25 Years of Gratitude: Energized and Excited for a New Academic Year

 Epilogue - Innovative College Teaching: Tips & Insights from 14 Master Teachers

“I live by two words: tenacity and gratitude.” —Henry Winkler

From time to time, I reflect on my teaching career, looking to capture my sentiment in the moment in one word. Recently, I watched an interview with Henry Winkler as he discussed the ups and many downs of his acting career after the hit television show, Happy Days, ended in 1984. The word that stuck with me was that he was grateful for everything. Grateful. Work hard and be grateful. During the ups and the downs. Appreciate current and former students and colleagues, and all of the people you’ve met along the way.

I am grateful to the professors interviewed for this book. Unknown to them, they elevated my game as I edited their chapters. When students ask me about time management techniques, I tell them to be strategic and efficient with their time. To learn how and when to say no. But if I listened to my own advice, I likely would’ve passed on a great opportunity. As I was re-reading about the amazing work these Master Teachers are doing with their students, I was inspired to say yes.

This led me to take on the task of recruiting and coaching a team of three students to compete in a three-day international mediation competition hosted by a neighboring university. These students weren’t in my Consumer Law class, had zero exposure to mediation training, and went up against many students who were Conflict Resolution majors. They had five weeks to learn how to mediate a dispute and switch roles from mediator to advocate to client in mock mediation sessions. The same amount of training time that Rocky had to fight world champion, Apollo Creed. The students worked hard and performed admirably. They demonstrated skill, patience, empathy, and poise under pressure, and articulated reflective insights.

          Author Dan Millman once said: “The journey is what brings us happiness, not the destination.” I am grateful to the students who sacrificed their time during this adventure to learn and experience something new. In turn, these types of interactions facilitate my growth as a professor and person. All of which motivates me to seek out my next quest.

 Click here for Innovative College Teaching

© 2024 Perry Binder

Perry Binder is a Clinical Associate Professor of Legal Studies, entering his 25th year at Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business. He is the author of several books, including Innovative College Teaching (2024), Classroom LIGHTBULBS for College Professors (2023), and 99 Motivators for College Success (2012).

 

Goal for 2025 - Going Abroad

 

Before the pandemic,  I taught or presented abroad nine out of ten years since 2010. It's about time to find a new international adventure.

2010 - Taught in Paderno del Grappa, Italy for a month

2011 - Presented at a conference in Trento, Italy

2012 - Taught in Florence, Italy for a month https://perrybinder.blogspot.com 

2013 - Presented at a conference in Florence

2014 - Closing speaker at the same conference in Florence

2015 - Presented at a conference in Athens, Greece

2016 - Taught in Austria, Greece, and Hungary for two weeks

2017 - Presented at a conference in Toronto, Canada

2019 - Closing speaker at the conference in Florence

 

Winner, International Book Awards in Education/Academic category (June 2024)

Good news...

Winner, International Book Awards in Education/Academic category (June 2024)

Innovative College Teaching: Tips & Insights from 14 Master Teachers by Perry Binder

There were 7 finalists in the category and 1 winner.

About the Book:

- #1 Best Seller in Teacher & Student Mentoring

- #1 New Release in Teacher & Student Mentoring

- #2 New Release in Pedagogy

(Amazon, January/February/March 2024)

Ideal High School Graduation Gift Book - 99 Motivators for College Success

If you're looking for a gift idea for a recent graduate, this book has been a popular item over the years.

Amazon:  99 Motivators for College Success

Amazon now displays AI-generated text of customer reviews

For Innovative College Teaching:

Customers say

Customers find the book full of practical, accessible ideas and helpful interviews with teachers. They also describe the author as funny, engaging, and informative.

7 customers mention "Content" 7 positive 0 negative

Customers find the book full of practical and accessible ideas that can be put to work. They also appreciate the interviews with teachers and gems. Customers say the book makes teaching more fun and effective.

"...of keen experience offered here make teaching both more fun and more effective, for both the student and the instructor...." Read more

"...with “master teachers” are interesting and more engaging and useful than anticipated...." Read more

"...Though the book provides a salad of advice rather than a system, it has many gems. I plan to use some of the ideas in my class." Read more

"...The Appendix has useful anecdotes, pedagogy information, and sample classroom materials...." Read more

3 customers mention "Story" 3 positive 0 negative

Customers find the story engaging and informative.

