Seda Chavdarian
Lecturer, French

Seda Chavdarian, who holds both a B.A. and a Ph.D. from Berkeley, has taught in the French Department since 1988. In addition to teaching undergraduate French courses, and coordinating the introductory French classes for graduate students (French 1G and 2G), she teaches the "pilot" class for French 1 and 2, required of all novice instructors, during which they learn the best practices of teaching French. Praise for her teaching comes from all quarters and is unequivocal. A graduate student writes of "her remarkable capacity to communicate and motivate students of all ages, interests, and levels. I have simply never encountered an instructor with a deeper love for the material, a more unflagging enthusiasm for teaching, or a more sincere interest in her students." David Hult, Chair of French, says, "Reading through Dr. Chavdarian's teaching evaluations is a humbling experience, so uniformly enthusiastic, indeed rapturous, are the students' comments."

Statement Of Teaching Philosophy

I do not have a teaching philosophy set in stone that I carry to every classroom. Indeed, one can walk in with the most well-researched, well-thought-out plan, and with the best of intentions, only to discover that it may not be suitable for that particular class. My teaching philosophy is much more pragmatic than theoretical. It evolves and changes constantly with every class. Yet some guiding principles that serve as the foundation of my teaching approach have come about as a result of three major influences in my life: my parents, my professors, and my students.

I am a third-generation teacher and attribute some of my love of teaching to my genes. Both my parents and grandparents were educators. My parents' example instilled an awe and respect for the profession. I realized that, next to parenting, teaching is the most compelling and the most noble of professions.

I also learned much from my own teachers. Throughout my school years, I realized that the teachers who influenced me most were by far the "hard and demanding" yet "compassionate" ones that challenged me to go beyond what was required of the curriculum. During my years as a graduate student and a teaching assistant at Berkeley, I was greatly influenced by my mentor, Professor Gerard Jian (a past recipient of this award). Attending his class and watching him come in day in and day out with an unwavering enthusiasm and energy was a great inspiration for me.

Four principles define my teaching: Caring--I never forget that my classroom is a community made up of individuals with different learning styles and personalities. Patience--this is the cornerstone of any dedicated teacher. Respect--every single student deserves to be treated with respect, whatever their learning style or their shortcomings. Energy and enthusiasm--I show my students that I love teaching and that there isn’t anywhere else that I’d rather be.

A good teacher is an avid listener and a good learner, and someone who instills a life-long love of learning. I never see myself as an individual who is in the classroom only to impart knowledge to my students. I see myself as a guide who helps the students appreciate and understand the material in their own way. I also see myself as a student, a good learner.

A long time ago, I was telling my neighbor that the worst day of my professional life would be when I would have to retire, because I love teaching so much and it is such an important part of my life. He laughed at me. "You don't have to worry about that, Seda. You will die of enthusiasm long before that!" I hope he is right.