All said the conference was worthwhile and gave them a renewed dedication to teaching. Soles praised the format of the conference. Unlike academic conferences with a program of presentations and papers, everyone participated, sharing and demonstrating teaching methods and approaches that they have found effective. They also critiqued each other. There is no such thing as a 'cookie cutter' good college teacher.
People adapt themselves to teaching in their own ways, but good teachers have some traits in common.
For Wilgin, the interaction with faculty from other schools and other disciplines was energizing, and the surroundings were regenerating. We discussed how teaching and learning take place outside as well as inside the classroom, and how effective teaching is integrated into students' lives. Debessay said that he has been a teacher for several years and yet learned teaching techniques that he intends to integrate into his courses next semester, to more fully involve students and to encourage critical thinking. He said he found it extremely beneficial to be with other academics who were tuned into teaching and eager to exchange viewpoints. For Frey, the fact that the whole focus of the conference was on teaching was important.