The following Teaching Portfolio contains information related to my experiences in the classroom.
Teaching Philosophy- Reflections and Thoughts on Teaching and Pedagogy
- Courses Taught, Syllabi, Teaching Observations and Course Evaluations
- Teaching Assistant Experience
- Training and Certifications
- Teaching and Learning Conferences Attended
- Further Pedagogical Experience
- Student Testimonials
Teaching Philosophy (Click Here)
Reflections and Thoughts on Teaching and Pedagogy (Click Here)
Courses Taught, Syllabi, Teaching Observations, and Course Evaluations:
- Higher Education Fellowship Internship Experience (HED 560G), 2 credits, gradaute-level, Merrimack College: Fall 2012 (Syllabus, Course Evaluation), Spring 2013 (Syllabus)
- Advanced Field Experience in Higher Education (ED 977), 1 credit, graduate-level, Boston College: Spring 2012 (Syllabus, Teaching Observation, Course Evaluation); Spring 2013, 2 sections (Syllabus, Course Evaluation Section 1, Course Evaluation Section 2)
- Field Experience in Higher Education (ED 976), 2 credits, graduate-level, Boston College: Team taught with Michelle Brown-Kerrigan and Dr. Heather Rowan Kenyon, Fall 2011 (Syllabus); Team taught with Michelle Brown-Kerrigan, Fall 2012 (Syllabus, Teaching Observation); 2 credits, graduate-level, Boston College: Team taught with Kevin Gin and Dr. Heather Rowan Kenyon, Fall 2013
- Introduction to Scholarship, Leadership and Service (HON 280), 1 credit, undergraduate-level, Miami University, 8 sections between January 2003-May 2006 (Sample Syllabus)
- Student Development in the Residence Halls (EDL 301), 1 credit, undergraduate-level, Miami University, Spring 2004 (Syllabus)
Teaching Assistant Experience:
- Higher Education in American Society (ED 770), 3 credits, graduate-level, with Dr. Ana Martinez Aleman, Boston College, Fall 2013
- Contemporary Issues in Higher Education: Advanced Student Development Theory (ED 708), 3 credits, graduate-level, with Dr. Karen Arnold, Boston College, Fall 2013
- Theories of Student Development (ED/PY 778), 3 credits, graduate-level, with Dr. Karen Arnold, Boston College, Spring 2012
- Introduction to College Student Personnel Work (CSP 552), 3 credits, graduate-level, with Dr. Robert Reason, Western Illinois University, Fall 2001
- Introduction to Logic (PHIL 111), 3 credits, undergraduate-level, with Dr. Stacey Edgar, SUNY Geneseo, Fall 1999
- Minds, Dreams, and Machines (PHIL 103), 3 credits, undergraduate-level, with Dr. William Edgar, SUNY Geneseo, Spring 1999
- Apprenticeship in College Teaching Certificate (Completed Spring 2013), Boston College. Met the requirements for certification including (1) attending a teaching orientation, (2) attending at least seven teaching workshops, (3) submit an original syllabus for review, (4) conduct a teaching observation of a faculty member, (5) undergo an teaching observation, and (6) complete a teaching portfolio. In completing these requirements, I attended workshops on: (1) Grading, (2) Creating a Teaching Portfolio, (3) Conducting a Teaching Observation, (4) Classroom Management, (5) Using Technology in Your Teaching, (6) Leading Discussions, (7) Teaching and Learning Styles, and (8) Syllabus Construction.
- Faculty-Professional Learning Community on Living Learning Communities (August 2004-May 2005), Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT), Miami University. Applied for and participated in a year-long learning community to enhance the curricular components of living learning communities at Miami University
- Course: CSP 571: Teaching and Training in Student Affairs, 1 credit hour, graduate-level, Western Illinois University, Spring 2001.
- Ann Ferren Teaching Conference, American University, Washington, DC, 2007
- Lilly International Confernece on College Teaching, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 2004
Further Pedagogical Experience:
- Orientation Planning Team (Fall 2012), Apprenticeship in College Teaching Program, Boston College. Co-developed, implemented, and presented an orientation and training program for graduate student teaching assistants
- Coordinator for Honors & Scholars Living Learning Community (LLC) Courses (July 2004-June 2006), University Honors & Scholars Program, Miami University. Collaborated on redeveloping first year LLC course syllabus, and the creation of two upper-class LLC course syllabi; Co-developed enriched residence hall-based sections of English Composition for Honors and Scholars students; Recruited and trained instructors and Undergraduate Associates
Student Testimonials:
I have been lucky to work with Paul in an educational setting and now to consider him a colleague in the field of student affairs. While taking his Field Experience courses last fall, Paul – even in his first year as a doctoral student – demonstrated a teaching style that was innovative and refreshing. What was most impressive was that he demonstrated a mastery of skills that go far beyond what Ph.D. students are typically taught regarding classroom management, discussion facilitation, and presentation technology. His skills in the classroom were complimented by his ability to develop relevant and interesting assignments that often challenged me to reflect on my own abilities and knowledge (and to hesitantly enter the social media world of student affairs).
