Teaching & Learning Champions are faculty & staff who contribute to student learning (Guided Pathways Essential Practice #4). We share their stories to celebrate their dedication to instructional excellence & innovation in a series of spotlight articles. #ACCExcellence

Meet Barbara Orr, Ph.D., Adjunct Student Development Professor

Tell us a little bit about what you do!

As an adjunct professor in the Student Development General Education Department, I have taught the Learning Frameworks: Effective Learning Strategies course EDUC-1300 for the last three years at six campuses in the district. The course is a transition to college course comprised of students’ learning and reflecting on their strengths and areas for improvement through the lens of the growth mindset/GRIT and a self-change behavior project, study strategies and introduction to the resources and people available to support students. I use the Blackboard course shell extensively to familiarize them with our platform, a source of all course material, the OER textbook, and as of this summer QM compliant. Students appreciate having all the materials in one place!

Three words that best describe you?

Enthusiastic, creative, curious

How do you support students at ACC?

Our students have the potential to achieve their dreams and goals with our care and support to help ensure their success. Students transitioning to college today have many competing demands on their time and are new to the responsibilities required to meet expectations. When most of us were in college we didn’t have the multitude of distractions of texting, social media, Netflix and online gaming that students have today. Helping students set priorities of assignment expectations and due dates with timely feedback helps them know they can balance their life, work, family, friends, and fun.

What is the best thing about your job?

I feel honored when students choose to share their lives with me. Listening to their challenges, achievements and career plans for the future lets me know that I am making a difference at this moment in their lives.

What is something non-work related that you want to learn how to do?

I am excited to complete my home art “playroom” to learn how to make geodes out of resin, pour painting, mandala pointillism, and making my outdoors fairy grove!

Connect with Barbara via email: barbara.orr@austincc.edu

Recommend a Colleague:

Do you know someone who is a champion of teaching & learning? Send their name & why you’re nominating them to TLEDcomms@austincc.edu.