Academic and Professional Background:
BS 1968 Kent State University
MAcc 1975 University of Arizona
PhD 1977 University of Arizona
MTax 1996 Golden Gate University
CPA
CMA
CFM
Personal Approach to Teaching:
In reflecting upon my teaching objectives and classroom practices, I tend to divide teaching into three components. These are (1) the course subject matter, (2) the students who are being served, and (3) the method of delivery.
With respect to subject matter, it is my concern that accounting and taxation not be taught in terms of just preparing the student for his or her initial job in the workforce. We need to be more long-term oriented and prepare our students for successful careers in business and accounting (as well as other fields of study). This means that concepts and understanding of larger issues are as important as specific rules and procedures. As I lecture, I also attempt to interject anecdotal information based upon current business practice in order to make the material more interesting and informative.
As to students, it is important to consider our "audience" and to be responsive to their needs. One intangible which I try to exhibit in class is to show that I care about the students as individuals and am concerned about what they take away from my course. When I do have material that is suitable for lecture coverage, I try to keep everyone actively involved as I proceed. For example, I frequently use some form of handout which needs to be completed. In this fashion, the student follows the course of the discussion by completing the outline or problem which is the focus of the lecture and therefore has an active role to play in class.
Finally, our method of delivery should be one with which we are individually comfortable and which involves good communication skills. I don't believe that there is one best teaching method which will work best for everyone. Instead, each of us has to work to bring forth our talents in the manner which will be most effective for us individually.
Teaching approaches: lecturing; demonstration; use of "real world" examples; group work
Courses Taught:
AC 205
AC 206
AC 305
AC 445
AC 450
Personal Information:
Wife: M. Kathleen (Kate) Strefeler
She is an Individual and Small Group Instructor at Middlebranch Middle School
Hometown: Akron, Ohio
Pets: None
Hobbies: Family activities, Bridge, Crossword puzzles, Spectator sports (especially baseball), Hiking, Vacation travel, Bible study, Photography, Golf
Community Service: American Red Cross Blood Donor
Other: Have traveled in each of the 50 states
Contact Information:
Office Phone: 823-3086
E-mail: strefejo@muc.edu
Office Hours:MW 3-350
TTh 110-2
by appointment