"...The interviews with “master teachers” are interesting and more engaging and useful than anticipated...." Read more

"...than a teacher Perry may have more to offer as a writer who is funny, engaging, and informative. Or maybe the two are related. Who knows?" Read more

"A great way to reinject enthusiasm and fun into courses..." Read more

Motivational Graduation Speech for High School and College Graduates

 Your Graduation Inspires Me

When I participate in graduation ceremonies, I often imagine delivering my own speech to the graduates, as if I were the commencement speaker:

Good morning chancellor, president, deans, faculty members, staff, students, friends, and family members.  And to the graduates:
Every one of you is special.
Every one of you is a productive member of society.
Every one of you is what inspires ME - because… 
Every one of you has a story to tell.
I just wish I had the time to hear every one of them, and to be there as your career paths unfold.

You have already accomplished a huge milestone on that journey.  The biggest step though was just showing up.  That’s it.  The secret most people don’t get until it’s too late.  Just showing up as young freshmen was a threshold event.  Trying something which may be hard for the first time.  Experiencing new things, even if it’s unknown whether the objective is attainable.

To me, the greatest barriers to success, however you define that, are a fear of the unknown, a fear of change, and a fear of failure.  But you need a game plan, and hopefully you can lean a little on what you learned in school to figure out that route.  No matter what you do in life, you always will have your education.

I hope you made some lifelong friends here.  Frankly, I learned more about life from my peers than from my professors.  And I hope you got more than knowledge from your profs because you can get that from a book.  I’m hoping you gained insight on whatever subject, and then stamped your own original perspective on how to resolve issues and solve problems.

Many times the things you do won’t work.  And you will fail at some things you try.  That’s just a fact of life.  Abraham Lincoln once said:  “My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.” 

And you will make mistakes.  A lot of them!  Both in your careers and your lives.  That’s just another fact of life.  But that’s okay.  The trick is figuring out how to deal with setbacks.  Your family and friends will always be there for you.  And your education will continually serve as a foundation to get you back on track.

Franklin D. Roosevelt said: “We are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of our own minds.”  Graduates, each of you must unlock your mind and blaze a path built on reason and purpose.  Life is too short to spend it bouncing around like a random and aimless ball in a game of Pong.®  And whether you are 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 years young, it is never too late to test the boundaries of your dreams. 

Finally, I want all of you gathered in front of me to please lose the title of “former” student, because you will be my students for many years to come.  And I expect in return that I can become your student, as I learn about your professional successes, trials, and tribulations.

Every one of you is special.
Every one of you is a productive member of society.
Every one of you is what inspires me – because...
Every one of you has a story to tell.

What will your next journey be?

Excerpt from 99 Motivators for College Success

Another Kind Review of Innovative College Teaching

 

5.0 out of 5 stars A great way to reinject enthusiasm and fun into courses

Verified Purchase

As a Ph.D. researcher and instructor (in many classes, labs, work, and conferences) I really appreciate what’s here in abundance: a true enthusiasm for not just exciting students but engaging them in their own instruction. This isn’t the easiest way to teach. It’s much easier to pull out a long-written lecture, lecture it, give tests, and walk away to repeat boringly until retirement. But the unique examples and nuggets of keen experience offered here make teaching both more fun and more effective, for both the student and the instructor. I particularly liked the parts that dealt with the following topics: using abstract cartoons; unexpected icebreakers; extra credit projects that can’t be accepted; why not to use PowerPoint; how to do open-note exams; and the “last bits of wisdom” which are often profound. For anyone who is going to take on the responsibilities and duties of an instructor, this short book is a “must read.” Highly recommended!

Another Kind Amazon Review of Innovative College Teaching Book

5.0 out of 5 stars Humorous and informative pedagogy book

Although aimed at educators looking for “outside-of-the-box ideas” teaching college students, parents who want to inspire their children to enjoy higher education can benefit from it as well. As Perry Binder stated “Most of the books on college teaching are loaded with advice that tells you how to teach (Be passionate; Be flexible; Be yourself!), rather than show you by example how to teach.”

