On Teaching
A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary. –Thomas Carruthers
There are two general schools of thought pertaining to andragogy (the study of adult education): the “sage
on the stage” and the “guide on the side.” Much discussion has ensued over which is better, with an
increasing number of educators leaning toward the latter. I put myself in both camps, as I believe there is an
appropriate place for each.
In basic courses I tend to play more of the classic role, as there are many fundamentals to be learned for
success in the field of electronics and, frankly, most students don’t read the textbook as much as they
should, if at all. Such students must understand and eventually master the essential topics, and lecture (with
accompanying lab) works well for this.
In more advanced courses, I progressively “loosen the leash,” allowing students to employ what many
academicians call discovery, in which those students learn for themselves. This is often hard for me, as my
natural tendency is to help you out of trouble as soon as you find it. But doing so impedes your learning
process, so I might annoy some of you on occasion by revisiting that classic peeve of elementary school:
Remember when you’d ask the librarian to find something you needed for an assignment and she would
only help you to find it? If things go as they should, you should be appropriately prepared to work on your
own before you graduate.
By the way, perhaps the funniest student survey comment I’ve ever received went something like
“instructor expects students to remember material from previous courses.” We got a good laugh out of it in
the faculty room, but in truth it was somewhat disturbing, as the person who wrote it apparently was
serious. And, yes, I do expect you to remember that material! So will your employer. Prerequisites exist for
a reason, and there won’t be time to review every previous topic in class.
On Grading
In his 1979 book Teaching as a Conserving Activity, the late Neil Postman writes:
Everyone must have a favorite example of the tyranny of numbers. Mine is a scene from high-school days. Because I had
received an eighty-three in English, I missed by a fraction being eligible for Arista [now National Honor Society]. I
approached my English teacher, a gentle and sensitive man, as I remember, and requested that he reassess my performance
with a view toward elevating my grade two points. He regarded my request as reasonable and studiously examined his
record book. Then he turned toward me, with genuine sadness in his face, and said, “I’m sorry, Neil. You’re an eightythree. An eighty-four at most, but not an eighty-five. Not this term, anyway.”
The point is that we were both crazy, my English teacher and I. He, because he believed I was an eighty-three or eightyfour at most, and I, because I believed his belief. He had been fair. He had reviewed the numbers, which were both precise
and objective. To him, my performance was the numbers. To me, as well.
Dr. Postman’s scenario describes an issue with which all of us can relate. Unfortunately, the world in which
we live absolutely loves numbers! Think of grades, numerical performance evaluations and employee
retention rankings. Even our entertainment options are dictated by numbers: Arbitron ratings, Gallup polls,
and sports statistics, for example. We refer to some exams as “objective,” even though they’re not. Until
many people have answered it and provided feedback, it’s impossible to know if an “objective” question
can be misinterpreted.
When I was younger, it disappointed me if a student wasn’t aiming for an A grade. I know better now: Not
everyone considers getting an A in every course the ultimate goal of life. Priorities differ; it isn’t
dishonorable if you are happy earning less than an A, as long as you have made a rational decision to do so
(which eliminates laziness, poor time management, and related excuses).
Finally, it is neither necessary nor fruitful to argue minor points of scoring. Because there is always a
degree of subjectivity present, students will be given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to course
final grade assignment. Please don’t ever forget: I care about your academic success, I am on your side,
and I desire that you receive the best grade possible that honestly represents the quality of work you’ve
submitted. But also please remember an important issue here: I don’t “give” you your grade; you must
earn it.
Et Cetera (listed alphabetically)
Academic Integrity
Students who cheat not only jeopardize their own academic success, but also indirectly hurt those who are
honest and are here to learn, by cheapening the reputation of our school and the degrees it provides. Please
be aware that, as your instructor, I take this matter seriously and will immediately report any cases of
academic dishonesty to my superiors. Students caught cheating not only risk their relationship with this
school, but also may lose any chance for a positive recommendation to future employers. Thus, for most
students, cheating is not cost-effective; it’s a terrible way to blow several thousand dollars.
Probably the most common form of academic dishonesty is plagiarism, which is the use of someone else’s
work without proper attribution. Please be aware that this applies to papers, projects, reports, and lab
circuits, as applicable. A subset of this, self-plagiarism (the reuse of one’s own previously submitted work),
is also generally considered unacceptable by the academic community.
