"What is gray matter", you ask? Anatomically speaking, it is part of the central nervous system and is comprised of tightly-packed neuron cell bodies. It is here in the gray matter where processing occurs-this processing is responsible for muscle control and sensory perceptions. More specifically, the gray matter enables us to hear, to emote, to speak, and to have memory.
At the same time, the theme of gray matter can be explained through William Perry's Theory of Intellectual and Ethical Development. As someone who leads students, my teaching philosophy is constructivist in nature, centered on the student as a learner; in this, my role is to guide this student to a higher level of understanding of herself, her world, and the concept of 'knowledge'. More specifically, it is my role to aid this student to move away from a dualistic mode of thinking, with the teacher being the expert and the existence of right/wrong answers, to a place of relativism and constructed knowledge; in this place, she feels empowered to challenge right/wrong knowledge by reflecting on her experiences in this world.
And finally, as a learner myself, the more I learn, the less I know. And this excites me! As a student affairs professional and academic, it is my responsibility to keep apprised of the literature and research in relevant areas. By seeking out, and challenging knowledge, I can best work with students.
I chose Gray Matter as my theme as it relates in multiple ways to knowledge and learning. Clearly, the purpose of this graduation porfolio is to show you what I've learned in these last two years. I have been intentional to make this website user friendly for you, the reader. Use the toolbar on the left side to access my two areas of specialization, all nine competencies, my two assistantship experiences, and three practica opportunities.
Also, for those of you viewing this site from the United States, I have created a Glossary of Canadian terms to help you better understand some of this website's content. When you come across a foreign term (I've denoted these with a little Canadian flag- 
), click on the term to link to this glossary.
Feel free to send me your feedback at erin.biddlecombe@oregonstate.edu. Thanks for visiting!
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