New book: Classroom LIGHTBULBS for College Professors

 

The book is available now as a paperback  (Kindle pre-order for Jan. 19):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS8SMXFD

"Much good advice from a very enthusiastic and imaginative teacher." --Jay Mathews, Washington Post education columnist

Classroom LIGHTBULBS for College Professors is packed with practical teaching tips and a simple method to reignite your passion for teaching.  In Part I, THE CLASSROOM, the author shares his unique and easy-to-replicate teaching techniques.  Part II demonstrates how to quickly get fired up to teach before walking into your class, through the LIGHTBULBS acronym and the author’s relatable stories from the classroom.  This book will energize new and seasoned college professors and curious teachers looking for fresh ideas for educating students. 

"Classroom LIGHTBULBS is inspirational in its depiction of the author's irrepressible enthusiasm for teaching and his deep feeling for his students in and out of the classroom." -- Elizabeth T. Tricomi, Ph.D., Director of ESL Program and the Writing Center (Retired), Binghamton University 

"I recommend Professor Binder’s book to anyone who wants a unique and motivational perspective when it comes to teaching. It is for both new and seasoned instructors and provides many illuminating examples filled with grit, pathos, and humor." --David Orozco, J.D., Bank of America Professor of Business Administration, Florida State University

"This book is the model of sincerity. It comes from the heart." --Paul Cohen, M.A., NYC High School Science Teacher and Coordinator of Forensic & Earth Sciences 

College Teaching Workshops: Classroom LIGHTBULBS for College Professors

How to Engage Students with Fun, Impactful, and Practical Classes

THE CLASSROOM - In this interactive session, I will show you easy-to-replicate teaching methods: how I conduct the first day of class; the icebreaker technique I use to start every class; why I rarely use PowerPoint; interactive classroom modules; individual and team projects; extra credit projects; how to prepare students for multiple choice and essay exams; and an exam gift for graduating seniors.

Binder’s Reminders for Classroom Motivation

THE LIGHTBULBS - This session illustrates how to stay motivated and focused on classroom excellence.  The LIGHTBULBS acronym highlights ten universal qualities of master teachers.  Each letter of the LIGHTBULBS is supported with unique teaching perspectives on student engagement, compassion, and justice, as told through humorous, serious, and relatable stories from the classroom and life experiences.  These anecdotes serve as an easy way to remember to apply the acronym and get fired up to teach before walking into class.  You are prompted to think about your most memorable adventures from the classroom and beyond.  On days when you feel unmotivated to teach, re-read these notes as a reminder of the value you bring into the classroom and your students’ lives.

Memories: Interviews with Student Newspaper as a Binghamton U Alum

 

In this article, I was promoting my book, 99 Motivators for College Success (2012)

BU grad writes book to help new college students

Promoting my book, Unlocking Your Rubber Room (2009)

BU alumni share tips on how to make it in the entertainment industry

(Photo - I'm third from the left)

Interactive Education & Law Training, 2022-2023

 

Interactive Education Programs for College and High School Students

I.    Being a Savvy Consumer

II.  Consumer Advocacy Skills

III. First Day of College - What's that Like?

Interactive Business Cases for Companies (In-Person or via Zoom)

I. Leading by Example to Foster a Positive Workplace Culture
A. Handling Employee Social Media Issues in and out of the Workplace
B. Ethics and Morale Building in the Workplace for Executives, Managers, or Employees

      C. Re-Sensitizing Employees to Harassment and Discrimination Issues

II. Internal Controls: Protecting the Company’s Assets

A. Contracts - What managers and supervisors need to know about contracts

B. Intellectual Property - All employees must guard the company’s valuable brand

C. Minimizing External Business Risks with an Effective Document Retention Program

First Day of Class - Access to Justice Exercise

We do this exercise on the first day of Consumer Law & Advocacy...

Introduction: Access to Justice 

Social Justice - "the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities." 

Criminal Justice - "laws, procedures, institutions, and policies at play before, during, and after the commission of a crime." 

Civil Justice - I define this as leveling the playing field for the little guy in civil disputes. 

I wrote the following paragraph on an actual case. Please read before class: I came across a story from July 2005 about West Virginia’s Marsh Fork Elementary School, which is situated 400 yards below a 2.8 billion gallon coal waste dam. 400 yards? 2.8 billion gallons?? With the kids breathing coal dust and chemicals from the coal silo which sits 150 feet away. The only reason this is making any news is that the grandfather of one of the elementary school kids sat on the West Virginia Capitol steps and refused to leave until the governor addressed these rather serious concerns. The guy was just a little curious why the Department of Environmental Protection approved a permit for an additional coal silo adjacent to the school. He was just wondering why in a school of 200 students, three kids and four teachers had died of cancer. And with 240 significant safety violations since 1991, why nothing was being done, like building another school. Away from the madness. 2.8 billion gallons. 2.8 billion. School’s not out. School’s gone! 

What would you do? Assume that you do not have the resources to move. (Reflect on the parallels with New Orleans residents affected by Hurricane Katrina, also in 2005). Break up into teams of three and discuss. Then we will re-group for a class discussion on this case and current cases in the news – e.g., Flint water crisis is back in the news. 

Just Published: Teaching Consumer Law & Advocacy Skills with a Judge Judy Team Project

 

In my effort to teach civil justice issues, I wrote Teaching Consumer Law & Advocacy Skills with a Judge Judy Team Project for the Midwest Law Journal.

Click here to read

The Case for Humor in the College Classroom

 

Levity from the archives for a FTF Fall semester

Click Here

Honored to Receive the GSU Sparks Service Award

 

Many thanks to Marta White (Nominator) and Jenifer Shockley and Mhakai King for their video tributes!

The ceremony clip can be viewed here.

Fondly remembering Hank Aaron

I was honored to be a part of an award ceremony at Georgia State University, where Hank Aaron received our Legends Award.  He will be missed dearly.

99 Motivators Website Hits 200,000 Unique Views in Time for the Holidays

 

Everyone - I want to wish you a happy holiday in this trying year.  I especially want to express my gratitude to readers of 99 Motivators this year and from years past.  Looking forward to getting back to in-person speaking engagements some time in 2021.

Perry