Seminar in College Teaching Testimonials

What participants are saying about the Seminar in College Teaching:

“The Seminar in College Teaching was invaluable to me. I have been in the education field as a technology professional for most of my career, but it was rare that I had the opportunity to reflect on my educational philosophy and methodology.  This course gave me multiple opportunities to experiment with ideas in a supportive environment with all the tools I needed for success.  The faculty members were exceptional in modeling a well-run and well-designed class.  The faculty as well as the readings, my fellow students and the technical tools all contributed to a positive learning experience.  I recommend this course highly and without reservation.”

• Marie Beardwood, Assistant Professor and Management Information Systems Program Chair, Nichols College

“The Seminar in College Teaching was a practical way for me to improve my teaching by reconsidering the way I deliver my courses.  This will benefit my students in numerous ways.  It has me thinking about my course objectives, assignments and syllabi with a new, enlightened focus.  I feel more organized and more prepared when I walk into the classroom each day.  I recommend this class to any faculty member wishing to stop and think about why we do the things we do.” 

• Beth Anish, Adjunct Faculty Member, English, Assumption College and Quinsigamond Community College

"The Seminar course far surpassed my expectations by not only providing me the tools to be an effective teacher but the confidence to embark on a career in college teaching. The Seminar course presented a menu of pedagogical methodologies, templates and current references to help customize courses and maximize student learning. It has also enabled me to reflect on and build off my own learning and teaching styles thereby strengthening my ability to connect with a broader spectrum of diverse students."  

• Lori Pelletier, Ph.D. Student in Manufacturing Engineering, WPI

“Prior to enrolling in the Seminar, I had little ‘real’ teaching experience, and what surprised me most was that we were never told ‘this is the way to teach.’  Instead we were pushed to analyze and articulate our own styles and views on teaching.  I was able to create a more structured understanding of my teaching philosophy and construct a repertoire of tools to make my teaching more effective.  Best of all, I'm excited about my next teaching opportunities and look forward to learning more through the rest of the certificate program.”

• Jake Collins, PhD Student, Immunology and Virology, University of Massachusetts Medical School

“As a graduate student and inexperienced teacher, the Seminar in College Teaching course was a wonderful opportunity for me to develop teaching skills and learn more about teaching methodologies and philosophies.  This online course was to every extent interactive and full of real-world applications culminating in the preparation of a teaching portfolio consisting of instructional materials for an introductory course in my discipline.  I strongly believe this course made me a better and more effective teacher!”

• Allison Shwachman, PhD Student, English, Clark University

“I was so fortunate to have taught for a year before taking this course because with that little bit of experience, I was able to realize and appreciate the benefit of this class.  The assignments were so well planned out that it wasn't overwhelming at all, and after eight weeks’ time, I have the beginnings of a teaching portfolio that will follow me though my teaching career.  The components of the portfolio forced me to think about myself as a teacher, and effectively represent my teaching philosophy to others.  The Seminar professors have a strong passion for teaching, which was truly an asset to the course.  Their constructive feedback throughout the semester was not only derived from subject knowledge but also years of college teaching experience.  I strongly recommend this course to anyone who desires to teach at the college level.”

• Kassie Rubico, Adjunct Faculty Member, Writing, Daniel Webster College

“The Seminar in College Teaching was really important for me. The course provides an excellent foundation for graduate students who want to pursue college teaching as a profession. Thanks for providing such a wonderful class.”

• Neeti Neeti, PhD Student, Geography, Clark University

“I was in Honduras when I was enrolled in Online Seminar in College Teaching.  How convenient to be anywhere in the world and choose my own hours to work on the course and continue my research.  Various course readings and assignments helped me understand the importance of organizing courses for students with diverse backgrounds and learning styles.”

• Belkis Cerrato Caceres, PhD student, Economics, Clark University

“The Seminar in College Teaching was a catalyst to my self-development as a teacher and really challenged me to think about my values around teaching. I highly recommend this course to everyone who plans to teach as a part of their career.”

• Kristine Marbell, PhD student, Clinical Psychology, Clark University

“I am so glad that I took the Seminar in College Teaching as I came to question some common methods of teaching in my discipline which seem to be based more on tradition than effective pedagogy.  I became more self-aware of my teaching style and have begun to shift my focus from presenting students with information to facilitating student learning.  After taking this course, I organize my course in a way that engages students and promotes student learning.”

• Marilyn Squier, Graduate Student, English, Clark University