Attendance
Attendance is arguably the strongest predictor of your academic success. At the same time, it is understood
that, occasionally, it is necessary for a student to miss class. I cannot force you to be here every session,
but you are strongly encouraged to attend. Furthermore, if your grade is heading in the wrong direction, I
may be having a word with you, especially if you haven’t been in class much.
Please remember that every student is responsible for announcements and material delivered in class,
including possible schedule changes, even if absent. You are encouraged to keep in touch with a classmate,
and are always welcome to e-mail me about material if you must miss a session.
Calculators
For this course and others, you will need a scientific calculator capable of processing exponents and
logarithms, trigonometric functions, and complex numbers. Additionally, you must know how to use it!*
You can buy a decent unit that does all of these things for under $20 through many retailers.**
Graphing calculators can do wonderful things, but unless you want to take the time poring over a lengthy
instruction manual, you might consider if it’s worth the trouble. Such devices are not required for this
course.
*This doesn’t mean you must be an expert on every function. But you must be confident with your chosen
machine’s syntax. I am not a calculator guru, but I’ll do my best to help you with it outside of class, if you
bring along the manual.
**Some inexpensive recommended models include the Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro, the Casio FX-115
family, and the Sharp EL-506, EL-516, and El-520 families.
Disability Services Policy
If you have a disability that will affect your performance in this class, please let me know. Students with
disabilities are encouraged to use Disability Services for support in implementing reasonable
accommodations for their disabilities.
Inquiries regarding ADA§504 should be directed to the Disability Services manager or coordinator.
You may find the following websites helpful:
https://northseattle.edu/services
https://northseattle.edu/disability-services
https://northseattle.edu/disability-services-policy
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco
The possession and/or consumption of illegal drugs and alcoholic beverages is not permitted on campus
(excluding special exceptions for alcohol). Additionally, tobacco use (including “vaping” devices) is
restricted per the following:
RCW 70.160 - State law on smoking in public places:
Prohibits smoking in most public places and workplaces and requires that smoking occur a minimum reasonable distance
of 25 feet from entrances, exits, windows and air intakes to insure that smoke does not enter into buildings. Read full text
of the law from the WA State Legislature.
KCBOH Code Chapter 19:
Places additional restrictions on the use of tobacco products, electronic smoking devices, and unapproved nicotine delivery
products to further protect those who live, work, and visit King County. In addition to prohibiting smoking in all places
covered under the state law, this regulation prohibits the use of "electronic cigarettes" in all places where smoking is
prohibited by state law
For more information:
http://www.seattlecolleges.edu/DISTRICT/policies/documentdisplay.aspx?policyID=pol249
http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/tobacco/report.aspx
Equal Opportunity/Non-discrimination
The Seattle Colleges are committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students,
employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on
the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity,
sexual orientation, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as
a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical,
sensory, or mental disability, except where a disability may impede performance at an acceptable level. In
addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all
otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.
Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the college’s Title IX/RCW
28A.640 officer and/or Section 504/ADA coordinator.
For more information: https://northseattle.edu/policies/equal-opportunity-non-descrimination-statement
Extra Credit Opportunities
Too often, students want to use extra credit assignments to make up for poor performance on required
work, where it would have been a much better use of time to study appropriately in the first place.
However, I often offer extra credit handouts to provide those who wish to do them an opportunity to bolster
their grades. Additionally, if you have completed all of your regular assigned work, I encourage you to
propose your own extra credit ideas. Possibilities include article reviews or summaries based on material
provided by the instructor or yourself. Talk with me about what interests you.
Food and Drink
Please use common sense here: Don’t bring especially odorous food into the building, keep beverages
capped when you’re not imbibing, and don’t bring either near lab equipment.
Fragrance Policy
North Seattle College has a “fragrance free” policy, which means the use of perfume and cologne is
strongly discouraged.
Graph Paper
For free graph paper of all kinds: www.incompetech.com/graphpaper
Help (if and when you need it)
As necessary, you are encouraged to obtain help from your instructor, another instructor, the Learning
Center, textbooks, the Internet, or each other as early as possible. Waiting until something is due to ask for
assistance isn’t wise. It is your responsibility to find help when it becomes necessary. Remember: YOU
are the first to know if you need help, and nobody else can make you seek it!
Inclement Weather
There’s nothing like driving to school on snowy roads through horrible traffic only to find out upon arrival
that classes have been cancelled! Please check the NSC website or broadcast media before making such a
trip if there’s any question of school closure.
