Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Robert Harrison Teaches the Future

When Robert Harrison lectures his class, you can barely tell that's what he is doing. It feels more like listening to captivating stories, told by someone who has all the inside details.

His class is a conversation between teacher and student; you get the impression that he appreciates the time spent with the students just as much as his students appreciate and value the time spent in his classroom.

When opening a lecture on the Roaring Twenties he begins by telling his class slang words that teenagers of that generation would use. He describes how kids would say "He's the bee's knees", when referring to the life of the party, the coolest guy on the block. Then he asked the class what their version of "the bee's knees" is. To which, after a moment of nervous mumbling, one student said: "We'd say 'He's the shit', not to be confused with 'He's a shit." And the wall between teacher and student instantly crumbled.

Harrison began teaching History at LBCC in 2006, he got his doctorate from for Ohio State University, but has been teaching in many different states all over the US since 1983.  Since starting at LBCC he has founded the Democracy Club and started the Clinic for Citizenship.

The Clinic for Citizenship was an event hosted by the Democracy Club in which they had speakers talk to students about government, past, present, and future. They handed out tests, to see how much people knew about their country, and offered to help people register to vote.

He started these clubs because he strongly believes in the future being in the students' hands. He says that he and others of his generation are too old to really make a difference, but that the student generation can change the world.

These clubs are about educating students, because we all get a voice in this world, but due to finances, some people are afforded a bigger voice. Harrison wants to get as many college aged individuals educated and  involved; students make up a large portion of the voting population and this is an untapped power. Too many students don't know what's going and they don't care to be involved, which is a shame since students could be such a force in our government if they only tried.

"I want to push back against a lot of the cynicism and apathy in students," said Harrison.

"He cares deeply for the success of his students and this is reflected in the time he spends on his classes," said Darci Dance, a colleague of Harrison's since '06. "Robert often sacrifices much of his free time to work on class-related information and always brings fun to learning."

Harrison is a devoted family man. He is married to LBCC's writing professor Callie Palmer, together they have two daughters, Katrina and Robin, 22 and 25, two dogs, and a cat, who are integral parts of their lives.

In his free time he enjoys politics, it's a hobby of his. He also loves reading and traveling. He and his wife have traveled to places such as: Italy, Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Greece, Portugal, Spain and Morocco, and are dying to see more. "You can't feel like you've lived a full life if you've never seen the pyramids," said Harrison.

When asked what motivates him he smiled and sighed, saying that as much of a cliche as it is, he has to say his children. "My two daughters are the most important things in my life. I am so proud of them."

Scott McAleer, colleague of Harrison's, describes him as a creative thinker who is resourceful and a great problem solver. He is dedicated to his students, their learning, and is interested in non traditional approaches. "One of the most genuinely nice people I know. Personable, laid back, intellectual, funny, kind and unique all come to mind," said Mc Aleer.

It's obvious Mr. Harrison loves what he does. He likes to have a platform, and a chance to influence people. Of life, he says: "Do as much good as you can, have as much fun as you can, because it will be over before you know it."

At A Glance:

Classes he teaches:
Humanities 102
History 103
History 202
History 203

Family:
Callie Palmer-Wife
Katrina Harrison-Daughter
Robin Harrison-Daughter