Experience Summary
After receiving the Ph.D. from Notre Dame in 1985, I taught at Saint Mary’s College, Purdue University North Central, and Notre Dame, and currently am teaching selected courses – just one each term – for Trine University. I have taught a variety of courses in Sociology, Criminology, Deviant Behavior, Social Psychology, Philosophy, the History of Human Thought, Writing, and American Popular Culture. In addition to my teaching experience, I have co-authored a book, a chapter of a book, several papers, and three e-books. I am well aware of issues in time management, maintaining focus, developing excellence in writing, critical thinking, and problem solving.
Teaching Style
I usually employ a Socratic style of interaction, seldom answering students’ questions, but rather guiding them to the answer, or at least an answer, through strategic questions designed to clarify their thinking processes and work toward a solution to the problem at hand. Frequently, I might not know the specific answer to a question, and in such instances, the student and I will engage in an academic scavenger hunt to find it. This practice contains much value, as the student will learn the techniques and strategies by which to effectively ferret out material that may otherwise go unnoticed. I am less a teacher than I am a facilitator of learning, and I strive to create an environment in which learning is both successful and enjoyable.