This book is presented in two parts: innovative teaching techniques and innovative master teachers. First, Binder (a licensed attorney who teaches law and business ethics to college students) discussed his teaching philosophy, online classes, artificial intelligence, exam prep, student engagement, and his college professor journey. Next he interviewed thirteen professors in the Education, Entrepreneurship, Law, Science, Technical Education, and Business departments.

The Appendix has useful anecdotes, pedagogy information, and sample classroom materials. The “Using AI to Develop Classroom Modules” highlights how the author uses his teaching method on emerging technologies.

 

Finishing My 24th Year at GSU

 

As students requested, I changed my Twitter profile pic to our mascot Pounce and me for the last week of class in Legal & Ethical Environment of Business.

Student Presentations on AI

Wrapping up the semester in Internet Law with presentations on how AI is changing various professions for the better and worse.

Who's Reading Innovative College Teaching?

 

Kae is!

A Kind International Review: Innovative College Teaching

 

lamp678

5.0 out of 5 stars An amusing and engaging path through university teaching of law

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 March 2024

This book has a wealth of experience and uses different university teachers to write 13 of the chapters of the book. From icebreakers at the start of the course, to the use of AI and project work, it provides a good overview of teaching commercial law. There are also 15 Appendices at the back which provide context and some YouTube links.

Another Kind International Review: 99 Motivators for College Success

 Posted on Amazon in India

Manjul

5.0 out of 5 staRelatable

 Reviewed in India on March 28, 2024

 

Verified Purchase

I wish I could have read this book, “99 Motivators for College Success” when I was college student. Still, going through the book, I could easily relate to the insights given especially with regard to the transition from high school to college life. All in all, with three sections, Ninety Nine Motivators, Nine Takeaways, Nine Personal Goals, makes the path to college a lot easier. The book gives enough motivation to jot down a tip or a quote that reverberates with the reader. A must read for all young voyagers who are out to explore the world.

Very Kind Amazon International Reviews: 99 Motivators for College Success

 Maria Jonas

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gift of Wisdom for My College-Bound Son!

Reviewed in Germany on 21 March 2024

Verified Purchase

As my son embarks on his college journey, I wanted to equip him with the tools and inspiration needed to thrive academically and personally. That's why I chose to gift him "99 Motivators for College Success" by Perry Binder J.D.

This book comes highly recommended, having been sent to rising high school seniors across the country by Randolph College through its Book Award Program. It's not just a collection of tips and quotes; it's a comprehensive guide to navigating the challenges and opportunities of college life.

 

Trusted Mumma

5.0 out of 5 stars A breath of fresh air!

Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2024

Verified Purchase

As a former K-6 teacher, I was drawn to the fresh feel of the blurb of this book. Finding educators who love what they do, who desire to impart richness and plant seeds of possibility in their students (or total strangers) are always worth my time.
This book did not disappoint.
No, I won't be going to college (as I am Aussie who has had her fill of University degrees and formal study at this point) but the passion of the author, the bite sized pieces of wisdom, and the engaging story writing are just some of the reasons to read this book.
Yes, no doubt, college students will benefit from its down to earth advice, that dares to encourage dreaming BIG, taking measured risks and choosing things you love.
It's voices like these that we need more of these days, and I for one feel richer for having listened to this very entertaining writers voice.
It is a refreshingly different read, human, honest, raw, funny...and that is what makes it great!

One person found this helpful

 

Amazon #1 BEST SELLER in Educational Counseling: 99 Motivators for College Success

99 Motivators is doing very well in this Kindle category.

Each year from 2016-2022, 99 Motivators for College Success was sent to hundreds of rising high school seniors across the country by Randolph College (Virginia) through its Book Award Program.

In 99 Motivators, Perry Binder is one part professor, one part career mentor, and one part classroom cheerleader. His Motivators, insightful stories, and takeaways are presented in bite-sized tips and quotes on college success in class, in career choices, and in life. Most of the Motivators are serious, some are quirky, and they all have universal messages for college and high school students. In this book, Perry gives away all of his teaching secrets, including advice on how to study for multiple choice exams and how to write model essay exam answers.

