Michael deBraga

Dr. deBraga’s training and experience present an eclectic background as exemplified by a Ph.D. in Paleontology, an M.Sc. in Evolutionary Biology from McGill University and a B.Ed. from OISE. His OISE training led to a 13-year stint as a teacher in the Toronto District School Board where he honed his interests in examining teaching and learning practices. Of particular interest is the delivery and evaluation of mathematics and science curricula. In addition, Michael deBraga has lectured in the Biology department at the University of Toronto at Mississauga (UTM) and has served as a consultant for Apple Canada in their education division. He has been involved with transition programs at UTM including Head Start and Orientation Week.

At present, Michael deBraga is the RGASC’s Experiential Learning Faculty Liaison where he collaborates with the Experiential Education Unit to support faculty in the development of EL courses, assignments, and assessments. A Particular focus of Michael’s work with EL instructors revolves around the use of Reflective Practice, He delivers in-class workshops on its use and currently collaborates with faculty in a number of departments, including: Biology, CPS, Economics, Management, Sociology & Visual Arts.

Research goals for Michael deBraga involve an investigation of the factors that impact on the development of critical thinking skills in university students and the development of strategies that might mitigate these factors. Michael deBraga has also delivered conference presentations focusing on pedagogical practices associated with the measurement of critical thinking skills and how these skills can be best assessed.