Reflections

 

 

 

 

1 

 Learning can be creative and engaging

 Dean Vitale

One of my main takeaways from this class is that learning can be creative and engaging. I learned that art, movement, sound, and collaboration can all help students understand lessons better. The class showed me that students learn in different ways, not just through tests and lectures. I also learned that creativity helps students stay motivated and interested in learning. Overall, this class changed how I think about what education should look like.

I felt comfortable and supported in the learning environment of this class. The activities allowed everyone to participate without feeling embarrassed or pressured. I liked that the class focused on creativity instead of only right or wrong answers. This made learning feel less stressful and more enjoyable. Because of this environment, I felt more confident sharing my thoughts and ideas.

I would apply what I learned in this class to my own field of study by thinking more creatively. I now understand that creativity can help with problem-solving and communication in any subject. I would try to use different ways to express my ideas instead of sticking to one method. Being open-minded can make learning more effective and interesting. This class taught me skills that I can use in school and in the future.

 

 2

 New ways to teach

Lyfe Daniel

 

One of the key takeaways from this course is that learning can be enjoyable, fresh, and flexible. We worked with a variety of teaching methods with different things like sounds, dance, drawing, and storytelling, and it taught me that education does not have to be traditional or rigid. Another takeaway is how much work instructors do behind the scenes, from planning to managing behavior to balancing a range of student requirements. I also understood how important creativity is, especially in academic settings that do not typically promote it. You always need new ways to teach and new ways to teach it.

To be honest, I felt very comfortable and involved. The class had a fun and comforting atmosphere, so participating did not feel stressful. It was open and helpful, and everyone was able to learn and lead in their own way. I enjoyed how it didn't feel like a standard lecture-heavy class, we all got to move around, create our own art, and discuss real life difficulties and challenges that instructors face. It made the information feel more authentic and current.

Because my future field is in STEM and most likely something in health care, I really want to carry the idea of combining creativity with technical study. I've found out that thinking artistically improves my ability to problem solve better, with complex subjects. I intend to continue using different methods and ways to understand and explain STEM concepts. This lesson reminded me that learning is more than just receiving answers but it's about exploring, connecting, and comprehending in new ways. I believe that adopting that perspective will make me a better student, and eventually a better professional.

 

 3

 A new level of appreciation

John Hoffman

One of my biggest takeaways from this class was realizing just how much teachers across the country have struggled in recent years. There are so many factors behind it, and before this class, I never understood the extent of the challenges they deal with. It made me see how essential teachers are to any developed society, because every successful person starts somewhere, usually with a mentor or a teacher who helped shape them. That alone gave me a new level of appreciation for the profession. I also learned a lot about the different types of learning and how no two students learn in exactly the same way. Every classroom, age group, and grade level requires a different approach, and there isn’t one “perfect” way to teach. Instead, it’s about finding what works for that specific group and building a system that actually reaches them.

I genuinely loved the learning environment in this class. Every time we met, I felt totally immersed because it was such a positive and engaging community. The people in our class were all so different, and that mix of personalities made discussions more fun and meaningful. And Jorge, you were truly one of my favorite professors I’ve had at UM — the way you created a space where everyone felt comfortable contributing and learning made a huge difference. I really appreciated how you gave us the freedom to shape the class in ways that actually worked for us. Overall, the atmosphere made me enjoy coming in every week, and I’m really grateful I got to be part of this class.

I’m especially excited because I’m planning to tutor a real estate finance course next year, and this class gave me a lot of insight into how I want to approach that. One of the biggest things I’ll carry with me is recognizing that students come from all kinds of backgrounds, and there isn’t one “right” way for everyone to learn. I want to be mindful of that by meeting students where they are and adjusting my explanations to what works for them. I also want to give students space to think creatively and work through problems on their own, because that’s how real understanding develops. After guiding them and allowing them to practice, I’ll check for understanding so I know I’m actually helping them grow and holding them accountable in a healthy way. Beyond tutoring, I know these ideas will matter in my own life later on — especially when I have kids someday. Teaching your own children, from their first steps to the harder academic stuff, is probably the most important teaching role anyone will ever have, and this class showed me how meaningful that responsibility really is.

