I believe that I must be thoroughly prepared for every class, equipped with the knowledge and skills to be able not just to present a list of facts, but to discuss issues in depth, respond to questions, and change directions when the class needs it. At the same time, preparation is not enough. I believe that I must bring an attitude of respect and understanding for all my students if we are to communicate successfully. This is particularly important to me, as my focus on international management tends to lead to a diverse, multi-cultural classroom. I try very hard to make my classes comfortable for learning, while trying to maintain high standards for discussion and written work.
Standards are part and parcel of respect for the students.
Understanding their difficulties and challenges is important, but respecting their desire and need to learn also requires high but realistic standards for the quantity and quality of their work, their preparation for discussion, and for their involvement in the class. Finally, while I have presented teaching as the culmination of research-based scholarship, it is also the start of new scholarship. Class preparation and discussion, student papers, and new perspectives always bring in new knowledge, force me to reconsider my own understanding of the field, and have often suggested new directions for my own research efforts. This is for me the fun side of teaching - discovery of new ideas and fresh perspectives in the classroom and the opportunity to learn from my students.