2012 Teaching Initiative Award Winner
Jennifer Banning, Ph.D.
- Ph.D. in Human Ecology from Louisiana State University (2005)
- Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences
Teaching philosophy
Teaching so that each student is ready to transition to her/his career after graduation motivates me to continually reflect on and improve my teaching practices.
Three most valuable approaches that I bring to my teaching practice
Course content and activities must be relevant to the career path for which students are preparing and the rigor must challenge students to meet and exceed the expectations of that profession. Continual reflection on my teaching helps ensure that effective practices are maintained while those that fail are not repeated.
Best compliment from a student
When they say that I have very high expectations but acknowledge that I do whatever it takes to help them achieve to those levels.
Teaching technique to recommend
Enhance student learning through Team-Based Learning. With this strategy, semester-long cooperative learning teams provide students opportunities to develop leadership skills and learn from one another while getting involved in real-world activities that represent problems encountered by professionals in their field.
Most rewarding aspects of teaching
Helping students achieve their goals. Each student has a career goal they are working toward, but life circumstances and events often challenge them to stay focused and persevere. Providing the appropriate types of course activities and information, encouragement through struggles, and celebration of success helps students finish strong in their degree program and move into the career they have been preparing for.
