I like to connect students to the real world by bringing guest speakers into the classroom or taking students on field trips. In my view, it is important that classroom assignments add skillsets that can be used after graduation. I am the type of professor that likes to flip the classroom and have students engage in thoughtful debate. My goal is to inspire students to think critically and not simply repeat textbook content. I know firsthand that being a college student can be expensive. As a student I worked my way through college and applied for every scholarship, grant and student loan available. I disliked having to purchase expensive textbooks that I would only use for one semester. This is why I keep my classes low-cost and often do not require textbooks. I do not think students should have to choose between paying their rent or buying a textbook.