Visit to Scottsdale Community College

by Jenifer Fowler

On September 28, 2001, the PFMF group visited Scottsdale Community College to learn more about the role the faculty plays at the college. Following the introductions, faculty members John Losse, Patricia Dueck, Dan Nearing, and Mark Burtch spoke to us briefly about some of their past projects with PFMF. We also discussed possible projects where the SCC faculty would be willing to work with PFMF members next semester. Some suggestions were to develop, present and grade a project for a professor's class, or maybe analyze the use and/or effectiveness of technology in the classroom.

Patricia Dueck and Mark Burtch then talked about their experience teaching at a community college. They compared the typical student at SCC to the typical student at ASU, mentioning that new students at a community college are typically more apprehensive than the typical ASU freshman. Class sizes at SCC are also much smaller, allowing for more one-on-one interaction and community learning. Many classrooms at SCC are equipped with the latest teaching technology. Every student has his/her own computer, and the instructor always has a wide range of instructional equipment at his/her disposal.

After the talks, the floor was then opened to questions. SCC faculty members answered questions about workloads, salaries, and also about the student body of SCC, including minority issues. They also discussed the hiring process at the community college, talking about things the hiring committee would look for in an application, the dreaded microteach, the length of a teaching contract, and so on. Tips given during this discussion were very informative.

At the end of our visit, the faculty members took us on a tour of the math department. The tour included the classrooms, faculty offices, study areas, and the faculty lounge.