A Ph.D. Candidate in the Graduate School of Oceanography, Rickie Ewton is our Graduate Student Spotlight for October 2024.

What course(s) do you or have you taught at URI? 

I have been the teaching assistant (TA) for Ocean Exploration (OC111) and am currently the TA for Biological Oceanography (OCG561).

What is your proudest teaching moment?

My proudest teaching moment was when I was presenting my own research. I was able to engage the audience by explaining my findings at the appropriate knowledge level while incorporating a bit of humor. Seeing rotating looks of intrigue and smiles without many furrowed brows was very rewarding.

What is one piece of teaching advice that you have received that you would like to pass on to others?

Make teaching materials as accessible and diverse as possible. For example, financial burdens may prevent students from accessing expensive textbooks, and time or travel constraints may prevent students from accessing activities outside of the allotted class time. Diverse teaching materials teach more about the breadth of knowledge and types of knowledge available, and often explain concepts in varying ways to help students better understand the material.

What are the three qualities that you think make for a great teacher?

(1) Preparedness, because the teacher and students are meeting together to achieve a common goal, and an unprepared teacher wastes everyone’s time. Bring your own whiteboard markers, because the ones in the classroom are probably old and dry. (2) Adaptability, because it is important to be able to not only explain things in different ways when students do not understand a concept when taught a certain way, but for example if the projector won’t turn on there is still material to teach (3) Personability, because students who are uncomfortable in the classroom may grow negative feelings for the material or not seek clarification on confusing concepts. This looks different for each teacher, but perhaps a casual way of speaking, including the occasional joke, or sharing a bit about hobbies or other non-teaching activities could help break the ice.

How do you envision incorporating teaching into your future career?

I hope to incorporate a lot of teaching in my future career. I appreciate being in the classroom, but most of my favorite teaching happens hands-on to teach protocols in the lab and at sea on research vessel. I would like my career to incorporate teaching and learning from each other, where procedures and experiences are shared, and that learning happens not only on a screen but also at 2am on day 5 of a research cruise during a snack break.

How do you relax after a long day of teaching?

After a long day I work out, cook dinner while for my husband and me, then settle in for a little bit of creative time or watch a movie while cuddling with my cats, and end the night with some reading.

What do you like to do for fun?

For fun I like to go birdwatching, read, and ballroom dance.