The Unconventional Teaching Style of Richard and Finch: Encouraging Critical Thinking in a Changing World

Richard has had many highlights during his tenure at Trinity University, including being the Master of Ceremonies for the 25-year Foundation Studies anniversary celebration, serving as an ambassador for the Julliard Winter Jazz School (now known as the New York Jazz School), and winning the student-staff soccer competition with the staff team, Old Man United. However, it's not his impressive achievements that set him apart from other educators; rather, it's his unconventional teaching style.

One of Richard's strategies is to occasionally make a comment that is blatantly wrong in class, prompting students to question their assumptions and think critically. In an era where misinformation can spread quickly through social media, Richard encourages his students, alumni, and the wider community to remain critical thinkers, evaluating information for themselves rather than accepting it at face value.

Despite not originally intending to pursue a career in academia, Richard found himself drawn to teaching after working as a tutor at the University of Melbourne. He joined Trinity's Philosophy department, where he has remained for over two decades, developing students' critical thinking skills through his lectures on History of Ideas.

Richard's journey to becoming a full-time educator was unexpected, but he couldn't be happier with the choice he made. 'I applied and took the job without knowing a whole lot about it,' he says. 'Within a year, it took over my life so to speak.' Initially, Richard started as a tutor in two classes before quickly being taken on full-time.

While many might assume that Richard has always been passionate about teaching History of Ideas at Trinity, his career path was not always straightforward. Before becoming an educator, Richard worked as an investment marketer, writing reports for clients on their investment performances. However, he soon realized that this life was not for him and made the decision to pursue a career in academia.

In conclusion, Richard's unconventional teaching style has had a lasting impact on his students and the wider community at Trinity University. By encouraging critical thinking and challenging assumptions, he is helping to shape the next generation of thinkers and leaders. As he says, 'What's the point of doing something just to make money? I'd prefer to do something I enjoyed.

Richard and finch