Category Archives: Uncategorized

This summer I’ve put a great deal of time into developing my first online course, which is part of the UMW Online Learning Initiative.  The Initiative is among the most extraordinary faculty development opportunities I’ve participated in.  The last step … Continue reading →

I should be spending this time “getting ready for classes to start” next week, but perhaps this can be considered an investment of my time. It is almost time for my Spring seminar—that’s the course where I try out most … Continue reading →

We claim to value teaching excellence at UMW, but what does teaching excellence look like?  This was the topic of a lunch discussion sponsored last week by the UMW Teaching Center.  John St. Clair observed, “Teaching excellence, like beauty, is … Continue reading →

I just finished reading a phenomenal book, Mindset by Carol S. Dweck.  This book is a must-read for anyone who teaches at any level, or anyone who parents for that matter. Dweck argues that traditionally, people view one’s ability, whether … Continue reading →

Last month, Josh Kim commented on a post of mine about the importance of course design and got me thinking.  I started to write a response but then got distracted.   The comment deserves a response so here goes.  Josh wrote: … Continue reading →

I’m trying to get my head around the notion of technology-focused versus non-technology-focused teaching.  I’m not sure this is a useful distinction.  I have heard faculty say, “Oh, I don’t teach with technology!”  Or, “You’re too focused on teaching with … Continue reading →

While this message may come across as self-serving, I’m posting this because I think it may help some colleagues at other schools. This past spring I heard from a number of users of my book Doing Economics that the current … Continue reading →

I’ve found myself haunted by something Martha said to me not long ago.  It was one of those things that when I first heard it, I thought “Yes, that’s a nice idea.” But then the idea wouldn’t let go as … Continue reading →

The knock against adjuncts has always been that they are with the school but not of it—they teach their classes and meet their office hours, but they lack a broader commitment to the institution.  Having too many adjuncts is bad … Continue reading →