American life is a muddle. It comes to us full of contradictions, entangled in systems of power that bind us yet resist interpretation. My goal as a teacher is to help students clean up that muddle. I want them to develop the tools needed to critique patterns of inequality and promote justice. To do this, I use a constructivist approach centered around learner inquiry. I look to facilitate student learning rather than direct it, while drawing upon the interdisciplinary nature of American Studies to emphasize multiple pathways to knowledge.
I believe effective teaching begins with effective course design. As much as possible, the structure of a classroom should reflect the principles we teach. For me, that means embracing a heterodox pedagogy that confronts hierarchy and challenges disciplinary norms.
My courses do not include traditional tests or grading. Instead, they offer flexible deadlines and a range of assignment options. These projects are grouped by the level of structure they provide, allowing learners to shape the class in accordance with their needs. I have eliminated quantitative scoring in favor of substantive feedback that engages with the nuances of their work. Students determine their own learning goals based on their interests, prior knowledge, or questions they wish to address, and track their progress toward meeting those goals through a series of self-examinations. This process encourages reflexivity and appraises learning through growth, which I prefer to a one-size-fits-all evaluation method. Each student then proposes their final grade in consultation with me at the end of the term, a strategy educational theorist Alfie Kohn calls “ungrading.”
I have been satisfied with the quality of my course evaluations, but this is not how I measure success. Success is found in the number of students who say my course gave them some new understanding of the world. There are no final victories in education, but I give my best to students every term. Their enthusiasm and intellectual development prove the importance of our work. Together, we begin to make sense of the muddle.
Read student reviews on Rate My Professors!
Reviews from Western Technical College
Reviews from the University of North Carolina
What Students Say
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Maxine was an incredible instructor. I came into this class just needing a general education requirement fulfilled, but she made it so much more. I honestly have learned so much from this course about American history, but more importantly why it is so significant and how it impacts the American identity today. She navigated discussions very well and was able to cater to every person’s American experience, which was incredible given how diverse our classroom was.
Defining America
Fall 2020 -
I really enjoyed this class. I think the professor was willing to actually want to have a connection with the students and made us feel like we belong. I have had some general classes that the teacher seems like they are just there to be there and you are just another number. Not this teacher. …As a non-traditional student, a mother working two jobs, it's nice to have a teacher willing to work with you, but also have a way to learn that just isn't going to kill you in the process. …THIS MADE A DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE!
Introduction to Diversity Studies
Spring 2023 -
Maxine is genuinely one of the best professors I've ever had, both on the coursework side, and the personal communication side. Her classes encourage you to challenge yourself without causing excess stress.
The World in the Twentieth Century
Spring 2024
Every single week she dove deep into her lessons. The way she discussed EACH topic was SO engaging. She had an interesting and passionate teaching style. As students, we could speak our opinions and openly discuss “hard” issues. It was a safe and respectful space she created.
I have had some great classes and some great teachers. She stands out above them all because she was encouraging, bold, enthusiastic, and intensely positive. These topics can be tricky to teach in an unbiased way. People have their own thoughts about [diversity] issues before the first day of class. I would bet by the end of the term, most of her students had learned how important it is to keep an open mind and are less judgmental because of having her teach us this class.
Race, Class Gender
Fall 2023