Teaching Spotlight - Hunter Thompson
Hunter is a 4th year PhD student studying Communication. His research focuses on how rhetorical contexts shape texts and people鈥檚 perception of texts. Hunter was recently awarded a Teaching Excellence Award based on his teaching philosophy and dedication to his students. We asked Hunter a few questions to learn more about him as a teacher and get to know him better. Read more below!
What is your favorite part about teaching?
I enjoy when students share final projects they have been crafting all semester. It is exciting to see students join broader discussions and imagine alternative futures.
Please tell us a bit about your pedagogical philosophy.
My pedagogy is shaped by the principle that a variety of learning modes improves the experience of everyone. Too often, students are only lectured at, or learn exclusively through group discussions. Instead, a single day in my class relies on a variety of modes鈥攍ecture, writing, visual displays, group work, and games鈥攖o present ideas to students. Students have different learning styles, so a variety of modes keeps everyone engaged, and no one feels alienated.
What are your recommendations for continuing or increasing student advocacy and engagement?
If we want students to be engaged, we need to apply concepts from our curriculum to contemporary examples circulating in public culture. It shows them that academic ideas have actual stakes and can help us make sense of the world.
Tell us a fun fact about you that is not related to your teaching and research.
I listen to far too many podcasts in my spare time. They are easy to listen to while commuting, cooking, and exercising. Even better is that they offer a window into topics I wouldn鈥檛 otherwise have the time to follow.