Teaching Methods of Henry Fuelberg at Florida State University

I teach a variety of meteorology courses, ranging from an introductory course for non-science majors to a graduate course in mesometeorology. I also have mentored approximately 95 graduate students during my 40 year teaching career.

My presentation at the panel session will describe the methods that I use for each type of course. Some of the methods are common to all courses, while others are specific to the level of the course. In general, I strive to make my courses interesting by using current weather examples and by adding humor and personal experiences. I try to explain to students why a given set of material is important to for them to know. I always maintain a positive, helpful attitude toward students, always treating them with respect.

Mentoring honors students and graduate students is a special joy. I am interested in each student as a person, and not merely as a "worker". I carefully interview and select my graduate students so that we both know what makes the other "tick". We then have standing weekly meetings and whatever additional meetings are required. The most valuable commodity I can give students is my time, and I strive to be very generous with it. Nonetheless, I want each student to take possession of his/her research topic. Thus, I give them considerable leeway in selecting their methodologies and allow them to fail occasionally. It is very important that students enjoy their research experience because that leads to a high quality product and happy students and professors. I strive for students to attend conferences on their research topic and to present papers when the time is right. Details of the above will be given at the panel session.