Roger C. Lowery, Ph.D.
Department of Public & International Affairs

My
Philosophy of
Education

         I believe that good teachers can be best recognized by two traits.  First, good teachers enjoy assisting their students in mastering knowledge and knowledge-acquisition skills.  Hence, good teachers invest a great deal of time and effort in designing learning experiences (assignments, lectures, discussions, quizzes, exams, etc.) that motivate and bring out the best in students.  In other words, good teachers work hard to help their students. 

         Second, good teachers also recognize their obligation to uphold academic standards.  They meet their responsibility to their discipline, institution, and society to verify that the students they certify have mastered appropriate knowledge and knowledge-acquisition skills.  Only then do the grades, credits, and degrees granted have meaning, integrity, or worth.  Hence, good teachers expect hard work from their students.

         These two teaching traits are not contradictory.  Good teachers exhibit both traits.  They do this by clearly stating requirements, stressing high standards from the very beginning of class, and not wavering from that commitment to excellence.  Once it is clear what the rules are -- and that those rules will not be capriciously bent -- then the good teacher works hard to aid student efforts to achieve those high standards.  But, the good teacher also expects hard work from all students.  Mastery of knowledge and knowledge-acquisition skills at the university level is not an easy challenge.  It requires significant effort on the part of the student as well as the teacher.

UNCW Statement on Academic Expectations for Students

         In choosing UNCW, you have become part of our community of scholars. We recognize that the UNCW learning experience is challenging and requires hard work. It also requires a commitment to make time available to do that hard work. The University expects you to make academics your highest priority by dedicating your time and energy to training your mind and acquiring knowledge. Academic success in critical thinking and problem solving prepares you for the changes and challenges you will encounter in the future. Our faculty and academic support resources are readily available as partners in this effort, but the primary responsibility for learning is yours.