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Tuesday, February 03, 2004
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TEACHING TODAY
From the University of Buffalo Center for Teaching and Learning Resources: The "Phil Donahue" Approach to Large Lecture Halls Professor Gerald M. Goldhaber, School of Informatics School of Informatics professor, Gerald M. Goldhaber, draws on a variety of techniques in approaching his lessons. Today, he talks to us of a particularly unique approach he utilizes with large lectures. Asked about his technique, Dr. Goldhaber expressed: “My lecture technique is modeled after the former talk-show host, Phil Donahue, who wandered around the audience placing the microphone in front of audience members so they could respond to guests or each other's comments. I lecture from the middle of the classroom (Knox 20) and then wander up and down the aisles and throughout the rows of seats, pausing a few minutes in each location so as to not make the students "dizzy". I rarely use notes (they distract from maintaining constant eye contact with students--important for good communication). I take a seating chart with me; required attendance with assigned seats enables me to learn their names. I frequently call on students by name to ask them a question or elicit a response to a comment of mine. Then, I will dash to another part of the room and, using the wireless mike, ask another student to react (as Phil D. did) to the comments or answer that the prior student just gave. This keeps the students on their toes and alert, since they don't know who will be called on next. They are told in advance verbally and on the syllabus to read certain chapters, articles, etc. for each day's lecture. I supplement what I do via lecture with power point, films, exercises, etc. I also give out prizes for participation in exercises, top test scores, etc. as a motivation. Students love this. All in all, the whole point is to AVOID AT ALL COSTS STANDING IN FRONT OF THE ROOM AND READING NOTES OR SLIDES OR JUST TALKING FROM A DISTANCE TO STUDENTS WHO ARE OFTEN BORED, SLEEPING OR HIDING… The technique has proven effective in engaging students and maximizing active participation." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Curious about what the prizes are? BUFFALO NEWS Pollster, professor Goldhaber pleads guilty to drug charges in Caymans By GENE WARNER News Staff Reporter 2/3/2004 Gerald M. Goldhaber, a top local political pollster and a University at Buffalo communication professor, has pleaded guilty to marijuana and Ecstasy possession charges in the Cayman Islands, authorities confirmed Monday. Goldhaber, 60, of Meyer Road, Amherst, spent two nights in jail after being arrested Jan. 8, along with two 23-year-old UB students. The Caymanian Compass reported that Goldhaber pleaded guilty Jan. 15 to possession of 9.8 grams of marijuana, possession of 4.35 grams of Ecstasy and consumption of marijuana. He pleaded not guilty to possession of a small amount of cocaine. Goldhaber was fined a total of $2,500 on the three guilty pleas, the newspaper reported. "His fall from grace will be greater than any penalty we can impose here," his defense attorney, Lloyd Samson, told the Cayman court, according to the Caymanian Compass. The two students, identified as Jose Antonio Sierra and Bernardo N. Tagliareni, both pleaded guilty to consuming marijuana and were fined lesser amounts than Goldhaber, according to the newspaper. A UB spokesman declined to comment on Goldhaber's status Monday, calling it a personnel matter. Goldhaber serves as director of graduate studies in UB's Communication Department. The spokesman did confirm that the two students are UB communication students; one reportedly is a graduate student, the other an undergraduate senior. The spokesman also wouldn't comment on the two students, citing possible disciplinary action against them. A UB policy on drug and alcohol use by employees and students refers only to on-campus activities. It's not clear what sanctions, if any, would apply to off-campus activities. Goldhaber could not be reached to comment. Prosecutors told the court that Drugs Task Force officers noted a strong odor of marijuana outside Goldhaber's Cayman Islands condo early on the afternoon of Jan. 8. The marijuana, Ecstasy, some pills and some "crystal meth" were confiscated, but the prosecutor said the crystal methamphetamine did not meet the criteria for drug charges. Goldhaber is best known in Western New York as president of Goldhaber Research Associates, which conducts public-opinion polls and market surveys on political races and other public issues. He also has carved out a reputation as a political commentator whose observations on top issues are quoted frequently in the media. Goldhaber, reportedly a frequent visitor to the Cayman Islands, owns the condo where he was arrested. The Cayman Islands are in the Caribbean, south of Cuba and near Jamaica. |