 

Amazon's #1 BEST SELLER in Teacher & Student Mentoring: Innovative College Teaching

Grateful that ICT is again Amazon's #1 BEST SELLER in Teacher & Student Mentoring (February & March 2024)

Available on Amazon

 

Grateful for the Kind Reviews Left By Readers

One of the many kind reviews on Amazon:

Perry Binder's book, Innovative College Teaching, offers valuable insights into the application of AI in education. The conversational writing style makes the content easily readable, showcasing the potential of AI in the classroom. The book provides guidance on implementing technology, designing inclusive learning settings, and delivering engaging classes. Binder's commitment to teaching and his humorous, educational writing style make it a must-read especially for education professionals.

Available on Amazon

 

Taking Time Now to Appreciate the People I've Met Along the Way Whose Insights Helped Me Write Three (3) Books on Teaching

    2012

2023

2024
 

 

 

 

Gratitude for People You Work With

"I live by two words: tenancity and gratitude." —Henry Winkler

From time to time, I reflect on my law and teaching career, looking to capture my sentiment in the moment in one word. Recently, I watched an interview with Henry Winkler as he discussed the ups and many downs of his acting career after the hit television show, Happy Days, ended in 1984. The word that stuck with me was that he was grateful for everything. Grateful. Work hard and be grateful. During the ups and the downs. Appreciate current and former colleagues, mentors and mentees, and all of the people you’ve met along the way.

I am grateful to the professors interviewed for my recent book. Unknown to them, they elevated my game as I edited their chapters. When students ask me about time management techniques, I tell them to be strategic and efficient with their time. To learn how and when to say no. But if I listened to my own advice, I likely would’ve passed on a great opportunity. As I was re-reading about the amazing work these Master Teachers are doing with their students, I was inspired to say yes.

This led me to take on the task of recruiting and coaching a team of three students to compete in a three-day international mediation competition hosted by a neighboring university. These students weren’t in my Consumer Law class, had zero exposure to mediation training, and went up against many students who were Conflict Resolution majors. They had five weeks to learn how to mediate a dispute and switch roles from mediator to advocate to client in mock mediation sessions. The same amount of training time that Rocky had to fight world champion, Apollo Creed. The students worked hard and performed admirably. They demonstrated skill, patience, empathy, and poise under pressure, and articulated reflective insights. (And if I’m permitted to beam proudly here, they reached the semi-finals with a collective mediator score ranking 5^th in a 22-team field.)

Author Dan Millman wrote: “The journey is what brings us happiness, not the destination.” I am grateful to the students who sacrificed their time during this adventure to learn and experience something new. In turn, these types of interactions facilitate my personal growth. All of which motivates me to seek out my next quest.

Please take a moment in your busy lives to express gratitude to the people you work with. Continuously. Even if (Especially if?) your workday sometimes feels like the movie, Groundhog Day.

Excerpt, Innovative College Teaching (2024)

#1 Amazon BEST SELLER and #1 NEW RELEASE in Teacher & Student Mentoring (Jan./Feb. 2024)

c 2024 Perry Binder

Who is Reading Innovative College Teaching?

 

Dave is!

Innovative College Teaching Key Takeaway from Perry Binder

Me: Make your classes interactive with activities solving real world problems. Encourage students to be confident in their fact-based opinions and continually challenge or “teach the teacher.” For example, in my Internet Law class, students know more than me about emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, crypto, and NFTs. While I can teach the legal limits of technology, it is the energy of students which carries this class, as they educate me. This shift in roles grew my skills as a college professor. Ultimately, I want my classes to not only be student-centered but life-centered as well.

Innovative College Teaching Key Takeaway from Master Teacher Laura Meyers

Laura E. Meyers: “Unlearn. We need to deconstruct what we know and consider how we learned this and who it favors. Unlearning is one way to reduce bias and, in turn, harm. Unlearning can lead to allyship (and more) which is beneficial to our students (and us) in ‘becoming’ educators. Aren’t we always growing and becoming?”

Innovative College Teaching Key Takeaway from Master Teacher Leila Lawlor

Leila Lawlor: “If you have chosen to teach, you have chosen to place students at the center of your professional universe. Tell them. They will appreciate knowing how much you want them to thrive, to enjoy your teaching, and to meet their academic and professional goals. As you get to know your students, they will surely appreciate your interest in their lives and goals.”