Harry J. Ploehn

Professor

Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies

Teaching

My teaching mission includes courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as directing the research of graduate students. My current teaching responsibilities include the following courses:

ECHE 720: Advanced Fluid Flow Analysis (click here for a course description)

Teaching Philosophy

Two beliefs shape my attitude toward learning and teaching. First, I believe that students bear the ultimate responsibility for their own learning. Second, I believe that successful teaching facilitates learning by providing

• motivation: energizing student learning by relating critical concepts to what they already know or have experienced;
• means: enabling students to master essential concepts and skills by means of the highest quality course materials and teaching methods suited to varied styles of learning; and
• opportunity: encouraging students to reap maximum benefit from their education by expanding the availability of undergraduate research and professional development activities.

These principles guide me in selecting course content, developing course materials, choosing classroom teaching methods, and advising undergraduate research projects.

Although my own educational success can be attributed to a lifelong love of learning, the majority of students are not motivated in this way. Recent studies have shown that "frequent student-faculty contact in and out of classes is the most important factor in student motivation and involvement." The excitement generated by my own learning compels me to share the learning experience with my students. Frequent student-faculty interaction is therefore an unavoidable (but enjoyable) consequence of my personal and professional development. My satisfaction will be complete if my interactions with students, as teacher, advisor, or mentor, have a positive impact on my students' motivation and ultimate success.

Current and Former Students: Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to improve my teaching practice so that it better fulfills my teaching philosophy!