Professor receives Distinguished Teaching Award

Robert Maleske was named the winner of the Distinguished Teaching Award in 2008. The professor of psychology says his approach to teaching is based on a simple philosophy — respect the students and trust them.

As an example of this, he states that he does not penalize students for being absent from his classes.

"They certainly are old enough to decide how they'll spend their time, and should be mature enough to accept the consequences," he says of students. "They're graded on the basis of what they've learned, not their physical presence. ... What I know doesn't matter so much; it's what they end up knowing that matters."

"What I know doesn't matter so much; it's what they end up knowing that matters."

Prof. Maleske came to Carthage in 1973.

"When I started, there were several faculty members without Ph.Ds," he recalls. "But I challenge you to find better teachers."

In the late 1970s, Prof. Maleske says he "became infatuated with microcomputers." During this period, he obtained a National Science Foundation grant to establish an academic computing center and later became assistant director for academic computing. In 1985, he left Carthage to direct academic computing at another institution. But he returned to Carthage three years later.

"I saw my old job advertised, and felt I was getting a little too wrapped up in technology, and too far away from the human factor."

Prof. Maleske has definite views on the students he likes working with.

"It's the character, the sincerity that matters," he says, adding that he prefers students who "don't expect me to do their work for them. Give me a student with character, and I'll work with him or her."

The winner of the Distinguished Teaching Award is chosen by a committee of faculty and students from candidates nominated by students or faculty members. Prof. Maleske was surprised when he heard his name announced.

"It's nice to get that kind of recognition," he says, "but it's when friends, colleagues and students come up to you and express appreciation, that's when you really feel honored."

Two decades after he returned to Carthage, Prof. Maleske believes this is where he belongs.

"I have my frustrations, as we all do, but I love my work," he says. "Working directly with students is the agony and the ecstasy. The ones who are motivated and engaged, I love them. The ones who aren't motivated are challenging, but there are always enough who are. I'm enjoying this, so I don't see any need to stop."

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