Eric Holt
Featured Teacher
Eric Holt, Associate Professor of the Practice, Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management
Background
Eric teaches construction management classes, emphasizing real-world applications to enhance student learning. He believes that bringing the real world into the classroom—and vice versa—creates a richer educational experience for his students.
Defining Engagement
Eric defines student engagement as the active involvement of students in the learning process. “When students are engaged, they’re asking questions and are locked in—they’re part of the process,” he explains. He emphasizes that without engagement, students aren’t truly learning. Field trips to different types of construction sites are a highlight of his course, providing tangible experiences that students look forward to.
Strategies for Engagement
Eric employs various strategies to foster engagement:
- Field Trips: He combines field trips with lectures to provide hands-on learning. “Even without a physical lab space, these experiences let students see where things can go wrong in the real world,” he says.
- Guest Speakers: Inviting industry professionals to speak in class allows students to connect with potential career paths. Eric encourages them to come to the course session with predetermined questions for the guests and lets the students drive the topics. He adds: “Hearing success stories from developers motivates students and helps them visualize their futures.”
Challenges Faced
Eric acknowledges that student engagement can vary. “There are days when neither I nor the students are at our best,” he admits. For instance, a poorly structured site visit can dampen enthusiasm. To address this, he keeps his lectures concise, recording shorter sessions to maintain interest. Rather than always lead classroom discussions, Eric asks his students to do more of the thinking by prompting them to submit questions before the class session.
Reflective Practice
Eric has reflected on his teaching methods to enhance engagement. He found that “shifting to a flipped classroom approach, where students engage and apply more during class, has made a significant difference,” he says. He encourages students to find their voices and ask questions, fostering a supportive environment for discussion.
Looking Ahead
Eric recognizes the changing landscape of education, and the need to constantly evolve. “If I don’t adapt my engagement strategies, I risk becoming outdated,” he says. He acknowledges the importance of making changes to course content alongside technology and student needs, ensuring his teaching methods remain relevant and effective.
Closing Thoughts
Eric’s commitment to integrating real-world experiences and adapting to student needs underscores the significance of engagement in education. His strategies root education in the realities of the industry and give students agency in their learning.