Issues with . . .
If you have an issue with the school, the course, the curriculum, or your instructor, please don’t bring it up
in class. Doing so immediately makes what should be a personal matter a public one, and also could put me
on the defensive, which isn’t in your best interest if you want me to help you. I’ll be happy to work with
you regarding anything within my control, but please visit me in my office for this.
Laboratory Clean-Up
Please clean up your lab work area before leaving session. Remove all wire fragments and other scraps
from the benches and take all papers and personal effects with you.
Library Services
Get help at your NSC Library! Come to the Reference Desk for research help. You may access your library
account, the online catalog, and academic electronic databases from the NSC Library website here:
library.northseattle.edu. Click on the Login button in the upper right corner and sign in with your NetID.
Telephones and Other Electronic Gadgetry
Smart phones, as well as laptop and notebook computers, have made it very convenient for us to look up a
data sheet or other technical information for class or lab work, but, of course, they can also be a major
distraction. It is not appropriate to use a telephone or other device during class or lab for unrelated
activities. If you bring one of these devices to class, please keep it turned off or set to “vibrate” mode.
Always display professional courtesy.
Any device capable of a cellular or Wi-Fi connection is not allowed during exams. It is also not appropriate
to use any electronic device during class for textual communications, including e-mail and “instant
messaging.”
If you have any questions on any of these matters please consult the NSC catalog or
website, student handbook, student code of conduct, or ask your instructor or the dean.
About Your Instructor
Longer ago than I care to admit . . . I was born in Seattle and raised in Bellevue, back when it was a
relatively sleepy bedroom community. I graduated from Sammamish High School, where Heart’s Wilson
sisters attended several years earlier. (For those unaware, Heart was a rock band popular in the ‘70s and
‘80s.)
I was seventeen when I landed my first real job, at a test equipment calibration lab in Redmond, where I
received more practical experience about electronics than I did during all of my college years. I worked
there throughout my last year of high school and during summers prior to receiving my BSEE degree.
I’m a Coug, twice over. Upon my first graduation from WSU, I worked at Boeing for nearly eight years,
most of them in Flight Test Engineering. I had some great experiences there, but also too much idle time
and a lack of challenges, which prompted me to return to WSU to earn an MBA. (You may occasionally
hear me make a snide comment about that university a bit south of here, but such always will be in jest.)
In between those school years, I completed the process, initiated by my engineering professors at WSU, to
become a Professional Engineer, just in case you’re wondering what the “P.E.” means after my name.
I was honored to have been selected to participate in an international business-oriented internship the
summer following the completion of my master’s program. Working with Washington’s Small Business
Development Centers, several newly-minted MBAs assisted experienced business people to help
developing countries learn the ways of capitalism. Thus, I spent the summer of 1994 in Romania, which
was my first (and only) time abroad. To say the months spent there was an eye-opening experience for me
would be a serious understatement. And, yes, I’ve been to Transylvania and inside Vlad the Impaler’s
castle, which incidentally looks nothing like what Hollywood embraces in Dracula movies.
Upon my return to the States, I was “marginally employed” for the better part of a year. Part-time work I
found varied from packing stuffed animals into boxes, to assisting UPS during the holidays (I even handed
a package to Seattle Mariner Jay Buhner!), to late-night sewer system flow analysis (believe it or not, that
one was my favorite), to logging maintenance data for King County’s Metro Transit buses. All of this
changed in June, 1995, when I was called in to interview with, and quickly hired by, ITT Technical
Institute in Bothell (now Everett). Tim Fiegenbaum, also of this department, came to work there the year
after I did. I regretted his departure to North Seattle after a couple of years, but NSC assuredly has
benefitted from his presence ever since. It hardly seems like it’s been nearly twenty years!
Hobbies? Of late, I’ve had little time for much in that regard, but I enjoy restoring old (tube-type) radios
and related gear (there’s a special place in my heart for vintage test equipment, too), reading (mostly nonfiction), and listening to music of many genres (especially classic and progressive rock; but go light on the
country, and no hip-hop, please). Of course, sharing my passion for electronics with those who are
interested is near the top of my list. And through the course of two decades, I’ve learned at least as much
from my students as they have from me.
“It's a very ancient saying,
But a true and honest thought,
That if you become a teacher,
By your pupils you'll be taught.”
Oscar Hammerstein II