Afsaneh Moharer teaches interview methodology and professional courses in the Psychology Programme. She finds being a teacher meaningful and stimulating.
Afsaneh Moharer teaches interview methodology and professional courses in the Psychology Programme.
ImageAfsaneh MoharerAfsaneh Moharer became a teacher by chance. A licensed psychologist and the clinical coordinator for the Psychotherapy Training Clinic at Umeå University, her position also includes teaching duties.
"I started teaching by chance. I'm very thankful for that," says Afsaneh.
Afsaneh mainly teaches courses like interview methodology, and professional courses such as clinical assessment and self-awareness, in the Psychology Programme.
"The constant flow of creativity, knowledge, and experience. But I also appreciate encountering students, colleagues and others who ensure that I develop and who challenge me," says Afsaneh.
Afsaneh describes teaching as meaningful, fun, demanding and stimulating. She feels that the diverse mix of students on campus creates an exciting and dynamic environment.
"It's easy to find your place at the University. Things are happening, and there is plenty of energy, but you can also find peace and quiet. It's a pleasant place to work," says Afsaneh.
As a teacher, Afsaneh prefers an interactive form of instruction where, together with her students, she engages with the learning process through discussion. According to Afsaneh, bringing emotions into the classroom, and being emotionally impacted while learning, leads to better learning outcomes.
"My role is to create engagement with and spark interest for my subject, and to stimulate students' own search for knowledge, so they want to read and learn more," says Afsaneh.
"Act first, think later! Starting university can be an enormous, and perhaps daunting, step for many people. It is almost too large to contemplate. So I suggest doing the opposite. Start studying first, then think later.”