David Haines, M.S.
Senior Teaching Specialist, CLI
Education
B.S., University of Wisconsin-Superior
M.S., Oklahoma State
Teaching at UMR
In the classroom, I attempt to use a varied approach. Specifically, mixing lectures and a variety of activities that provide opportunity for students to engage with the material in different ways. I don't think there is a one fits all approach to teaching, so I try to think about what the best way is to handle individual topics, lessons, and classes. I try to use examples that are relevant and interesting to students, and when possible, different from the examples the book uses. Connecting topics to healthcare is important for our UMR students as well.
In the lab, I like to use a guided inquiry model, where students choose a hypothesis around a general topic and work to test it. Sometimes this is the entire class picking a hypothesis, sometimes it is in a group.
Outside of the classroom, I try to foster an open inviting approach. My office door is always open, and I’ll answer student questions regardless of if I have just ask hours or not.
What advice do you have for first year students?
Learn how to take notes and effectively study, even if you are getting straight As. Don't get hyper-focused on one career path, there may be more interesting careers out there. Take some time to enjoy your time in college, relax and have some fun.
Share a bit about your education journey. What did you take away from it?
I was a mid to poor student in high school and just squeaked into college. In college, I was unfocused and didn't know how to study, but was able to pull off Bs and Cs. During my sophomore year, I realized I had to do something with this degree, and I spent some time thinking about what. I took a year off to take part in the Americorps VISTA program, and that experience solidified what I wanted to do (teach).I focused my life on doing what I needed to do to get where I wanted to be. I quit multiple part time jobs, switched friend groups, and really focused on academics. My GPA shot up, I got into graduate school and excelled.
I took away lots from my journey, but it is my story, so of course I did. If I had to pick a few, I'd say academic success is about work, not intelligence, but some people have to work harder. There is time to change your direction. If you want different results you have to do different things. Life is about the choices you make, either actively or passively. There isn't just one path to where you want to go.
Awards
Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program
