Faculty Excellence at UMUC

Interviewer:

Please tell us about yourself--what made you decide to teach at UMUC? What kind of work do you do when you are not teaching at UMUC? Are there any life experiences that have influenced your teaching at UMUC? If so, please share one story.

Evelyn J. Bata:

As an undergraduate at UMUC, I felt both comfortable and encouraged as a nontraditional student in a classroom of other adults who, after some years, returned to complete a degree. Upon reflection, I knew that there was something special about this learning environment that motivated and enabled me to achieve advanced degrees. So, here I am giving back!

Teaching with UMUC has taken me to military bases in Iceland , the Azores, Japan , Bosnia , and several other European countries. Presently, as a Collegiate Professor stateside, I enjoy teaching full time and am also engaged in my clinical counseling profession.

Interviewer:

How would you describe your teaching style or philosophy? What experiences or person(s) have influenced your style or philosophy?

Evelyn J. Bata:

My teaching style is open, authentic, and encouraging. Since no two classes are alike, one has to be in sync with the rhythm or mood of each class and pull out an approach from the pocketful we have that is the right "fit." I challenge students to actively participate in and benefit from out of class, learner-centered, experiential activities. They become doers!

It is gratifying when class members share their excitement about writing elected officials concerning real life class issues, or when visiting homeless shelters, or visiting long-term care facilities, or interviewing midlife employees, or supporting military families, or committing to a healthful lifestyle during the class term. Such assignments engage classes in problem-based learning, critical thinking, and community outreach.

Interviewer:

Please explain if you do something special or unique in your teaching and what made you develop this. What do you think it is about your teaching style that appeals to students?

Evelyn J. Bata:

Perhaps what appeals to class members about my style is an egalitarian approach to learning. In fact, I do not use the word "student" in class. We are all class members learning from each other. An important concept that I strive to impart is that meaning is shaped by our cultural embeddedness. Our values, attitudes, and beliefs shape our interpretation of what is presented and can enhance or interfere with authentic teaching-learning. Simply put, we learn to factor out our biases in our interaction with each other. I let class members know that I value their ideas and contributions through feedback in conferences, announcements, in emails, and in face to face classes. Frequent communication with each class member is reassuring and gives them a sense of belonging and worth.

Interviewer:

Do you teach face-to-face, online, or both? Do you have a preference between teaching face-to-face and online? If so, please explain.

Evelyn J. Bata:

As a full time Collegiate Professor, I teach both online and face to face formats; yet, teaching psychology and gerontology courses raises the question of the most effective teaching method for those disciplines. I believe that all courses can be taught effectively in a virtual classroom; however, some lend themselves to a face to face approach, such as counseling and clinical psychology courses where visual components of body language and timing are important in assessment and intervention. Having said that, the trend in higher education is for cyberteaching and, even with face to face classes, students expect and benefit from Web enhancement.

Interviewer:

Please tell us about your chosen discipline-i.e., what made you interested in the area initially? What do you do to stay current in your discipline? What do you like best about teaching in your discipline?

Evelyn J. Bata:

Teaching psychology and gerontology courses is my passion. As for my interest in the disciplines, I recognized early on that relationships/interactions with others make us who we are and influence our well-being. These disciplines encompass relationships in the work world, classroom, and in one's personal life.

I strive to acquire more skills and stay current in the field by participating in seminars and workshops at state and national conferences. Moreover, I research topics to present at association meetings.

Although I enjoy the energy, the dynamics of a classroom environment, be it virtual or traditional, the best part of teaching or the defining moment for me is to have students with diverse educational and cultural backgrounds stretch to complete an assignment and do it well! They are rewarded with a sense of confidence that motivates them to reach beyond their perceived limits on subsequent tasks. I am rewarded as well, knowing that the assignment was well crafted to pique interest in both theory and in practical application to their everyday lives.

Interviewer:

What is the most challenging to you in teaching in this area? What teaching strategy do you use when you encounter the challenge?

Evelyn J. Bata:

I don't have to think hard about what is challenging in teaching. It is the realization that there will always be students who are capable but allow their social lives or personal problems to interfere with academic work and achievement. I encourage and mentor marginal students but respect boundaries between teaching and counseling. I agree, disagree, cajole and whatever else it takes to let them know I value them and recognize their efforts. Flexibility and a healthy sense of humor are essential in my classroom.

Interviewer:

What suggestion would you give to students who are interested in majoring or working in your discipline?

Evelyn J. Bata:

I suggest that students who are interested in a particular discipline research the associated career/job opportunities. Additionally, doing volunteer work or having a part-time job in the field gives a student a sense of what it could be like to have a career in a discipline of interest. Lastly, a conversation with a professional in the field can give insight into particular issues not always addressed in the textbooks or classroom environment.

Interviewer:

In your opinion, what makes UMUC the college of choice for students?

Evelyn J. Bata:

UMUC is the college of choice for students who can choose teaching formats to fit their lifestyle. Moreover, there is no pressure for individuals with job and family responsibilities and limited financial resources to finish a degree within a short time span. Additionally, students feel supported in their college program with online format tutorials and writing and library resource classes. Importantly, UMUC can boast of outstanding teaching professionals and a well regarded staff who provide a rich opportunity for first time or returning students to achieve their academic goals.

Interviewer:

In your opinion, what makes UMUC the employer of choice for future faculty members?

Evelyn J. Bata:

Flexibility in teaching full time or part time and in one's preferred format enables distinguished professionals in their fields to join the ranks of faculty at UMUC. Support is strong with continuing learning and teaching programs offered, mentoring programs, and discipline and general faculty meetings held.