 

4

  Meaningful learning experiences

Lyndsay Miller

One of my biggest takeaways from this course was understanding the critical role arts play in shaping meaningful learning experiences. Throughout this course I learned how important experiential learning is. I learned the importance of creative freedom in classrooms, critical thinking, and even the power of arts, music and dance in learning. This course also taught how art is more than just an expressive tool, but also a way of understanding and personal well-being.

I felt very safe in the learning environment. I felt I was able to express myself freely in the classroom. This is different from my other classes as I feel they follow the standard strict classroom protocols. I felt mutual-respect from students and the teacher. I truly enjoyed this class and felt the most joy participating in this class. 

As someone studying public relations and communications, I feel this class was really helpful. The emphasis on creativity and visual thinking is directly connected to what should be used in PR messaging and campaigns. The use of music and visual images directly connects with creating compelling content and social media campaigns in PR. This course also strengthened my skills in critical thinking and cultural awareness which I feel are critical in everyday life.

 

 5

 More than just memorization and repetition

Rae Flores

My main take-aways from this course are that learning and teaching are deeply connected to creativity, personal experiences and growth, culture, and self-expression. I realized that true learning is more than just memorization and repetition, and more about critical thinking, analyzing, reflecting, and creating. Through learning about various learning theories, I discovered that each student processes and retains information differently, and how important that component is in education. Creativity and artistic processes can be included in every form of learning, whether it’s history, literature, or even STEM. Education is the most meaningful when it fosters inclusivity, reflection, analysis, and interpersonal connections.

I felt very accepted and engaged in our learning environment throughout the semester. Not only was I able to share my own thoughts and interpretations with the class, but I also bonded with multiple students over shared interests and ideologies. When reflecting on my own presentation/lesson plan, I realized that I was not as nervous to speak in front of an audience because of the accepting and humorous atmosphere of the classroom. I usually am relatively reserved when it comes to class participation, and I found that I was able to come out of my shell throughout the duration of this course. Overall, I felt excited and motivated to attend each class because I was able to feel a sense of community and belonging.

In my own field of studies, considering I may go into the field of education, I would incorporate multiple concepts I learned in this class in my teaching. I would always emphasize the importance of individuality and creativity over conformity, and would use as many artistic concepts as I could to engage my students. I would consider using tableaux-style visual art to experiment with emotional expression, sound-art to teach rhythm and patterns, and creative movement to enhance physical expression. I would also keep in mind the multiple learning theories included throughout the curriculum, emphasizing that every child is unique, and nobody learns the exact same way. Ultimately, I would aim to create an open-minded, creative, and personalized experience to learning in my classroom, just as I experienced throughout this course. 

 

6

 Make complex ideas easier to understand

Max Kletsman

My main takeaways from this Teaching and Learning class are how important creativity and student-centered instruction are in education. I learned that the arts, movement, sound, and visual activities are powerful tools that help students understand concepts in deeper ways. The class showed me that learning doesn’t have to be limited to lectures or worksheets—students learn better when they can explore, express, and interact. I also realized how much teaching relies on planning, flexibility, and understanding how children think. Overall, this class taught me that good teaching is about making learning meaningful, relatable, and engaging for every student.

In our learning environment, I felt comfortable participating and asking questions. The class was welcoming, and the activities made it easy to stay involved and understand the material. I appreciated that we used hands-on methods instead of only listening, because it helped me actually experience the teaching strategies we were learning about. The environment felt supportive, and I never felt judged for my ideas or responses. Being in this class made the learning feel real and connected to what teachers actually do.

I will apply what I learned in this class to my own field of studies by remembering how important it is to consider different learning styles. Even though I am not becoming a teacher, understanding how people learn will help me in any profession, including finance. I can use the strategies we practiced—like visuals, movement, and breaking down information—to make complex ideas easier to understand. This class also taught me the value of planning and communication, which are skills used in every field. Overall, what I learned here will help me work better with others and communicate ideas more clearly in my future career.

