#ProfessorInsight

It's in there

There is a saying among professors that you can tell how long someone has been teaching by the length of their syllabus. Why? Because our...

mrkoval

Jan 20, 20201 min read

Be There

Yes, I take attendance. Yes, you are graded on attendance. Yes, I know there are times when you won't be able to attend class. No, you...

mrkoval

Jan 19, 20201 min read

P-A-R-T-I-C-I-P-A-T-I-O-N

I hated speaking up when I was in school. And I hated when professors "graded" every comment I might make. And yet now I see how...

mrkoval

Jan 16, 20201 min read

MindTap

I had always resisted using online homework in my courses. The questions seemed too easy. The answers too easily found by skimming the...

mrkoval

Jan 15, 20201 min read

Respect the Clock/Respect the Calendar

We are all busy. We all have commitments outside of class. And your time is just as valuable as mine. With that in mind, I do my best to...

mrkoval

Jan 13, 20201 min read

Classroom/Mindset

When you attend class - and you should - what is your objective? Why are you here? What are you hoping to accomplish? I have discovered...

mrkoval

Sep 17, 20191 min read

When Life Gets in the Way

I received an email from a student asking for a letter of recommendation for a study abroad application. This student barely earned a C,...

mrkoval

Aug 16, 20191 min read

Showtime!

I view our time together as important. Really important. Sure, technology allows us to share ideas and information without being in the...

mrkoval

Aug 15, 20191 min read

HELP!

Sometimes students desperately need help in the class, but are afraid to ask. They are afraid it will make them look unsophisticated or...

mrkoval

Aug 13, 20191 min read

So How Should I Study?

Professor Koval, my friends tell me your tests are too hard. I didn't believe them until I failed the first one! What should I do? More....

mrkoval

Feb 28, 20191 min read

Perfecction

A few semesters ago I was printing out tests for both Legal Environment and Business Law. At the same time. And because lots of people...

mrkoval

Jan 9, 20191 min read

Details Details

I am proud of my course assignments. I spend a lot of time preparing them, and clearly setting forth the expectations in the guidelines....

mrkoval

Jan 2, 20191 min read

The Problem with Magical Thinking

Every semester I have a handful of students who fail the first test. And then fail the second test. And maybe even the third. When they...

mrkoval

Nov 14, 20181 min read

Going through the Motions

Every semester, I have a few more students who seem to think that if they simply show up for class and attempt to do what is asked, they...

mrkoval

Nov 4, 20181 min read

#Facetime

I have four hours every week set aside for YOU. I'm in my office, with the door open, ready to listen to whatever is on your mind. It is...

mrkoval

Aug 4, 20181 min read

Do Better (9 Easy Steps)

Here is how I recommend you approach the course: Step 1: Read the assigned readings before class. (Yes, really.) Step 2: Come to class...

mrkoval

Sep 11, 20171 min read

Cat and Mouse

Your goal: Get the highest grade possible with the least amount of effort. My goal: Get as much effort from you as possible so that you...

mrkoval

May 16, 20171 min read

please no group project please no group project please no group project . . . $#!+

The dreaded group project. Why? Because success in today's workplace requires the ability to work in teams. Employers want to hire people...

mrkoval

May 13, 20171 min read