Teaching
I have been teaching in a university setting since 2017. In that time, I have co-taught a range of courses, and independently designed and taught multiple courses of my own. I have also mentored students one-on-one, led discussions for groups for 10-30 students from across the lifespan, and guest-lectured in colleague’s classes. My primary aim, as an instructor, is to help students cultivate skills and intellectual virtues that they can take with them into the rest of their lives.
Teaching evaluations
Of the 137 students who completed course evaluations while I was at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 90% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, "Overall, I learned a great deal from this course," and 97% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, "The course challenged me to think deeply about the subject matter." In addition to these closed-ended questions, students are asked for comments on the course and instructor. Below are a few select quotes from their responses.
“I have been very thankful to have Michael as my instructor... He really encourages students to share their own opinions and take ownership of their beliefs and thoughts... I really have enjoyed Michael as my instructor and signed up for a class he has next semester!”
“Michael handled questions with dignity – it was one of the only classes where I truly felt like I could ask any question without it seeming stupid.”
“He is passionate about philosophy and it shows in his lectures. He made philosophy fun and applied it in ways that made it easier to understand. By far, my favorite philosophy class at UNC.”
“I feel like my reading comprehension skills skyrocketed during my time in this course, and for that, I am grateful”
"I now actually know how to effectively take apart arguments as well as accurately construct my own."
“Michael Prinzing showed great enthusiasm towards the subject matter and a genuine love for teaching and hearing our opinions. He was kind and easy to get in touch with should we need the help and need his attention.”
“He is the reason why I stayed in this class... He expressed his ideas clearly and is passionate about the subject. He seemed like he wanted the best for us and for us to succeed.”