 

7

A new appreciation for the value of teaching

Matthew Silva

This class really made me think deeply about the state of education today, and how important it is to constantly question the ways people have been taught in the past. I realized that learning is never supposed to stay the same, and that every generation needs to rethink what learning should look like. The discussions we had pushed me to look at schools with a more honest and curious mindset, especially when it comes to the problems that students and teachers face every day. I think the education system is extremely flawed right now, not because everything is bad, but because so many areas are overdue for change. At the same time, I gained a new appreciation for the value of teaching, and for the effort teachers bring into teaching the next generation. This class helped me understand that improving education is not just a responsibility for teachers, but for anyone who cares about the future. I’m leaving this class with a much clearer sense of how important it is to keep learning open, flexible, and connected to real life.

I genuinely enjoyed the learning environment of this class. I always felt like I could share my thoughts without worrying about having the perfect answer, and that made the class feel more real and honest. The environment encouraged curiosity, which motivated me to think deeper about every topic we discussed. I also appreciated how the class made space for different perspectives and personal experiences, because that made the conversations feel meaningful to me. Even when we talked about problems in the school system, it didn’t feel negative; instead, it felt like an way of thinking that encourages us to imagine something better. Being in a space that welcomed open minds helped me stay engaged every day. Overall, I felt comfortable, supported, and challenged in a positive way.

What I learned in this class is something I can genuinely use in my own field of studies. As someone going into business, marketing, and possibly leadership roles in the future, having an open mind is one of the most valuable things I can carry with me. This class reminded me that the way people learn affects the way they communicate and grow, which is important in any career. Understanding how learning really works will help me lead others and be able to adapt to changes in the world. It also made me think ahead to my future family, and how I want to support my kids in learning in ways that actually help them grow instead of holding them back. I feel more prepared to approach both my professional life and my personal life. The lessons from this class will stay with me well beyond school, because they apply to how we treat people and how we help them learn.

 

8

 "Weeding out" students"

 

Gabby Barnett

I have several take aways from this class. One being that art can be and should be integrated into various cirriculums. It can help students who don't learn "conventionally" engage in subjects they may struggle with otherwise. It creates a more inclusive and holistic learning environment. I also take away how important encouragement is when teaching kids, and how you can turn a potentially negative grade into praise for effort. 

I felt comfortable in our class! You and my peers fostered a learning envirnment that welcomes all kinds of ideas. I was also excited tolearn from you and others and to discuss thought proking topics. I felt like I was welcome to share what I wanted to, and I enjoyed listening to other people's thoughts. It was a fun and engaging course. 

I would apply what I learned into biochemistry by encouraging more students to study it rather than "weed out" students. Many teachers in STEM discourage kids from pursuing and studying science by treating them like they are less than others if they don't understand difficult concepts right away. We need people to want to learn science as it is an incredibly important field, and so may would beefit from learning about it. "Weeding out" students who are passionate, but don't learn conventionally or test well is limiting the variety of people we could have pursuing a career in science, and it only inhibits the progress of our society. 

 

 

9

 Fun and enjoyable

Ovi Valdes Alfonso

I learned that teachers deal with a lot, especially managing kids. Teaching needs planning and clear instructions. A good learning environment helps students learn and grow, the same way in a football team a great environment helps players to focus and develop. Lesson plans work best when they are simple. Overall, teaching is not for the weak, it requires a lot of patience and determination.

I felt comfortable in our class. It reminded me of being on a good team. The class was organized. I liked how the class was structured, its was fun and enjoyable. It felt like a place where everyone can be themselves and we got do some fun activities.

I can use what I learned in this class for football. Coaches use lesson plans to teach a new play so I can reference that to understand  A good environment helps players to learn plays better. Keeping things simple helps me learn plays faster. These skills can  help me on and off the field.

 

10

 A very positive experience

Kaylee Cheung

 

            This class was an interesting look into the education system and the process of teaching. Although I already had pre-existing knowledge on how flawed the education system is, especially in terms of low pay grade, working with children, and the emphasis on standardized testing, I learned more about this topic. The future relies on the new generation, which must be educated by the current age of teachers and the education system. Therefore, is important to adapt and alter this course of action. Though there are variations of education systems between each country, all with pros and cons of their own structure.

            In this learning environment, I felt like I was open to exploring any new concept. It was very welcoming, and I never felt like I was excluded from any activity. The openness of this class combined with the heavy use of creative aspects made this class very enjoyable and fun to attend. There were also a variety of different people and their personalities which made it interesting to see how everyone interacts with each other. Overall, it was a very positive experience being in this kind of learning environment and is something I have not previously attended before.

