La Profesora Arjona

With over 25 years of teaching experience spanning both higher education and K-12 levels, I have cultivated a versatile approach to instruction. While my primary focus has been on teaching college courses, I've leveraged my extensive background in teaching various grade levels to create a dynamic and playful learning environment that resonates with my college students. By infusing elements of creativity and engagement honed from teaching K-12, such as gamification and experiential learning, I've received consistent praise from students for fostering an enjoyable yet intellectually stimulating atmosphere. My commitment to student success, coupled with a collaborative mindset, ensures that I remain dedicated to enhancing teaching practices and promoting lifelong learning within the academic community.

My teaching style is characterized by an innovative blend of live music and board games, with a particular emphasis on Lotería, a game I've extensively researched and authored a book about its history. Incorporating live music adds a dynamic element to the classroom atmosphere, fostering a sense of creativity and engagement among students. Lotería, with its rich cultural heritage and pedagogical possibilities, serves as a cornerstone of my teaching approach. By integrating this traditional game into my lessons, I not only educate students about its historical significance but also leverage its interactive nature to enhance learning outcomes. Through strategic use of Lotería and other board games, I encourage active participation, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving skills, enriching the educational experience for my students.

2015 The Gracies Winners for Local, Public and Student Radio and Television. For public Spanish radio program “En pocas palabras” (KPFK 90.1 FM); USC Parent Outstanding Teaching Award and Mentoring Nomination (USC, October 2010); USC Outstanding Professor Recognition (USC Pi Beta Phi, October 2007); Certificate of Teaching Appreciation (USC Chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta, October 2006); National Endowments for the Arts Literature Translation Fellowship (2003); Dirección General del Libro y Bibliotecas of the Ministerio de Cultura of Spain (1997); Casa de América Award (Madrid, 1997); Florence Bonhard Award (California State University, 1992)

Ph.D. University of Southern California Spanish May 2002 Spanish M.A. University of Southern California Spanish May 1997 Spanish B.A. California State University, Los Angeles December 1992 Spanish

Born in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Mexico City with extended stays in Yucatan, Chiapas, and Chihuahua, I've had the privilege of growing up in diverse cultural environments. This upbringing ignited my profound interest in diversity and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the richness and complexity of different traditions and cultures within Mexico. Both of my parents were educators, nurturing my lifelong devotion to teaching from an early age. I've always felt most at home in front of a classroom, where I can share my passion for learning and foster meaningful connections with students. Drawing from my cultural background and experiences, I've dedicated myself to exploring Mexican history, literature, and cultural traditions, enriching my teaching with insights gained from my research. Music holds a special place in my heart, serving as another avenue for expressing my cultural heritage and engaging with students. I've incorporated live music into my teaching, creating multidisciplinary presentations on various aspects of Mexican culture. Whether discussing literature, history, or cultural traditions, music becomes an integral part of the learning experience, enhancing understanding and appreciation. My commitment to interdisciplinary approaches reflects my belief in the power of the arts to deepen engagement and promote holistic learning. Through my diverse background, passion for education, and love for music and the visual arts, I strive to create immersive and transformative learning environments that inspire students to embrace diversity and explore the richness of human experience.