One of the greatest joys I’ve discovered while teaching at Universiti Brunei Darussalam is the unique opportunity to merge my background in neuroscience with diverse subjects like youth studies, tourism, and marketing management. It’s a wonderful feeling to bring the science of the brain to life in fields that, at first glance, seem far removed from neuroscience. Yet, when you dive deeper, you realize how interconnected human behavior is across all these domains, making every class session an exciting intellectual adventure.
For example, when I co-teach in youth studies, marketing management, or tourism, I’m not just talking about neurons and synapses; I’m applying those concepts to real-world situations. How do young people’s brains work when they navigate complex social dynamics? What drives decision-making in tourism? How can an understanding of human behavior boost marketing strategies? These are just some of the exciting questions we explore together. And trust me, the insights we uncover in class are as enlightening for me as they are for my students. Teaching these subjects pushes me to expand my own knowledge, making it a dynamic and challenging process. I absolutely love the thrill of having to prepare, learn, and grow alongside my students.
Now, I must admit, I’m a bit old-fashioned in my teaching methods. In this era of digital everything, I like to keep things simple. My students often find me pulling out a trusty pen and paper to sketch out ideas, jot down key points, or engage in spontaneous discussions. There’s something about physically writing things down that sparks deeper conversations, and I find it helps everyone focus more on the material at hand. It’s not about avoiding technology, but about creating space for authentic engagement, and this approach seems to resonate with my students.
In the end, what makes teaching at UBD truly special for me is the opportunity to challenge myself while inspiring others. I’m constantly learning, evolving, and sharing that excitement with my students. Each class is a new adventure, and I can’t wait to see where the next one takes us!
