Congratulations to Mark Burgess (pictured, left) for earning the 2009 Joel A. Kobert Distinguished Teaching Award, which is "presented annually to outstanding [Centenary College] adjunct faculty members in recognition of their excellence in teaching."That accomplishment was recognized at the May Commencement ceremony (to the surprise of Mark, who, as I understand it, contentedly attended the ceremony thinking he was just a spectator). To me this is pleasing news, but certainly not surprising.
The official and unofficial feedback depicts Mark as a student favorite who knows how to animate his classes by tapping into real-world experience. That real world experience is not in short supply -- Mark is the Director of Marketing at Spectrotel, Inc. and responsible for all marketing and e-commerce activity.
Most importantly, perhaps, students frequently report that they are taking what they learn in his class…and using it. That's high praise in an adult business program.
To honor Mark's accomplishment, I decided to set aside some cyberspace so that he could share with us his teaching philosophy. In response to my request, Mark graciously provided the response below. Take it away, Mark...
Anthony asked me to write a few words about my teaching philosophy at Centenary. Here is what I focus on for each course.
1) Intense preparation based on the existing course materials.
2) Create new content that works with the existing course materials, e.g., relevant presentations, cases, real-life examples, etc. Basically, make the subject as current as possible.
3) Involve the students in the class discussions. Group activities are great, too. Go online. Use the Web in class. Teach them things they can apply immediately at work (today and tomorrow).
4)Ask students what their expectations are at the beginning of the first class.
5) Based on their feedback, brainstorm ways to exceed their expectations.
6) At the end of each course, ask the students if their expectations were met. Listen. Learn. Live the marketing concept. Get feedback and apply what you have learned.
My primary goal is to make each student understand and love the subject (Marketing) and to make learning an enjoyable experience. If you follow these suggestions, your students will look forward to coming to class (so will you). I believe that our students are counting on the instructor to raise the bar of excellence. Centenary students deserve the best we can deliver. Be enthusiastic. Enjoy what you do. Have fun. To quote an old Army campaign slogan, as an instructor, be the best you can be.
3 comments:
Congratulations to Mark! Having worked with Mark for several years, I know how hard he works with and for his students. Excellent model for all of us to follow!
Shelly Nice
Congratulations to Mark Burgess! I was fortunate to be a student in Mark’s marketing class a few years ago while enrolled in Centenary’s MBA program. True to Mark’s statements, he provides real-life and timely examples to explain the subject. I have used this technique in the class I am currently teaching. Mark has a passion for marketing and this is apparent to his students who in turn become excited about the subject. Congratulations again on a much deserved award!
Congratulations to Mark for the recognition. I look forward to meeting him at one of the upcoming networking events at Centenary College.
Please share with me the procedure for bring the web in the classroom. I do plan on having my students work on the web and do research so I need to know how it is being done.
Congratulations again and thanks for sharing some of your best practices. I am excited to be part of such a dynamic work environment.
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