Transparent communication, one of the principles of effective and ethical public relations, means that people should have access to all information relevant to their interests and needs. This is where I practice what I preach. I believe my students have a right to know about me and about what other students say concerning my classes.
For background information about me, you can read my short biography or my complete curriculum vitae.
What follows here are comments from student evaluations at the end of each semester. Many are complementary; some aren't. But all are honest expressions of what other students have found -- and what you can expect from my classes. In trying to be fair, I have included all comments, pro and con, received during the same semester.
Ron Smith
Ron Smith is a very intelligent and a good instructor. I enjoyed his class very much. The only gripe I had was that I think it should be Writing Intensive due to the sometimes overwhelming written assignments. (Spring 2002)
Exceptional style of teaching. Very thorough. I learned more than I expected to. (Spring 2002)
Ron definitely challenges his students. At first it seems like he's assigning too much and being too difficult. But you really learn a lot and all the work pays off. (Spring 2002)
The class gave you the opportunity to be creative, but I felt like someone was holding my hand along the way. (Spring 2002)
Ron Smith was very excited about teaching this course. It was very informative, but the amount of work was crazy. I feel he did not take into consideration that we do have other classes. (Spring 2002)
Ron is a great teacher. Very knowledgeable of the subject matter. (Spring 1999)
I learned a lot and Ron gets the most he can out of all his students. (Spring 1999)
Excellent class. Demanding but structured. I was able to learn a lot due to the teaching procedure. (Spring 1999)
Course should be writing intensive! (Spring 1999)
Too many mini-projects. The final project should replace the final exam. (Spring 1999)
Although the last 7 weeks of my summer were hell because of Ron, I am leaving this course with a greater understanding of public relations writing. Ron makes us work hard with homework every night, but I know it was worth it. He cares about the students and their successes. (Summer 2002)
Ron really made us work hard this semester. But we learned a lot and are now prepared for harder courses. (Summer 2002)
The course was very interesting and I think that Ron's work experience helps in the way the class was put forth. (Spring 2002)
Ron may be very demanding, but he is extremely effective. (Spring 2002)
The course load is too much for students with other classes besides this one. (Spring 2002)
I found this to be an excellent class. I learned a lot of valuable information, and feel confident going into the working world. I truly enjoyed this class and would recommend it to others.
I think Ron is one of the most awesome and intelligent professors this college has to offer. He is not only knowledgeable, but he is a guiding figure. He truly cares for his students. As for the course, it is not necessarily difficult, just tremendously time-consuming. But if PR is what you want to do, it is a very enlightening course. (Spring 2000)
Ron know a lot about the subject matter which was very helpful. Grading seemed fair. At times it seemed like the homework was a lot, considering most of us work and have 4-5 other classes. BUT is was very helpful when I started the portfolio. Being able to do the portfolio is going to be helpful in the future, although the process of doing it was a pain. Ron is very open to questions and helpful. (Spring 2000)
Throughout my academic life, Ron Smith has been my finest teacher. It has been a privilege to work with him on courses. (Spring 2000)
Ron Smith is friendly and insightful, and without even being my advisor he has guided me through much of my senior year. He is a very valuable part of the Communication Department and one that the school should be happy to have. (Spring 1999)
Ron Smith was able to provide a lot of useful information, and he was very helpful with any concerns or comments I had about the internship program. (Spring 1999)
Ron Smith is an excellent teacher, a great communicator. And any student who has him will benefit from his knowledge and the ability to express it. (Spring 1999)
Ron is really a great teacher. He makes class enjoyable. (Spring 1999)
Ron knows his stuff and it shows in my work. (Spring 1999)
An extraordinary teacher who has a significant impact on my learning and enthusiasm about school. (Spring 1999)
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