Course Title: Oceanography

Fall, 2000

University of Pittsburgh

Office of Measurement and Evaluation of Teaching

Survey of Student Opinion of Teaching

Unedited Summary of “Your instructor would like to know if there is something you believe he/she has done especially well in teaching this course.”

In this course, inspired excitement and interest in course material like I’ve never experienced before – so enthusiastic, presented concepts for future contemplation. Brought coursework into context of all aspects of choices we will make in years to come! Five stars!

Excellent use of media (Powerpoint, slides, videos) to teach concepts. Dr. S’s stories are very interesting and entertaining and help keep up interest. It is very obvious Dr. S was very prepared for this course and did an excellent job. He is very fair and flexible with assignments and with dealing with students. Great course!

Everything! I absolutely loved taking this course! All of the information was given clearly and I’ve learned so much. One of the things that I loved most was our professor’s enthusiasm and love of the subject – he radiates to his students – making learning easier and more desirable. He was also exceptionally organized – making what he expected of us more defined. He is such an amazing teacher. I feel so fortunate that I was able to take a course from him. He taught according to the stated level and made it all clear and outlined. I’d recommend him to everyone – even if they aren’t oceanography majors – like myself.

Excellent use of visual aids, high energy in teaching, spoke well, related stories.

Being himself and giving us his full focus and attention (along with great stories) all the time, not only in the classroom. Great new/revolutionary ideas regarding teaching and student participation in teaching and testing.

His enthusiasm is the best I’ve ever seen. His responses to student questions and answers was always respectful and appreciative. I really felt at ease to talk to him.

Enthusiasm is excellent as well as real-life examples from his field experiences.

High energy. Entertaining. Good at keeping students thought’s engaged and making it exciting to learn.

Very enthusiastic and easy to learn and understand. Also open to student questions and very approachable.

David has incredible enthusiasm for teaching. I have never had a professor with the same degree of energy and genuine love for what he does. He made it impossible not to be interested.

Professor Silverberg was an excellent and effective teacher. His enthusiasm and energy for the course topics made the class very enjoyable and entertaining. I would highly recommend him to others.

I really enjoyed this class because you are extremely excited and passionate about your work, and in turn made me much more interested and willing to learn.

Great use of outside materials such as videos, pictures and live specimens (such as the fish). I enjoyed this class very much. Great job with the enthusiastic approach to the class.

More than anything else, showing how individuals can make a difference with regard to environmental issues. Energy. Concrete examples. Listening to student’s feedback.

Putting important scientific info and awareness into context general public can understand.

David’s style of teaching using anecdotes, videos, powerpoint and focusing on the “”whole” was unique and refreshing.

He remains energetic and enthusiastic while teaching the material in class.

Dr. Silverberg is fantastic in that he is enthusiastic and keeps everyone interested in learning the info. It was a great class.

I really liked the way he is so excited about the subject. It really helps with learning the material.

David, I appreciated all of your enthusiasm for teaching, it was contagious. I appreciated all the visuals and how you were a great source of information.

Presented relevant and stimulating topics.

Presented the information very well with great enthusiasm.

David is an excellent professor who relates really well with his students. He is one of the most enthusiastic and fun profs I’ve ever had and the passion he has for his subject shows. It is because of this energy that makes learning, interesting, fun and exciting. More profs need to be like David!

INCREDIBLY enthusiastic on this subject. The teacher truly loves what he does and his excitement is contagious. Tells great stories and has experienced a great deal. Always has everyone’s attention.

Excellent explanation of concepts. Your enthusiasm rubbed off on your subject.

Kept everyone interested in learning and the journals were a great idea.