Carpe
Teach'em
Graham Carpenter Ph.D.
Scholar
An aspiring communication researcher specializing in New Media, Imagination, and Relationships.
Professor
An effective media & communication advisor and lecturer.
Practitioner
Over 12 years experience in media production and live broadcasting.
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Among his several roles, Dr. Graham Carpenter is a Professor of Communication Studies and Media Production, currently serving the Comm Department at University of The Pacific.
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He is also the faculty advisor / general manager of Tiger Radio - UoP's non-commercial student station, and the Associate Director for the Pacific Summer Institute - an international communication workshop focusing on new media, that is facilitated through a partnership with Communication University of China and hosted by University of The Pacific.
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This past August, Dr. Carpenter and his wife welcomed their first child into the world and couldn't be more thrilled for the adventures that await.
ABOUT
ME!
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A native Alabamian, Graham began carving out his niche in the television industry covering SEC sports - while earning his Ph.D. in Communication and Information Sciences from The University of Alabama, Roll Tide!
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He continues to work in sports broadcasting today as a camera operator for ESPN on the SEC Primetime Football Crew.
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Graham's camera work is also featured on the Emmy-Nominated American Ninja Warrior on NBC.
Teaching Philosophy
I have long considered sharing and imparting informed knowledge the most important responsibility anyone striving for higher education should perform. In my classes, I start from a theoretical approach and shift focus to practical applications of the course content in the students’ lives. Throughout my experience, I have found that students tend to invest as much into a course as I do, but each class is a unique entity in itself. I typically get to know each and every one of my students on a personal level with weekly blog assignments and daily class discussions. I always give very solid feedback for any writing assignment, and try to have them think about extensions and even perform some of the concepts at hand to show how course materials relate to their lives or possible career paths. No two classes of mine are taught in the exact same manner because the personalities that emerge in the classes drive the assignments and teaching procedures I employ throughout a semester.
I have found that my best teaching attribute is my ability to actually relate to students. There is a clear difference between a student that is participating because he/she wants to, and one that is participating to satisfy attendance or grade requirements. As part of the Flipped Classroom ideology, I have my students join social media for the semester to keep the concepts we discuss in-class salient in their lives throughout the week. However, I do not fully adopt the teaching method, as I believe in-class discussion and demonstration are both integral pieces of higher education, but I do feel it is essential to engage students by means through which they already feel comfortable. I do not like to exercise a strong power distance in my classroom either – I use the space in the room to try and create a conversation among the classroom that I proctor and keep on task. Not only does this make students feel more comfortable speaking, but also increases the frequency with which they participate. While being relatable is very important in the classroom, I always display firm leadership and maintain my authoritative position with respect to the classroom dynamic.
Behind the Scenes Blog
These are my stories from the road and life of live production. You can find
some interesting tidbits on everything from where to find a decent meal to how to deal with life on the road, and a few trade secrets. If you feel like it, please comment!
