As I reflect on
my almost 30 years of teaching, I realize that a few
JAMES HOWELL |
constants fuel my passion about my profession. First, I enjoy learning about my discipline,
especially when I make unexpected discoveries. But probably the
most rewarding part of my job is to watch students who finally
get it — that is, they begin to understand what it takes
to learn a science — and, as a result, go on to successful
careers in forestry.
In the Forest Technology curriculum, the only
nationally recognized program in Maryland and the tri-state area,
I teach botany, dendrology and forest biology to first year Forest
Tech students. These courses are essential foundations for students
who will go on to become forest technicians, forest rangers, arborists,
game wardens, landscape managers, procurement managers and various
other occupations.
Many of these courses require students to spend
a great deal of time outdoors. l enjoy watching students become
more and more comfortable with the outdoor setting as they discover
a whole new world. Their learning activities also translate into
financial rewards.
For example, I had one student who told me that
he received a promotion simply because he was the only person
in his crew who could use a plant identification key. That really
put into perspective what his education at Allegany College of
Maryland did for him. |
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As a professor I often have to answer the question,
"Why do I have to know that?" or "What good will
that do me?" I know that students still have a lot to leam
about their field, and I try to remind them that much of the information
they are learning will serve as a foundation for other classes
or may prove useful in a way they can't imagine at this point.
Students learn that there are no shortcuts in mastering a discipline,
particularly in the sciences. Usually these students come back
to see me the next year and say, "I'm glad I had that information."
It is particularly gratifying to see the students
graduate and become gainfully employed. Our forestry program,
which is nationally recognized, can brag that in recent years
100 percent of our graduates have competitive job offers when
they leave ACM. These are career jobs with potential for advancement.
Finally, it's enjoyable to teach forestry because
I get to work with professionals such as Steve Resh and John Jastrzembski.
We form a team that allows our students to be successful in the
classroom, have fun learning and end up gainfully employed. As
a college professor, I can't think of a more rewarding teaching
experience or more rewarding outcome for students.
James Howell, PhD, professor
of biological science at Allegany College of Maryland, is writing
for the ACM Faculty Association. |
