Educator
Educator
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As an educator, I design and instruct diverse communication courses with throughput themes of converging media, intercultural communication, social justice, and media literacy, among other topics. I employ various teaching formats and develop accessible course materials. I use tools to enhance learning experiences, including for students with hearing or visual impairments.
As an educator, I design and instruct diverse communication courses with throughput themes of converging media, intercultural communication, social justice, and media literacy, among other topics. I employ various teaching formats and develop accessible course materials. I use tools to enhance learning experiences, including for students with hearing or visual impairments.
My teaching philosophy (summarized): Learning should be fun and engaging. It should be student-centered, evidence-based, and impactful. I truly believe that education is at the heart of making the world a better place. The purpose of education should be to foster a sense of understanding, not just in the subject matter, but also in the ways in which each student fits within the larger community.
My teaching philosophy (summarized): Learning should be fun and engaging. It should be student-centered, evidence-based, and impactful. I truly believe that education is at the heart of making the world a better place. The purpose of education should be to foster a sense of understanding, not just in the subject matter, but also in the ways in which each student fits within the larger community.
Sample of Courses Taught
Sample of Courses Taught
Quantitative Research Methods for Communication Studies
Quantitative Research Methods for Communication Studies
Format: Online Asynchronous
This course introduces students to research methods in the field. Students learn through several forms of content delivery, including reading the text, looking at slides, listening to recorded lectures, and participating in one-on-one communication regarding their work. They demonstrated understanding and critical-thinking through finding and analyzing peer-reviewed studies related to topics of their choice.
Organizational Communication
Organizational Communication
Formats: Online Synchronous, Online Asynchronous
I created this course to give students an opportunity to explore topics within and between organizations and their communities, with attention to issues in local, global, and online interactions. A major component of the course involves exploring social justice topics of the students’ choosing and having them actually engage with organizations related to those topics through volunteer work. Students develop understanding, critical-thinking, and awareness through their work. They explore current and relevant topics such as gender and diversity, non-verbal communication, non-traditional careers, and more.
Introduction to Communication
Introduction to Communication
Formats: In-Person, Large-Lecture, Online Asynchronous, Writing-Intensive
The emphasis for this course is to provide an overview of communication in local, organizational, and global communities. This includes covering topics that could extend into public health courses, such as ethics, theory and research, policy, and intercultural communication, especially as they pertain to converging media. Students apply course concepts to current events, and express their arguments through writing. I provide interactive lessons focused on the course topics, and teach the students how to write in APA style. I also give them regular, detailed feedback to improve their writing.
Senior Thesis Project
Senior Thesis Project
Format: Online Synchronous and Asynchronous, Writing-Intensive
I designed this course as the final course for graduating seniors. Students learn about scientific research, including fundamentals as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis. Hands-on learning includes online lectures, videos, readings, and one-on-one instruction designed to assist students in developing individual research projects, conducting research, and writing a mini-thesis.
Information Technology and Health
Information Technology and Health
Format: Online Asynchronous
This course pertains to students in upper-level undergraduate majors in communication, public health, or related fields. Students in this course critically evaluate the ways in which information technologies have evolved in the field and may be incorporated in the future. We explore how information technology has been used in health promotion programs and health interventions for various populations. These include social and technical aspects as well as theory-driven explanations. Topics include: foundations in health communication and eHealth applications, interventions in health communication, and practical implications for information technology and health communication research.
Communication and Communities
Communication and Communities
Format: In-Person
This course relates to organizational communication and theory. The emphasis is to set the foundation for a communication major in the most demanded track within the major. Topics in this course that include material such as organizational decision-making, conflict management, social capital, and diversity.
Student Feedback*
Student Feedback*
“I enjoyed this class. The assignments were challenging and the instructor provided great feedback which allowed us to better our writing, specifically to address all questions within the assignments. She spent the time to give thorough comments, which were encouraging even when you were off the track. ”
"This educator's attitude is what students need and prefer, especially when students need clarifications! Also, with this experience, I feel like for the first time I am not wasting my tuition; I am really learning something! I would like to rate Dr. J beyond EXCELLENT as a professor."
“I really liked how clear and organized everything was in the course. I liked the diversity of assignments and I felt I learned a lot in this class.”
“10/10 Joanne was the most considerate and understanding professor I have ever had. At no point did I feel overwhelmed or scared to reach out to ask her questions. This course would have gone very differently if she wasn't the instructor. I feel very confident about the work I turned in and I have to give her the credit due to being so open and guiding us throughout the whole process. It was a good amount of work that never made me feel like I couldn't do it because of the ways she broke up the course. Anyone at UH who has the opportunity to take her course should in a heartbeat.”
“I enjoyed taking this class. This class to me was not just a class, it taught me a lot of skills that I will be able to take with me after I graduate. After taking this course, I am wanting to become a PR agent even more.”
"Dr. J has been the most supportive professor I have had so far in my university life. I deeply appreciate her willingness in supporting student learning!"
"I have learning difference...meaning I need multiple modes of access to materials. This course offered auditory, tactile, and visual modes, which really helped me understand the concepts. Professor was also available for zoom conference when needed. Great course!"
"Thanks to Dr. Loos, I now am able to apply the course terms to real life."
"I think Professor Loos was very helpful in providing directions on the work she assigns and she has been very accomodating throughout the course. She is also very quick to respond and is very attentive to her students' needs. Professor Loos just wants the best for her students!"
"Thank you for being a teacher who loves her job. It is clear you care about us understanding the concepts ... your passion and excitement kept me engaged, so thank you."
*The quotes on this page come from course evaluation data gathered by the University of Hawaii at Manoa, San Jose State University, and California State University East Bay.
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