Although I took advantage of an early retirement program in June 2017 to retire as Associate Dean of the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies at Drew University, I have continued to teach history and work with students at Drew, Hartwick College, and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Over the past 30 years, I have taught a wide variety of courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels for traditional and adult populations. These have included larger survey courses, smaller graduate...
Although I took advantage of an early retirement program in June 2017 to retire as Associate Dean of the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies at Drew University, I have continued to teach history and work with students at Drew, Hartwick College, and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Over the past 30 years, I have taught a wide variety of courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels for traditional and adult populations. These have included larger survey courses, smaller graduate seminars, classes for law enforcement, electives for nurses at a hospital, online and traditional in class offerings, and I must admit I’ve pretty much enjoyed teaching them all. Each of these courses has required working closely with students one on one, whether first year undergrads or advanced doctoral students.
I realize it sounds trite but my belief is that if you treat students with respect, accept them for where they are in relation to the material and their overall academic abilities, and do your best to help them advance their skills and knowledge, then chances are you are more likely to be successful than not. This style has worked well for me, and for many of the best faculty I have worked with over the years. My objective as a tutor is to help students understand history and its connection with current affairs while encouraging them to creatively interrogate the topic at hand. I accomplish my goals through techniques that use in-depth analysis to allow students to develop the critical thinking, reading, listening and writing skills that will help them succeed beyond any one class. My various teaching techniques aid diverse groups of students with different learning styles develop the skills that will aid them in any career path they choose. They also help students discover that learning is a lifelong process and historical revelations are a daily part of life--and that the study of history can actually be fun as well.
