Even as a child, Dr. Camila Cavalli loved exploring and sharing new ideas.
Dr. Camila Cavalli (she/her) is familiar face in the UBC Psychology community—she previously taught as a Sessional Instructor. Now, Dr. Cavalli joins us as a Lecturer!
Her passion for teaching started early. From “playing school” with her grandmother as a child to teaching her first university course, Dr. Cavalli has always been drawn to learning and sharing her learnings with others.
In a Q&A, Dr. Cavalli shares her approach to teaching, the value she places on collaborative learning, and what keeps her busy outside the classroom.
First of all, what attracted you to teaching?
Since I was very little I have been drawn to academic spaces and have always enjoyed learning about a wide range of topics and sharing what I learned with others. I fondly remember being around 7 or 8, spending the summer with my grandma and endlessly insisting we “play school” going over my class materials for the year. When I was not teaching my grandma, I would often hold school sessions with the most unlikely things, from dolls and stuffed animals to cards and even toy cars (which, to be fair, sometimes seemed more attentive than the average student on a Monday morning…).
That early love for teaching faded a bit into the background during my undergraduate years when I became more focused on research. However, when I was halfway through my PhD, I was offered the opportunity to teach a Behavioural Biology course at my university. It was both incredibly exciting and a little terrifying, since I had never even been a TA and had no formal training in teaching at that point. That experience reminded me how much I loved helping others engage with ideas, and I decided to pursue teaching more seriously and went on to complete the equivalent of a Master’s degree in Teaching to grow my skills as an instructor.
“I try to always remember what it feels like to be on the other side of the classroom. I aim to be approachable and adaptable, creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel comfortable engaging with me and each other.”
How would you describe your approach to teaching?
I try to always remember what it feels like to be on the other side of the classroom. I aim to be approachable and adaptable, creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel comfortable engaging with me and each other. I often turn to humour to achieve this, which I know can be a bit corny (I have been known to teach in costume if class falls on Halloween!). Beyond providing some personal amusement, I think that being a little ridiculous helps students loosen up and feel more comfortable participating without fear of sounding cringy or getting things wrong.
At the same time, I take the content and course goals seriously. I care deeply about creating a space that is both supportive and intellectually engaging. I believe that a bit of playfulness and whimsy can be built into any course, regardless of the level, but it takes planning to incorporate this meaningfully.
What can you learn from your students?
As instructors we should always remember there is so much to learn from our students and never discount the knowledge they already bring with them. As fellow humans, students come with their own experiences and ideas that enrich the learning process, no matter where they are in their academic path. Learning is a shared, interactive journey where both teachers and students contribute and grow.
“Learning is a shared, interactive journey where both teachers and students contribute and grow.”
What learning or studying advice do you have for your students?
My biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of the resources that are available to you. This includes university-level programs designed to support your academic journey, but also joining peer groups related to your interests, and engaging with the people in your courses. Reaching out to the instructors and TAs (come to office hours!) but also sharing ideas, study strategies and even frustrations with peers. Remember that learning is better when it is a social interactive experience.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am pretty active and can often be found taking long walks with my dog Kira while listening to audiobooks. I also enjoy hiking and weightlifting. However, all that activity is balanced out by my other passion, which is baking sweet treats.
Join us in welcoming Dr. Cavalli!
