Featured Teacher
Paula Holt, teaching professor in Business Ethics & Legal Studies, is dedicated to creating an interactive classroom where students engage deeply with ethical and legal concepts. Her teaching approach aims to foster critical thinking and ethical decision-making, helping students understand the complexities of the business world through a legal and ethical lens. 
Defining Engagement
Paula defines student engagement as active participation in the learning process—when students are not just listening, but also questioning, debating and applying what they learn to real-world situations. “Engagement happens when students are asking questions, challenging each other and relating the material to their own experiences,” she says. She emphasizes that in fields like business ethics and legal studies, engagement is essential for students to grasp the complexities of ethical decision-making and legal frameworks. “It’s not enough to memorize principles; students need to engage critically with how those principles apply to real-world scenarios,” she explains.
Challenges Faced
One challenge Paula faces in teaching business ethics and legal studies is helping students see the real-world relevance of abstract theories. “At first, some students struggle to connect what we’re learning in class with the actual decisions they’ll face in their careers,” Paula notes. To address this, she integrates case studies, current events and real-world examples to illustrate the practical applications of ethical theories and legal principles. “By using real-world cases, I help students understand the implications of their choices and the consequences of ethical and legal decisions,” she says. She also encourages students to draw on their own experiences, which helps them relate academic content to personal and professional challenges.
Strategies for Engagement
Paula employs a variety of strategies to keep students engaged, particularly through interactive discussions and hands-on activities. One of her key methods is role-playing, where students act out ethical dilemmas or legal scenarios. “Role-playing lets students experience the complexity of ethical decision-making in a safe environment,” she explains. Paula also uses group activities to encourage teamwork and collaborative problem-solving, helping students develop both their critical thinking and communication skills. “Collaborative work encourages students to view problems from multiple perspectives and strengthens their ability to make well-rounded decisions,” she says.
Reflective Practice
Paula values continuous improvement and actively seeks feedback from her students. “I always ask for feedback, whether formal or informal, to understand how well the material is resonating,” she says. This feedback, along with her own reflection on each class, helps Paula refine her teaching strategies and ensure that her students are engaged and challenged.
Closing Thoughts
With a commitment to real-world application and ongoing reflection, Paula Holt fosters an environment where students actively engage with the ethical and legal challenges they will face in their careers. Through strategies like role-playing exercises and case studies, she ensures that students not only understand business ethics and legal concepts but are also prepared to apply them thoughtfully and effectively in the professional world.