The Graduate's Grind: Brigham Young University- Idaho
Students Speak Out: Recommended Professors
Professor Scott Samuelson: The Jedi Master of Teachers
Phillip Sorenson
Do you like to write and want to become a better writer? If so, look no further than Brother Samuelson’s Advanced Writing class. If you apply what you learn from this class, writing will be a polished arrow in your quiver of skills.
What makes this class so great begins with the book Brother Samuelson created specifically for the class, Entering the Critical Dialogue, with all the teacher’s years of experience poured into it. Plus, it only costs ten dollars, saving you money to boot. He explains from start to finish what makes good writing, and you write, write, write! All the writing effectively teaches the process of making a good paper. Because he focuses on one element of writing a paper at a time, you write every aspect of a paper better. He then builds off what you’ve already learned to teach something new, making new information more understandable, and solidifying what you’ve already learned in an intuitive way.
This all comes together to make a great class. If I ever see one of my friends now from this class, it is always agreed this class and was a turning point in our writing.
What makes this class so great begins with the book Brother Samuelson created specifically for the class, Entering the Critical Dialogue, with all the teacher’s years of experience poured into it. Plus, it only costs ten dollars, saving you money to boot. He explains from start to finish what makes good writing, and you write, write, write! All the writing effectively teaches the process of making a good paper. Because he focuses on one element of writing a paper at a time, you write every aspect of a paper better. He then builds off what you’ve already learned to teach something new, making new information more understandable, and solidifying what you’ve already learned in an intuitive way.
This all comes together to make a great class. If I ever see one of my friends now from this class, it is always agreed this class and was a turning point in our writing.
Brother Justin Bates
Jennika Snider
I highly recommend that everyone take a class from professor Bro. Justin Bates. He has been a teacher in the theatre department before, left, and has come back to teach again. He is very enthusiastic and very experienced in theatre. He directed the musical Pioneer Song this semester, which was written by another professor in the theatre department. Bro. Bates makes everything he teaches applicable to you in a very personal and memorable way.
Brother Josh Allen
Stephanie Chamberlain
The best thing at a new school is to have a teacher that helps you enjoy being there. I transferred to BYU-Idaho right before winter semester. I questioned my decision to switch school upon encountering the never-ending snowfall, unfamiliar professors, and realizing my lack of friends. Yet, in Professor Josh Allen's American Literature class I was captivated by his passion for English, and his willingness to help students recognize links between their own lives and literature. His desire for his students to gain a deeper understanding allowed me to be able to form my own opinions on the subjects that were taught. Professor Allen is one of the best teachers that I have ever had. My new founded appreciation for American Literature is accredited to his energy and extensive knowledge of the topic. Consider yourself lucky to have a chance to be in his course. Currently, he teaches Advanced Professional Writing, American Literature Real & Modern, Technical Professional Writing, as well as a course on Fiction. So enroll early to ensure your spot in one of the most well taught classes on campus.
Brother Paul Johanson
Veronica Blackham
Many students do not enjoy math; however, if you take a math class from Brother Paul Johanson, it is guaranteed that at least one day of class will be an enjoyable learning experience. Brother Johanson has taught at Brigham Young University–Idaho for thirteen semesters. He has taught a wide variety of Math subjects including Elementary Education courses, College Algebra, Calculus, Tutoring Math, Math Methods, Trigonometry, and Real World Math. He has received his master’s degree in Mathematics from Brigham Young University.
Teaching involves more than just content knowledge. Successful teachers understand their students and the struggles they go through. Before teaching at a University, Brother Johanson taught high school Math for ten years. This experience taught him common student misconceptions. He also understands that students need background knowledge before they can completely understand a mathematical concept. Thus, explanations of ‘why things are the way they are’ can be answered through the courses taught by him.
Don’t ponder anymore about which Math professor to take; sign up for a class instructed by Brother Johanson and there won’t be any regrets. Keep in mind, however, that working hard and staying caught up in any class is the only way to achievement.
Teaching involves more than just content knowledge. Successful teachers understand their students and the struggles they go through. Before teaching at a University, Brother Johanson taught high school Math for ten years. This experience taught him common student misconceptions. He also understands that students need background knowledge before they can completely understand a mathematical concept. Thus, explanations of ‘why things are the way they are’ can be answered through the courses taught by him.
Don’t ponder anymore about which Math professor to take; sign up for a class instructed by Brother Johanson and there won’t be any regrets. Keep in mind, however, that working hard and staying caught up in any class is the only way to achievement.
