Author Archives: 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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