
Optimal learning conditions serve to raise the academic standards and promote higher levels of academic reflection about needed change both in the University and society. As a result, the students and their professors together form the basis of the pedagogical framework in that it is:
(a) personal in that each student is recognized as an individual;
(b) practical in that each student is prepared to contribute to society;
(c) responsible in that each student is involved in his or her education;
(d) progressive in that each student is guided according to aptitude; and
(e) efficient in a multi-faceted learning environment.
My contribution and envisaged agenda will be self-evident in applying a pedagogical framework as previously mentioned, so that faculty and staff will be motivated through competency, dedication and zeal to help students learn a core set of skills; articulate a compelling vision of education to constituencies; and achieve a higher success ratio in preparing students and executives to be "citizen leaders" of tomorrow.
As provost, professor and reflective practitioner, it is important to implement an educational program which emphasizes values and creates and transmits knowledge to the broader student community. As a result learning is active, integrated, cumulative and connected. Also, I have discovered from my professional and academic experience the importance of effective communication and how it will serve to enrich St. John International as an environmentally focused and academically distinctive University.
Thank you.
Dennis J. Bava Ed.D, MBA
Provost and Vice President
