Discipline/Teaching Area: Kinesiology, Recreation Management, Tourism Management
I have been instructing at College of the Rockies since 1999 in the Kinesiology diploma program and in the Tourism and Recreation Management diploma programs. I was the head coach of the men’s Avalanche volleyball team at for 16 years and since 2014, have been the coordinator for the Tourism Management and Recreation Management programs. I am also actively involved in many community organizations related to my profession.
I have a Master’s of Kinesiology from the University of Calgary. My motivation to teach in Recreation Management stems from my passion for leading an active lifestyle in the Kootenay’s. I enjoy working and playing in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. I grew up in a small town (Lacombe, Alberta) and had an opportunity to participate in a variety of competitive and recreational sports. I am actively involved in the community with a number of sport and recreation organizations as a coach, board member, mental performance consultant, and NCCP learning facilitator. Outside of teaching, I am a busy father of three children who are very active in sport and recreation. I am an avid golfer and enjoy camping and mountain biking.
I create meaningful learning experiences by centering on the students’ needs rather than strictly content. I like to share real-life examples during my classroom discussions to engage the student. I also help students extend their learning beyond the classroom by posting online discussion forums where they can share their experiences and perspectives and learn from each other. I challenge students to analyze current issues and to improve their critical thinking skills. Such competencies will help them both in their educational and professional careers.
I love what I teach, but content is only part of the equation. I believe that a fundamental aspect of higher learning includes students’ abilities to engage with concepts in and outside of class. To teach effectively, I need to connect with students and be committed to their learning. Once I make that connection, I find that students retain the concepts and are able to transfer their learning to other aspects of their lives. Everything I do is designed to draw students in, to stimulate interest in the subject, and to ask them to actively participate in their education and personal development.