Experiential Learning

When I was a lad, I was a HUGE fan of the Indiana Jones movies.  Oh, who am I kidding? I'm  STILL a big fan.  I loved how he was a faculty member at a major university yet still was able to ply his trade.  How cool would that be? By day, a mild-mannered archeology professor, sharing his wisdom with the young and young at heart who would one day unravel the mysteries of our world.  By night, a swash-buckling digger, cracking a whip or firing his six-shooter to ward off evil in search of truth.  That sounds like an exciting world if you ask me.

When I became a professor seven years ago, I tried to think how I could "practice what I teach."  I was a journalism professor.  I wasn't going to work for the local newspaper or a KC television station.  Sure, I could provide color commentary for UCM football and co-host a sports talk show on the local radio station.  But beyond that ...

That's why I am so excited to be part of the UCM Media Network.  I stress to my students the value of being involved -- writing for the Muleskinner or digitalBURG, working with KMOS or The Bridge, serving in the athletic media relations or university relations offices.  Applying the lessons taught in the classroom--called experiential learning--is CRITICAL to student learning. And now, thanks to the UCM Media Network and our live webcasts of sporting events and our recorded webcasts of debates, commencements, newscasts, school board meetings and other events, I along with my students am able to ply the trade.  I, too, am able to "experience" experiential learning. 

Through this blog I also hope to practice my skills as a journalist.  I'll be weighing in on issues in sports, whether they be hirings, firings, rules changes, admissions (see Lance Armstrong), etc.  I will be writing features on individuals who are training in sports communication.  I'll be sharing my experiences as a professor of communication, and I'll be sharing things I've learned through research.

I won't be cracking a whip or (sorry NRA) packing heat in the classroom, but it suits me just fine!

My son, Grant, enjoys spending time with dear old dad at a UCM basketball game.  Grant manned the "take" button while I directed the game. Just another thing I love about working in sports--if you are creative and make it a priority, it can really be a family affair!