Saint Michael's College

Title: Instructor, Applied Linguistics

Education: B.A. University of Trier, Germany; M.A. University of Mainz, Germany; M.B.A. University of Vermont; M.Ed., University of Missouri

Areas of Expertise/Research Interests: Online learning and teaching; teacher training; teaching English as a second language; English for special purposes (business and academic); content-based and sheltered instruction

Testimonial: Ever since I came to Saint Michael's in 1986, I have looked forward to going to work every day.

What do you like most about teaching/working at Saint Michael's College? I love teaching at Saint Michael's College because my job allows me to work with the most diverse group of people I could have ever hoped to teach--American undergraduate students, international students from all over the world, as well as American and international graduate students working toward their M.A. in teaching English as a Second or Foreign language. The varying backgrounds and interests of students mesh well with my own varied background and interests in English as a Second/Foreign Language, business, teacher training, working with students on projects, and conducting research.

What do you find most rewarding about working with international students? The diversity of students and courses as well as the environment that I get to teach in. The international students bring a breath of fresh air to campus.

What is your favorite class to teach, and why? My favorite course is Foundations of Business Administration because it has not only eager first-years and sophomores in it but also quite a few international students. The fun begins when the American undergraduate and international students form a group, then start and run a business, and work on projects on and off campus. Together, they put business principles into action and in so doing, they create the foundation and bridge for international understanding and collaboration. This course is one of the most diverse on campus and for this reason a wonderful opportunity for students to interact and learn about other cultures.

Favorite quotes: "Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand." - Chinese proverb
"Online learning always works when the learner is motivated to learn." - Howard Schechter

Personal Web site