            I will apply what I learned into my own field of study by encouraging constant learning and adaptation. Considering that I am a motion pictures – production major, I will positively reinforce different techniques to film-making and editing. Especially with different subcategories in the film-making industry, it is important to help others go out of their comfort zone and try new things. As film isn’t based on standardized testing, it reduces the pressure of memorization and utilizes creative problem solving and artistic thought. With this class, it helped build rapport and finding new ways to bounce ideas with my peers.

 

 11

 Welcoming, personal, and judgment-free

 

Bella Grippo

The biggest takeaway I gained from this class is a deeper appreciation for how art and education intersect to shape the way people think, feel, and connect with the world. Before this course, I understood art mainly as a form of expression, but now I see it as a powerful educational tool that can inspire empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. This class showed me how teachers use the arts not just to teach content, but to reach students on a human level—helping them explore identity, emotion, culture, and storytelling. I learned that the arts are not an “extra,” but a vital part of how people learn, communicate, and understand themselves and others.

Throughout this class, I consistently felt supported, engaged, and encouraged to think more deeply. The learning environment was open, relaxed, and genuinely creative, which made a huge difference in how comfortable I felt participating. The discussions, hands-on activities, and reflective conversations helped me connect with the material in a meaningful way. Our professor created a space that felt welcoming, personal, and judgment-free, allowing everyone to bring their own experiences and perspectives into the room. Because of that, I felt more confident sharing my voice and exploring the topics with honesty and curiosity.

As a Public Relations major, I will absolutely apply what I learned in this class to my own field. PR relies heavily on creativity, storytelling, emotional connection, and understanding audiences—all of which are grounded in the arts. This class taught me to be more mindful about how visuals, narratives, and emotions influence people, which will directly impact the way I create campaigns, write messages, or communicate on behalf of an organization. It also reminded me of the importance of empathy and human connection, which are essential when building relationships with clients, communities, and the public. Moving forward, I hope to carry the same creativity, openness, and emotional awareness into my work that I experienced throughout this course.

 

12

 Teaching comes in many forms

Chase Meyer

The biggest takeaway I gained from this class is a deeper understanding of how challenging and important a teacher’s role truly is. Students often see teachers as strict or demanding, but in reality, they care deeply and work under difficult conditions with far too little appreciation. Teachers shape every mind in society, yet they remain underpaid, undervalued, and misunderstood by many. This class helped me recognize the emotional labor, creativity, and patience that go into teaching every day. Most importantly, I learned that teaching comes in many forms, but the most effective and meaningful form is rooted in love, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others grow.

In our learning environment, I felt comfortable, supported, and genuinely engaged. Being able to sit face-to-face or move our chairs to create more open discussions made a huge difference in how connected I felt to the class. Jorge Morejon created a space that felt safe, warm, and welcoming from the very beginning. He teaches with a style that makes students feel seen and valued, which is rare and incredibly impactful. Because of that, I felt more willing to participate, share my thoughts, and be fully present in the learning experience.

As someone who is pre-med, I will carry the lessons from this class into my future career in medicine. The compassion, patience, and communication skills I observed will guide how I interact with my future patients and colleagues. Just like teachers, doctors also act as educators, whether they are explaining diagnoses, guiding treatment plans, or helping patients navigate their health journeys. I hope to bring the same empathy and understanding into my medical practice that I saw modeled in this class. Additionally, if I ever teach future students or mentor others in the medical field, I will remember that the most powerful way to teach is by leading with respect, kindness, and genuine care.

 

13

 Everything under the sun

Rohan Paleyanda  

 

 

 

I really enjoyed this class. I learned a lot about the teaching profession as a whole and had a great time doing it. I think I became a better public speaker during this semester and although that isn't the main goal of the course, it was a positive side effect. During the student lessons section of the class, we learned about everything under the sun and saw which teaching styles really excelled and which could use some work, and it was actually really interesting to see every student teach the class. The TED talks were also extremely interesting, as it kind of opened my eyes a bit to some of the injustices in the education field as well. I also learned a lot about the arts as a whole, and now I truly understand why we need them in every school, as they are a necessary topic for children to experience. 

