[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’][/author_image] [author_info]by Roger Byrd, Part-time Professor of Political Science and Criminal Justice[/author_info] [/author]
Professor Roger Byrd, participated in an academic observation at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik from March 20-22. Byrd visited Dr. Maximilian Conrad’s Political Theory classes and witnessed Icelandic students’ presentations on human rights. Conrad is the author of numerous works including his recent book, “Bridging the Gap? Opportunities and Constraints of the European Citizens’ Initiative.”
Byrd stated that he participated in the academic observation to view the teaching methods of other professors first-hand while learning about their own challenges in the classroom. Byrd said: “Being able to see other institutions, students, and instructors in their environment is very enlightening. To learn from them is a blessing and so is the chance to share ideas to help maximize the college experience at our respective locations.”
Byrd and Conrad discussed the use of technology in the classroom as well as a need to teach general civic responsibility. “I have found that most professors are struggling with similar issues with their students such as overall lower writing skills, and a reluctance to do in-depth, scholarly research,” said Byrd. “That being said, the same professors will tell you that their students have a level of technological accomplishment that enables them to scale new heights and do new things. We are tasked with the responsibility to motivate our students to create rather than to just cut and paste.
Byrd teaches Political Science and Criminal Justice courses at Brewton-Parker.