Matthew J. O'Neil-MA Applied Soc

Ph.D. (2008 exp)  University of Hawaii Manoa-

                             Department of Sociology

2006                     NorthEast Asian Economics Fellow

                             East West Center, Honolulu, HI

M.A.                     University of Massachusetts Boston

                             Applied Masters in Sociology

B.A.                      University of Massachusetts Amherst

                        Sociology/Psychology 

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

     My educational philosophy is very simple: knowledge finds us when we look for it. As an educator, I believe that we shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds whatever the student wants.

Building critical thinking capacity and engaging students from all levels, nationalities and creeds is typical of what all of my classes are about. The Socratic method is my primary pedagogy but I'll not hesitate to solicit student feedback directly. Sociology is about building bridges and the first is between the teacher and the student.