Professor Tatiana Rodriguez creates lively learning environments in her Public Speaking, Social Media, and Leadership courses, regardless of whether they’re held in person or online. Her teaching philosophy centers around equipping students with practical skills they can utilize long after graduation. As Rodriguez explains, “At the heart of my teaching is the belief that students learn best when they feel engaged, supported, and part of a community.” She strives to cultivate a classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to participate, even those who may initially be hesitant.
Active learning is at the forefront of Rodriguez’s teaching. Students in her Public Speaking course get to hone their skills through real-world applications like podcasts and live shows in addition to more traditional speaking styles like speeches. Her Social Media curriculum goes beyond textbook learning and allows students to create content, collaborate with their peers, and apply their knowledge in simulated real-world scenarios. In her Leadership courses, students participate in hands-on service projects and get to make a lot of tangible difference in their community. Across all of her courses, Rodriguez integrates lessons on skills such as emotional intelligence, self-care, interpersonal communication, and teamwork. Rodriguez’s students leave her courses with tools they can use for their professional development. They refine their LinkedIn profiles, make branded content, and create mini social media campaigns. They also develop and practice presentation skills across various formats. During group projects, students gain valuable experiences, and skill sets in project management, teamwork, and audience engagement.
Beyond technical proficiency, Rodriguez encourages self-awareness and personal growth. She guides her students in exploring their individual communication styles, motivations, and leadership strengths. “They learn about harmony in the workplace, but also how to handle difficult conversations when conflict arises. I believe this helps them develop confidence not just in their skills, but in themselves,” she says.
Rodriguez’s classes are filled with memorable projects and activities. The Live Online Talk Show Project is a prime example where students team up to plan, produce, andhost live-streamed discussions on a variety of topics. “Some are serious, some are humorous, and some are both.” Rodriguez explains. The Persuasive Speech assignment is another impactful experience that empowers students to speak passionately about issues they care about. “Many have told me that this assignment was a turning point in their confidence,” Rodriguez shares.
Rodriguez also integrates fun and engaging activities into her courses, such as end-of-semester celebrations, meme challenges, and game-based reviews. “I host various fun activities that make the course memorable,” she says. “These activities always include laughter and many heartfelt transformative moments.” She also uses technology to enhance the learning experience by teaching her students how to use virtual cameras and other digital tools to strengthen their online presence and maintain audience engagement. To engage her students in learning in multiple different ways, Rodriguez balances active participation exercises with individual activities and quieter tasks, ensuring inclusivity for introverted learners. “Throughout the semester, I also encourage low-stakes practice with improv exercises and audience participation games, but I also include several solo activities and quieter tasks to not overwhelm my introverted students,” she notes.
Creating a strong sense of community and belonging is important for Rodriguez. “I intentionally design activities that encourage students to develop relationships with each other, network, and build trust so that learning becomes a collaborative and supportive experience,” she emphasizes. “Watching them encourage their peers, celebrate each other’s successes, and step into their own strengths is the most rewarding part of teaching,” Rodriguez reflects.
Want to see these engaging classroom experiences in action and learn more about resources designed to help you thrive in your classroom? Check out Tatiana’s YouTube channel at TatianaTeachesLive. You can also explore her Student Interview Series playlist. She regularly shares content designed to help educators create dynamic, engaging, and memorable learning experiences, whether in person or online.