#NISODProfiles – Michael Zdilla
“I find that, when teaching a diverse group of students, using examples of real-world experiences that span across different generational and cultural gaps really helps students to relate to course material. I call these relatable accounts ‘Cultural Curveballs.'”
How long have you been teaching?
I have been teaching at the Community College of Allegheny County for nine years.
What is your favorite part about being a community college educator?
Teaching at a community college is incredible because of the wonderfully diverse student body and the amazing support systems, for both students and faculty, that are present on campus.
What is your best piece of advice for new or existing colleagues at community or technical colleges in your field?
Be understanding, be compassionate, and be there for your students in ways that others will not, but do not under any circumstances compromise when it comes to the quality and standards that you abide by and that got you to where you are today. A student once praised me by telling me I taught a university class at a community college price. That is one of the best compliments I have ever received. I believe the student said this because I maintain a comfortable learning environment, teach at a level that is appropriate for aspiring healthcare providers, and do not deviate from my syllabus rules and regulations, all while maintaining the quality and standards I hold myself and my courses to.
How do you connect with your students?
I find that, when teaching a diverse group of students, using examples of real-world experiences that span across different generational and cultural gaps really helps students to relate to course material. I call these relatable accounts “Cultural Curveballs.”
Share a memorable teaching experience and explain why it was so impactful.
A teaching experience that I will never forget is when a lesson on melanocytes turned into something more than just a simple lecture. I was informing students about how these melanin-forming cells help produce many of the body’s pigments, and I finished the lesson with a “Cultural Curveball.” I ended my lecture by stating that if more people understood how this one type of cell in the body works, maybe discrimination based on the color of one’s skin would finally be abolished. The class got into a wonderfully rich, science-based conversation about discrimination and I know it changed many of my students’ perspectives and lives. That moment of cultural and cognitive expansion was incredibly impactful to me and why I continue to introduce the same topic and discussion in all of my classes.
Every month, NISOD profiles faculty and staff from our member colleges who are doing extraordinary work on their campuses. #NISODProfiles offer a direct connection to your colleagues from across the world who exemplify NISOD’s mission of improving teaching, learning, and leadership.