Three Decades as a Professor Deserves Some Reflection

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Three Decades as a Professor Deserves Some
Reflection

• Dr. Mary J. Wimmer
• Department of Biochemistry
• WVU School of Medicine

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Role Model Teachers

• Mrs. Snyder and Mr. Lewis - in HS
• Drs. Harrison and Eliel - at UNC
• Love and enthusiasm for science
• Great depth of knowledge
• Dedication, skill and passion in conveying it
• Powerful, positive influence on me as a student
  taking the time to care
• Showed what good lecturing is all about

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The 1st Decade - Novice

• 1st was Graduate student teaching
• In the research lab
• Two courses Enzyme Mechanisms (my field of
  expertise) and Physical Biochemistry Techniques
  (partly my field)
• Small classes or one-on-one, short essay type
  exams, much give and take discussion
• Expectations had to be adjusted.

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1st Decade, continued

• Lead-off batter - medical student teaching
• General biochemistry (pH, proteins, enzymes)
• Lectures to large class, multiple choice exams
• Small Group Problem Sessions, good give and take
  discussion with 10-12 students
• Expectations were just right!

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And I learned that humor really works!
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The 2nd Decade - PBL

• Research shifted mainly to teams of
  undergraduates
• Grad courses ? Protein Chemistry and Enzymology,
  with teaching shared
• Problem-Based Learning (Wednesday) was added to
  medical teaching

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The 3rd Decade - Undergrads

• Closed research lab to focus on teaching
• Duties shift to health professional students
• Added
• More lectures to medical students
• Directing/teaching General Biochemistry for
  Pharmacy and Dental students
• New Dental Friday Sessions
• PBL Course Director

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Part of the PassionMeaningful, Satisfying Work

• Complexity
• Autonomy
• Relationship between effort and reward in doing
  creative work

Malcolm Gladwells Outliers (2008) Christopher
Days A Passion for Teaching (2004)
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Complexity

• A complex subject, Biochemistry!
• Diversity in topics, types/level of students,
  size of classes, and means of teaching
• Intellectual challenge also promoted by periodic
  change
• Diverse dealings with all kinds of people
• Keeps it always fresh, interesting and stimulating

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Autonomy

• Most important thing BE YOURSELF!
• Identify what works for you (and what does not)
  from experience/feedback.
• Having control over a schedule containing
  flexibility.
• Our roles (Instructor, Course Director) come with
  academic freedom.
• Positive use of power Paint Ball Club

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The Paint Ball Competition
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Relationship between effort and reward

• Fun doing something youre competent at how
  good that lecture felt!!
• Sense of doing something worthwhile
• Health profession education
• Helping students deal with life
• Recognition from students
• and others

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Lessons ALL my studentshave taught me

• What they most appreciate
• Knowledge of Biochemistry
• Enthusiasm
• Organization esp. lecture outlines
• Being clear and concise
• Writing notes on the board no ppt
• Showing clinical relevance
• Approachable, helpful, caring, quick e-mail
  responses

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As Spock knows, it can help being part Human!
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Lessons my (undergrad) studentshave taught me

• Patience, tolerance.
• Take their negative comments in stride!
• In a class of gt100, someone will always be
  unhappy.
• BUT when too many are unhappy

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VERSES
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Walk your talk,but dont stumble.
The annual family fundraising event at exam time
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Where will our future passionate teachers come
from?

• Are passionate, dedicated Health Science teachers
  becoming endangered species?
• Did HAL show Dave passion and caring?
• Is the research mission overshadowing all else?
• Is the incentives/disincentives ratio for
  excellence in teaching gt 1.0 ??

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What has maintainedmy passion after 30 years?

• Each time I have a impact on a student.
• Students constantly reinforcing my efforts.
• Probably the best professor Ive ever had.
• Thanks for your enthusiasm!
• Excellent!!!!! I love the use of the board.
• i loved WIMMER. Wimmertime was always a good
  time.

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What has maintainedthe passion after 30 years?

• Having all kinds of people pass through my life.
• gt 5,000 students
• Lots of Faculty
• Staff of all sorts
• Grabbing opportunities for change to keep work
  meaningful and satisfying while doing what I
  want.

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What has maintainedthe passion after 30 years?

• Periodic reflection.
• The last time effect of retirement planning.