Dear Students,

My hope is to create a learning lab at Mercy College. My approach to practice-teaching, research and community projects-is to create them as learning labs. I view learning labs as learning spaces where those of you who are interested in hands-on-learning of the various aspects of our field can have an experience as you participate/apprentice with me in the various projects. For a sample of learning check out the Art as Research project by scrolling to the bottom of the page.

How to create Learning: Learning in these labs are bi-directional. We all (me included) are all learning with each other by creating a learning community. We explore how to create learning spaces even as we attend to the projects at hand. Though I may have ideas of what I want done, I do not assume I know how you learn and prefer to work and play. So we create these learning labs together where we share our expectations of working and playing (improvising) together and visit them in an ongoing process.

Where can I learn about the projects? I am working on various projects depending on the semester. So please browse through my site and see what catches your attention. And/or feel free to contact me to learn more about what are the current projects and explore if there is a fit.

How else do you benefit? Besides the major gain of hands-on-learning, you gain to learn more about the profession while you get mentored and professionally socialized. You can add this to your resume and prepare for the real world experience of work and doctoral programs. Depending on the project you might be expanding your professional network while you explore your area of interests. And don't forget the good feeling of contributing to the field! I will also acknowledge you on this site, in my public presentations and papers as per your contributions. And yes you can use me as your reference based on the quality of your contributions.

I look forward to hearing from you! Feel free to contact me at sbava@mercy.edu

Wishing you the best in your learning!

Saliha