In the Classroom

This page is designed to assist students taking classes with me at Florida State University. Since I teach juniors, seniors, and professional masters level students, my approach to the classroom may seem very different, even odd, for students more accustomed to the anonymous lecture style of teaching. 

The most important difference is that I do not treat students like students. I treat them as if they are one or two semesters away from being in the professional work force. Thus, all the assignments and classroom content is built around developing skills and attitudes that will be expected of students when they start a job post-graduation. All of my classes are "inverted"--students generate class content. All students are expected to participate throughout the semester.

Missing class should be considered a calculated risk. You would expect skipping work to put your job in jeopardy. Similarly, if you skip class your will miss out on critical content. When students miss class, and they contact me afterwards and ask me "what did I miss?", my response (which is true) is "everything." You will understand what I mean by this when you come to class.

I try to design more courses so every student can engage in a potentially transformative experience. They are heavy on critical thinking, application, and knowledge development. The principles are built on active learning. I actively try to individualize the curriculum and assignments, so communication throughout the semester is critical. 

The word cloud in the header for this page was generated from my syllabi (see below). This should give prospective students a clue to my priorities in the classroom. 

So, sign up, be ready to commit, and prepare for the ride!

Samuel R. Staley, PhD

DeVoe L. Moore Center

Florida State University

e. sstaley@fsu.edu