Paul has offered me great insight into the field of student affairs and served as a hands-on mentor during my first job search in the field. He willingly connected me with his extended network and offered insight into how my skills could be applied in various job settings. I appreciate the extra time he has taken to meet with me on these topics and others, including the use of ongoing education as a new professional. I admire his rapid professional growth in the field, his zest for knowledge, and his commitment to professional development associations.
- Adrienne Dumpe, Assistant Director, Student Programs Office, Boston College; Higher Education Master’s Student, Boston College Class of 2012 (Courses: ED976: Field Experience in Higher Education and ED977: Advanced Field Experience in Higher Education)
Looking back on my classroom experience with Paul, I am struck by how he always managed to establish a comfortable and participatory environment for students. Energizing students is difficult in a crowded classroom at 8 PM, but Paul establishes a refreshing atmosphere that makes
students eager to participate in the learning process. His ability to present concepts and information in innovative ways that are engaging is exceptional. He does this by combining creativity with technology to create a variety of different opportunities for students to participate and interact. His concise, multimedia PowerPoint presentations always incorporate considerable time for students to share their perspectives on topics and reflect on material. Paul’s energizing teaching efforts made such an impact on me that I immediately incorporated aspects into my own classroom and assistantship presentations. I was sincerely impressed with his teaching abilities and would recommend him to other students without pause.
- Zach Cole, Higher Education Master’s Student, Boston College Class of 2013 (Courses: ED976: Field Experience in Higher Education and ED977: Advanced Field Experience in Higher Education)
I really enjoyed taking my field experience seminar with Paul Brown. He was able to provide some of the practical and experiential pieces that are lacking from the more theoretical courses, and provided sage advice for the job search process. Our seminar was split between first and second-year students, yet he was able to make the course relevant for all of us.
Paul was very supportive through what was a difficult year for me. I was struggling with the adjustment to graduate school and managing multiple on-campus positions, but never felt that I was being judged. Instead, Paul just reminded me that I needed to maintain healthy boundaries and seek to find time for myself amidst the chaos. He was also a great sounding board for me to ask questions, discuss ideas, and express frustrations at the material we were learning in class. I always felt that Paul valued the perspective I came in with. I think we challenged each other fairly regularly, and I found the conversations we had in class and via e-mail quite valuable.
I think Paul is ahead of the curve in many respects; he asked us to create digital profiles/portfolios to create an online presence, had us using social media as a tool to engage course content, and managed to stay up to date on developments in technology, pedagogy, and developments in the field. His Twitter feed (complete with slideshows and helpful advice) is a resource to anyone working or studying in higher education. That he manages to do this while serving as a research assistant, working on his doctorate, and teaching is a testament to his dedication – both to his students and to the field.
-Brian Boughton, Higher Education Master’s Student, Boston College Class of 2013 (Courses: ED976: Field Experience in Higher Education and ED977: Advanced Field Experience in Higher Education)
Paul is not only willing, but genuinely excited to engage and assist his students. I have sought his advice as an expert on student affairs theory, an experienced professional, and as an advisor on issues such as conflict resolution, work/life balance, and personal ethics. His is skilled at lecture-style instruction and facilitating classroom dialogue that is both informative and challenging.
Paul is one of those rare instructors who meets most, if not all of the ideal instructor qualities. He has mastered the art of keeping students attentive and interested while educating in a manner that is both informative and entertaining. I can recall several conversations with classmates discussing Paul’s superb teaching style. We are continuously impressed by his use of social media, online tools, and unique classroom activities. Paul consistently shows an intense passion and seemingly unlimited insights into the field of student affairs.
-Kara Lalonde, Higher Education Master’s Student, Boston College Class of 2013 (Courses: ED976: Field Experience in Higher Education and ED977: Advanced Field Experience in Higher Education)
