Briana Kunstman giving a brief oral presentation on her project “To Know Thyself”: A Qualitative Exploration Of Motivating Factors For Dominants That Participate In Or Hold BDSM And Kink Identities.
Briana Kunstman holding up a presenter name tag at the 2024 Annual Conference Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS).
My Teaching Philosophy
As an instructor, I hold several core values that guide my teaching philosophy and daily interactions with students. The most important among these are accessible pedagogy, empathy, cultural competency, and relatability. I believe that education should be inclusive and approachable for all learners, regardless of their background, prior knowledge, or learning style. I strive to create learning environments that are flexible, supportive, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of my students. Empathy is at the heart of my approach; I aim to understand my students not just as learners, but as individuals with unique experiences and challenges. This empathy informs my teaching practices and helps me foster a classroom culture built on mutual respect and trust. I want my students to feel safe and comfortable as themselves in the classroom. Cultural competency is also essential to my work. I recognize the importance of acknowledging and valuing the cultural identities of my students, and I actively seek to incorporate diverse perspectives into the curriculum. This helps to create a more inclusive learning experience for everyone. Finally, relatability is a key part of how I connect with students. I always work to bridge the gap between instructor and student by being approachable, authentic, and willing to share my own learning journey. By doing so, I hope to inspire students and create a space where they feel empowered to engage and ask questions.