2013 Teaching Initiative Award Winner

Matt Himley, Ph.D.

• Ph.D. in Geography from Syracuse University (2010)
• Assistant Professor of Geography, Department of Geography/Geology

Teaching philosophy

Two core beliefs that guide my pedagogy are that the university classroom offers an invaluable opportunity to foster students’ capacities for critical thought and reflection and that students should engage with important, real-world issues in their coursework.

Three most valuable approaches that I bring to my teaching practice

I familiarize students with diverse and contrasting analytical frameworks for understanding the world, and I develop assignments that ask students to assess the soundness of these frameworks.

I promote engagement with real-world issues through assignments in which students apply concepts from class to aspects of their daily lives or family histories.

I impress on students that it is our mutual responsibility to foster a positive and respectful learning environment.

Most rewarding aspect of teaching

Providing opportunities for students to pursue their interests enthusiastically, because this is what a university education should offer.

Teaching technique to recommend

Field trips. I regularly take students on field trips, and students report it to be a wonderful learning experience.

Most important teaching influence

My graduate school advisor. His enthusiasm was contagious and his commitment to his students was extraordinary.

I want to improve my teaching by

Developing my general education classes in ways that make them stimulating to a broad range of students.

My students would say

I am exceptionally enthusiastic about the material I deliver and very concerned about and empathetic to their individual progress.