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Faculty Interviews

Interview with Burt Guttman

Recent Teaching History
Structure and Function in Biology and Chemistry; 2000-1
Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry; 2000-1; 1999-2000; 1998-99
Introduction to Natural Science; 1999-2000; Fall 1997 - Winter 1998
Molecule to Organism; 1998-99
Springtime In Science; Spring 1998
Foundations of Natural Science; Fall 1996 - Winter 1997
The Good Life; 1995-96

Recent and Current Areas of Interest

"I focus on biology in one way or another. I'm writing a biology textbook for majors. The big question for me has to do with environment and population problems; I'm educating myself and will do some serious writing about it later. I'm interesting in questions about psycho-linguistics (George Laycoff's book) and how I could use the work to help students learn better. I work with other faculty and students in a lab for undergraduate research."

Key Qualities of Student Work:

"I focus on writing. I ask students each week to use one page to briefly talk about what they learned. It's important to be able to express what you think you know clearly and have someone check it to see if you are expressing it well. I really do put a lot of emphasis on students being able to express their ideas very clearly in writing. If students have been able to write about their work, along with being able to do their lab work competently, they know they have performed well."

Teaching Style:

"I love to teach biology and the relationship of biology to social, environmental and economic problems. I am enthusiastic, inspiring and knowledgeable about my subject. I generally expect a lot from my students and hold them to high standards. Student evaluations tend to confirm my perception of my teaching. Students do well if they come sincerely interested in learning something. Students who don't have the maturity to work on the subject don't do well with me."

Expectations about Contracts:

"Students should provide a well-prepared statement of their plans and clear evidence that they are prepared to do the work and ready to work hard. Maturity and sufficient background are the major considerations for me. I want people to be mature enough to complete the work."

Interviewer: Yvonne Peterson

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Last Updated: March 15, 2007