APRIL/MAY 2001
ULTIMATE TEACHER, HONORED FOR ENTHUSIASM, ENERGY AND FOCUSED TEACHING
For 25 years, Bob Reiser has worked to improve every class, every semester. His students notice it - one calls him the "ultimate teacher" - and as a result he is the latest winner of the University Distinguished Teacher Award at FSU.
"I'm an enthusiastic person and it carries over to my classes," Reiser, 53, pronounced. "I enjoy teaching and I think the students see that."
A professor in the department of educational research, Reiser
teaches graduate level courses in instructional design.
"We work on designing instructional programs for business
and industry to help improve performance of employees in an organization,"
Reiser said.
Some methods Reiser uses seem simple, but are effective. He
takes notes after a class he thinks went well, or not, and files
them. He reviews each folder before a new semester.
He learns all his students' names in the first class, because
he believes that makes them more involved. He also positions
the desks in a semi-circle so class discussion is easier.
"Feedback from the students is very important," Reiser said. "If everyone in the class feels involved and knows they have to speak usually every class, they get motivated to keep up with the materials and pay attention."
Each year the University Distinguished Teacher Award is given to one FSU faculty member who has a record of excellent teaching throughout his or her career.
"Dr. Reiser is the 'ultimate teacher' who devotes countless hours to planning and delivering the absolute best instruction possible for the desired learning outcomes," said former student Scott Hampton. "I can truly attest to the amount of time, energy and concern he puts into every single class."
Students nominate the candidates for the award. Then administrators randomly select 30 of the nominee's former students whose grades represent the range the professor has awarded and ask them to evaluate him.
"I really make an effort to keep things interesting in
class." Reiser said. "I like to have my teaching be
well designed, and I hope it pays off."
- Bayard Stern
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