Providence, R.I.--Imparting life skills in students for success beyond the classroom, fostering personal relations between teacher and student, and emphasizing research are each hallmarks of Dr. Charles R. Toth's biology classes at Providence College.

On Monday, September 21, in the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) on campus, Toth, an associate professor of biology, shared his philosophy with fellow faculty members as the 2008-09 Joseph R. Accinno Faculty Teaching Award recipient. The Conversation with the Teacher of the Year program is an annual event sponsored by the CTE.

The Accinno teaching award is presented annually to the faculty member who best exhibits excellence in teaching, passion and enthusiasm for learning, and genuine concern for students' academic and personal growth. It is named for the late brother of John J. Accinno '46, C.P.A., a member of the College's Providence President's Council.

Teach to every student
While reliving his years as an undergraduate student, Toth explained that his teaching career was shaped by a variety of professors.

"Like most people in biology, we didn't have classes that taught us how to teach so we learned from professors in the classroom," he said. "In college, my first biology professor was passionate in the classroom. There were 200 students, but you thought he was speaking directly to you."

That type of teaching style is at the heart of what Toth has cultivated at PC. Noting that his General Biology courses contain students of disparate scientific acumen, he said extra office hours and take-home exams are examples of ensuring that each student succeeds.

Another way Toth engages his students is by teaching learning skills beyond biology. By showing his students how to analyze data and think critically, Toth said he is "teaching them what they'll need to succeed when they leave PC." One way he does this is by using relevant primary literature in his courses.

"If they are taking Immunology, I want them to think like an immunologist," he said. "Our job is to make sure students are ready for graduate school and the workforce."

Along with teaching analytical skills that students will carry with them after PC, Toth said allowing students to take exams home and work in groups ultimately mirrors the integrated nature of the professional world.

Beyond classroom dynamic stressed
Whether it's through discussing music or taking part in a Wiffle Ball game on the lawn, Toth wants his students to see him as more than a lecturer.

"This is a great institution for faculty and student interaction," he said. "The objective is to have fun and to set up an atmosphere where students can ask any question. I hope that when they leave, they leave as colleagues."

As important as classroom learning is to students, conducting research in the PC labs and taking part in research opportunities off campus also are emphasized by Toth.

"The vast majority of students we get are new to conducting research," he said. "We need to set up opportunities to make sure they know what they're doing when they get out there.

"I always ask myself, 'What can I do to light the fuse?'"

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