Advice Articles
Dr. Reed
Courses Taught: Sociology, Geography for Elementary Teachers
Dr. Roger Reed's friendliness extends beyond students he's had in the traditional classroom setting. He enthusiastically greets students he's only had in an online setting when they pass each other as well. This friendliness eases the intimidation student sometimes feel around professors, making Dr. Reed an inviting mentor to come to for advice and answers.
Dr. Reed teaches Sociology and Geography for Elementary Teachers, along with some computer classes in the MSCET program.
In addition to the popular MLA style citation, Dr. Reed also uses Chicago, the preferred form of citation in the area of Sociology. Dr. Reed makes frequent use of the library’s databases, “at least once a week”, and encourages his students to become accustomed to the advantages the databases have to offer for their own research, going so far as to say the databases are “mandatory” in order for students to be educated. According to Dr. Reed, the advantage of the databases lies in the validity of the information. “[With] Google, you’re not getting [. . .] adequate information,” said Reed. The information contained in databases, such as InfoTrac or EBSCO, has been researched and reviewed, thereby removing most doubt about the accuracy of the information.
Students should also take advantage of the professional publications available in their field. Such resources enable students to gain a more internal and personal perspective of their area of study. “Students who do not subscribe to professional journals are short-shifting their education,” says Dr. Reed.
In this age of technology, Dr. Reed reiterates a point that many students have grown blasé about. With the speed and convenience of e-mail, students tend not to give the same consideration to electronic communication that they do to written correspondence, but, as Dr. Reed cautions, “I think it is important for students to know and realize that what they keyboard in an email can be seen and used by many people for good or bad.”
Like most other professors, Dr. Reed emphasizes the importance of writing beyond an academic standpoint. “The last three of four people who hired our graduates indicated writing skills and communication skills are the primary skills they are looking for,” states Dr. Reed.
For those students who find their general education classes to seem a waste of time, Dr. Reed offers some advice that might change their perspective: “The way I have come to look at a college education and being employed is this way. The major courses people take give them the skills to get the first position and the general education courses give the skills and understanding to get promoted.”