From the first day of class to the last, I always felt comfortable and happy in our learning environment. From the introduction game that taught me everyone's names at the start, all the way through our last student lessons, it was always a good experience. Professor Morejon always made sure to let us freely express ourselves and also seemed to actually enjoy teaching. He was always available and understanding, and took the time to help us when we didn't even ask because he cared and we all knew that. I didn't feel pressured to do certain things for a certain grade, but instead did all the work because I wanted to because the environment invited me to learn and let me decide how I want to do so rather than forced me to do one specific thing. 

I would apply what I learned by now understanding that I may not learn the same way as everyone around me and that is okay. I may try to tap into my creative side to figure out a problem that I might usually look at analytically in the future. Also, I am better at speaking in front of large groups now so that will help me in business because we have lots of presentations, but I will treat it like I am teaching someone instead of presenting. Also, if I ever were to teach a class, I know how to deal with different age groups and that not all kids will learn the same and the most important thing is showing your students you care. I will remember this class fondly for a very long time.

 

 14

 

Making education meaningful and relevant

Boris Momtchev

Throughout this course, one of my biggest take-aways was realizing how many different forms learning can take, especially through the arts. I learned that teaching is most effective when students are given opportunities to think creatively and express themselves in multiple ways. From sound-art to discussions about the flaws in the educational system, I gained a deeper understanding of how learning goes far beyond memorizing facts. I also took away the importance of making education meaningful and relevant to students’ lives rather than just preparing them for tests. Overall, this class showed me that creativity and self-expression are essential for real learning.

I felt very comfortable in our learning environment because it encouraged open discussion and made space for everyone’s ideas. The activities were interactive, which helped me stay interested and understand the material in a more hands-on way which I liked a lot. The class never felt intimidating which helped my learning with no pressure. I appreciated that Professor Morejon created a supportive atmosphere where participation felt natural. Overall, the environment made me feel motivated to learn and confident in sharing my thoughts.

In my field of marketing and business, the ideas from this class can be applied directly to creativity, and engagement. I learned how important it is to present information in ways that connect with people emotionally and visually, which is essential in marketing. The emphasis on creativity and understanding different learning styles can help me design better content for different types of audiences. I can also use concepts like visual symbolism and sound-art when creating presentations. Overall, this class strengthened my ability to communicate more effectively and think creatively in my future career.

 

15

 Turning challenges into opportunities

Xavier Lucas

 

One takeaway from this class is being adaptive. Being adaptive is super important because the world is always changing. Whether it's new tech coming out, different ways of doing things at work, or just life throwing curve-balls, being able to adjust and learn quickly helps you stay on top of things. It's not just about surviving, but actually making the most of new situations and turning challenges into opportunities. Also adapting to different people and how they are wired.

I felt very free in class. It was a great safe space to be in and express yourself while staying on task with work. It wasn’t your traditional non talking and heavy workload type of class. The professor found ways to make it more enjoyable and actually wants to come to his class. You were able to grow as a person.

I would apply what I learned to my field of studies by listening to others and getting their opinions of how they see and think of certain things in the world. Not trying to force other people to believe my thoughts and opinions if they disagree, but try to reach a mutual agreement and make the world a better place.

 

 

16

 Multiple educational approaches

Jacob Dorn

The lessons I learned from this class showed that creative learning approaches help students understand educational content at advanced levels. Learning strategies which include movement and sound and visual elements and storytelling help students to participate beyond basic listening and memorization activities. The research established that creativity extends past artistic domains because it enables students to discover knowledge through multiple educational approaches which improve their comprehension of multiple subjects.

I felt while learning this class content maintained my concentration because they required me to work throughout each lesson. learning methods helped students learn better while decreasing their stress and making learning more enjoyable. The creative method made me feel more assured while I worked with difficult content because it removed my concern about making errors during the learning process.

One of my dreams is to coach after I am done playing baseball. So I feel like I would be able to apply some of lessons we learned to coaching younger kids. Many kids hate the game of baseball because of bad coaches that make them afraid of failing. But during this class I learned to set up an environment to not be afraid of failing.