Assistant Professor, Speech Communication
Broward College
Assessment
Critical thinking, self-reflection, clear expectations and feedback are paramount to my methods of instruction. My course design includes current examples, testimonials, interaction, and open dialogue which insures that students get the most out of each course. Each topic is defined and then brought to life by showing clear examples from leading experts as well as examples from my own successes AND FAILURES of working and growing a business. Students are then expected to apply what they have learned and present their thoughts and ideas to the class. The assignments and rubrics are both discussed in detail. Following submission of an assignment, a clearly written critique and grade is given to each student.
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I continue to read the reviews from my students and my Associate Dean and truly feel this method of instruction is highly effective with the students at Broward College.
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An example of an assignment that has been well received is titled the "Job Speech" and is basically considered an informative type speech. Instead of simply having the students present on generic topics, I have them do research on the industry where they want to work. They need to understand why this industry is growing (or shrinking), state job descriptions, GPA requirements, graduation dates, expected salary, and even start to strategize for an interview and in some cases create a resume. With each student presenting these speeches to the class, a wealth of knowledge is gleaned and an overall mindset that these jobs are certainly achievable is reached.
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Below is a sample syllabus, assignment, rubric, and a video that we watch as a class. Elements are taken from the textbook, my background, and the expert videos (who have spoken at my events at Broward College), which all together help stress the importance and relevancy of the assignment.
Dr. Linda Green owns one of the largest OGBYN Practices in Broward County and discusses her challenges and struggles and the importance of getting your degree.
Below is a recent assignment that addresses the importance of creating an online brand. Carmen Feinberg was invited to speak to a large group of students at one of my IGNITE events and discussed this very topic. Creating an online brand also helps students have positive information appear online after an interview when their name is searched or GOOGLE'd. These speeches, assignments, and assessments help students understand communication in a variety of cultural contexts while at the same time preparing them for their career.
As Vice President at Zimmerman Advertising, Carmen Feinberg helped the company grow from 100 employees to over 1000, and from 20 million in revenue to over a billion. She talks about developing excellent communication skills and the importance of creating an impressive online brand, knowing that employers will google your name and hope to find more information about your history and background.
Professional Development Plan
The students at Broward College surprise me with their knowledge of new types of communication within social media. I learn everyday from these students! Communication in our world is changing faster than ever, and for me to establish credibility in the minds of my students, I have to be current with these changes. This is why I am active in several large technology companies in our community. I will continue to create partnerships, advise, and volunteer at these organizations - which also keeps me up to date for our students and our curriculum! Also, these efforts have allowed me to recruit many business owners and managers in the area to speak at our BCEx events, IGNITE events, TEDxBrowardCollege event, and some have even joined our advisory boards and spoken in virtual classrooms.
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TEDxBrowardCollege - As Committee Chair, it is my goal to continue to create events that everyone at Broward College will be excited and proud to be apart of. In the future, I want TEDxBrowardCollege to gain momentum and become a yearly event that is recognized all over Broward County. Typical TEDx events are limited to 100 audience members but if we continue to produce and create events on the same level as my past event, we will be awarded the opportunity to create and produce larger events that can hold 1000 or more guests, charge admission, and get sponsors. This is where I foresee our relationship with TED going.
In addition, I've applied for and hope to receive a TEDx Studio License. This will enable me to have greater flexibility to produce and record any speech or interview that is given at Broward College. This will excite college faculty and students to speak at any of our events as well as bring in excellent speakers with the notion that their speech will be submitted for approval to TED.
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AS in New Media - Continue to help in the development of this new degree and attract new students. I also plan on expanding our partnership with local businesses in the area. These media type businesses will provide input into course content, internships, and jobs during the degree process and after graduation. Additionally, I will be offering to teach several of the new courses that were created specifically for this degree track.
I am currently taking the 10 hour PD Course - ETP029 "Using Videos for Your Classes" which should help for this new degree track (and all degree tracks). Recently, I took the 15 hour course "Designing Quality Online/Blended Courses" and my focus in the future will be towards this type of Professional Development.
I will work to develop a "funnel" of high school students interested in the New Media degree by speaking at area high schools about degree. Finally, continue to align coursework for degree.
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IGNITE the Entrepreneurial Spirit - I will continue to create these events and bring highly relatable speakers to Broward College to share their experiences and motivations. I have taken courses like "Entrepreneurial Learning Environments" and will focus in the future on courses that offer "best practice" strategies of teaching in a highly diverse classroom while understanding the inequities in our society. I will Invite more local business owners to appear virtually in the classroom and these events to share with future students.
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Attend conferences like SUP-X to stay updated with new and local companies on the cutting edge of technology and social innovation. Also, continue to establish connections with these companies to offer internships to our students.
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Join professional associations specifically related to mentoring and career counseling.
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Teach a minimum of one additional course per semester.