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.

Gayle Fisher-Stewart:

I've been teaching at UMUC since 2002. I'm a graduate of UMUC, so I was thrilled when I was asked to develop CCJS 340 Law Enforcement Administration. Once it was developed and scheduled to go online, I was then asked if I wanted to teach it. Anxious to see if the course "worked," as developed, I accepted and have been here since then.

I'm retired from the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington , D.C. I retired in 1992 and since that time, I have taught at the university level and have been a consultant to police departments and non-profit organizations in the United States and South Africa .

UMUC is an excellent school for those of us who are called "alternative" adult students - i.e., those who are not able to sit in a class on a campus. Having been a student here, I can tell the story to those who may consider attending. I have a niece in the military and when she decided to attend college, I told her about UMUC and "insisted" that she attend.

Interviewer:

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

Gayle Fisher-Stewart:

I am a facilitator of students' learning. In fact, we are co-learners. Students bring so much information to the subject and it is my job to bring it out and combine it with that of the text. I also believe that it is my job to create a learning environment where students "want to learn" instead of "have to learn."

I've had great teachers over the years. I was never a great math student and when I entered college, I had to face college algebra. Because of my instructor, Ms. Clementine Brown, who recognized that students have different learning styles and based her teaching on those styles, I was able to get an "A" in math, the first time since elementary school.

Interviewer:

Please explain if you do something special or unique in your teaching and what made you develop this.

Gayle Fisher-Stewart:

Recognizing that students are in different locations, have different needs, and have different learning styles, I have multiple projects from which they can choose throughout the semester. In addition to formal papers, there are book reviews (e.g. "The Innocent Man" by John Grisham), movie reviews (e.g. The Shawshank Redemption and The Bad Seed), practitioner interviews and criminal justice agency visits that permit students to put their book knowledge to the test.

I have also interviewed about 15 criminal justice professionals and their interviews are in the on-line classroom so that students have the opportunity to "hear" from those actually in the field. They have the benefit of "guest speakers" that face-to-face students have.

Interviewer:

What do you think it is about your teaching style that appeals to students?

Gayle Fisher-Stewart:

I love the subject and want them to pick up on my enthusiasm. I can also bring real world experiences into the class through my own experience and those of others via media.

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.

Gayle Fisher-Stewart:

I teach online. I prefer online. I've taught face-to-face, but the online format actually allows me to interact with more students in more places which adds to the learning experience for all.

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?

Gayle Fisher-Stewart:

The truth is, I needed money for college and the D.C. police department was hiring. That is the only reason I entered law enforcement. However, the field is wide open and I have the opportunity to advise students that it's more than policing and I also have to advise them that it is not "CSI." There are many areas from which students can choose from if they desire to enter the field. Most are very surprised when I tell them that the IRS has criminal investigators and an awesome crime lab.

I am constantly reading, researching, and consulting with local governments and police departments. I also attend conferences. This makes me keep up with what is going on in the field.

I can create "educated consumers" in the field of criminal justice even if they do not enter the field, they understand how the system affects them and those they love.

Interviewer:

What is the most challenging to you in teaching in this area? What teaching strategy do you use when you encounter the challenge? Are there any special challenges to teaching your discipline online?

Gayle Fisher-Stewart:

Again, making the text come alive, so I am always looking for ways to bring the "real world" into the classroom. I will use the technology available to do that. In addition to the interviews, I've also brought videos into the classroom. Students also have the opportunity to upload videos or interviews they find interesting. We are truly co-learners in this environment.

The real challenge is to have effective interaction with the students. In face-to-face classes, the conversations are in "real time," so you can keep the "temperature" up. On-line, there is a time lag, so it takes a concentrated effort to keep things exciting.

Interviewer:

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

Gayle Fisher-Stewart:

Obtain a broad-based education and take some time to research the field and speak with criminal justice professionals. they should also continue learning throughout their careers.

Interviewer:

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

Gayle Fisher-Stewart:

It's tailor-made for people who are juggling all that goes with life. UMUC provides an atmosphere where students also have the opportunity to have some control over their education. They can become truly self-directed students and co-learners with instructors and other students. Due to the diversity of students, they really can interact and learn from their classmates. It's really the best of both worlds - academic and professional.

Interviewer:

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

Gayle Fisher-Stewart:

UMUC provides the opportunity to pass on the knowledge and experience gained by faculty members to those who are already working or those who will be in the future. Faculty are also able to engage in additional educational opportunities and through UMUC give back to their community.

Interviewer:

What suggestion would you give to new faculty who are interested in teaching in your discipline at UMUC?

Gayle Fisher-Stewart:

I would advise new faculty to continue their education and to consider obtaining a doctorate in the field.