This document provides background information on Auburn R. James, the instructor for the course. It summarizes his educational and professional experiences. After receiving his Bachelor's in Chemistry, Auburn began a PhD program but was only able to complete a Master's. He then enrolled in an open college to pursue his passion for teaching chemistry. The document outlines Auburn's teaching philosophy of student-led inquiry and interaction. It provides an overview of how the course will be structured and expectations for student participation and achievement.

1. Course Introduction
Auburn R. James

2. Professional Background
June 20, 1988
• Received Bachelor’s of Science in
Chemistry from Texas A&M University in
May 2010
May 2010
– Was on track to be a high school chemistry
teacher but decided to stop taking the
education courses to teach college instead
(mistake) which would require a PhD
The day I got my
May 2012 Aggie Ring
September 2012
Present

3. Professional Background
June 20, 1988
• Attended the University of Texas at Austin
August 2010—May 2012
– PhD student in inorganic chemistry
May 2010
– Failed research portion of qualifying exams in
January 2012
– Could only graduate with a master’s degree
which wouldn’t lead to teaching jobs
• Left Texas in May 2012, moved to New
York to be with family
In grad
school, one
May 2012 night I covered
everything in
September 2012 my labmate’s
hood in foil.
Present

4. Professional Background
June 20, 1988
• Enrolled in Empire State College
– All 5 semesters at UT I was a teaching
assistant, it was the aspect of grad school I
May 2010 really enjoyed
– Wanted to teach college over high school for
financial reasons, I realized I didn’t need to
“prove” how smart I am or how high of an
education I can get, having more interactions
with students and getting to know them and
teach them instead of presenting information in
a college lecture is the career I want to have
Standing on Lake
May 2012 Lonely in Saratoga
Springs, New
September 2012 York… not
something you get
to do in the south.
Present

5. Current Teaching Perspective
Effective Science Teaching
Inquiry Interaction
Knowledge is
Students lead Teaching style
supported by
themselves to appropriately Increases
observations
scientific mirrors learning motivation
from outside
understanding style
world

6. Preparing for Second Life Meetings for
the Course by Listening and Speaking

7. Reenacting theScene from the end of
The Sound of Music!
“Climb every mountain…”

8. And I Thought it was Winter…

9. On Top of a Gazebo

10. Done Exploring… Ready for Class!

11. Module Breakdown/Schedule

12. Expectations/How to Achieve

13. Conclusion
I love science because it explains why things happen
and provides understanding of the physical world.
Chemistry in particular is my passion and I most enjoy how
simple drawings and diagrams can be used to accurately
explain what is really going on with the molecules.
Learning Kekule structures and basic properties of atoms
are like learning the rules to a game or understanding the
format of the Second Life universe. Once that foundation
has been set, one gets to explore the molecular universe
and solve problems in that game. I’ve had countless people
tell me they hated chemistry and I plan on changing my
students’ perspectives on the subject.
I look forward to meeting and working with all of you.
-Auburn