Author Archives: mcbenson

April 24, 2012
3:18 pm
by: mcbenson

Lack of sleep and unethical conduct

I thought this was an interesting topic and article that folks might like to read. This work is being led by folks here at VT. The full text is available via the VT Library. I guess this means there are … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Academic Duty, Academic Integrity, higher ed, Sleep

April 18, 2012
7:38 pm
by: mcbenson

The future isn’t something hidden in a corner…

“The future isn’t something hidden in a corner. The future is something we build in the present.”  – Paulo Freire Really…? Well sometimes I think the academy could learn a thing or two from this statement. While we weren’t able … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Critical Pedagogy, higher ed, The Future, Transformation

March 27, 2012
5:06 pm
by: mcbenson

Just about half-way through…

In my department, the preliminary or comprehensive exam to move from Ph.D. student to Ph.D. candidate entails writing a series of four 20-page papers over four weeks on four different topics. One of the papers must be related to methodology … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in higher ed, Preliminary Exams, Work / Life Balance

March 14, 2012
7:17 pm
by: mcbenson

So what makes a teacher, good?

And who decides…? On March 3, 2012, the New York Times ran an article titled, “Confessions of a Bad Teacher.” Below is the web link to the article. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/opinion/sunday/confessions-of-a-bad-teacher.html?pagewanted=all Initially, the title of the article grabbed my attention. I thought … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in education, Policy

March 6, 2012
8:44 pm
by: mcbenson

A Transformation towards Learner-Centered Teaching

I didn’t even know the transformation was happening. And for being a person who prides themself in being in touch with their feelings towards a topic, it snuck up on me like a bear in the night. Without even knowing it, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Learner Centered Teaching, Transformation

February 17, 2012
8:07 pm
by: mcbenson

Being a PhD Student

Being a second year Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech is both a rewarding and exhausting experience for me. Trying to balance the demands of classes, research, and assistantship usually keeps me fully engaged in campus activity seven days a week … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in higher ed, PhD student

February 8, 2012
3:50 pm
by: mcbenson

Professional Development at 2012 SAAS Meeting

This past week I was fortunate to attend the Southern Association of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS) meeting in Birmingham, Alabama. I primarily attended the Southern Rural Sociology Association Conference but also dabbled into other sections such as the Southern American Association … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Professional Development

February 7, 2012
10:24 pm
by: mcbenson

Hello world!

Welcome to Blogs@VT Sites. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!
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