Laura Anderson McIntyre

Laura Anderson McIntyre is Professor of Forest Recreation at University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. As a member of the forestry discipline in the College of Natural Resources, she teaches courses in outdoor recreation planning and management, nature-based tourism, landscape architecture, and human dimensions of natural resource management. She has been involved in several projects that address outdoor recreation planning and management and has a particular interest in the national park system. Before arriving in Stevens Point, Laura was a Postdoctoral Associate in the University of Vermont Park Studies Laboratory. She is a graduate of University of Massachusetts, Amherst, The Ohio State University, and Wittenberg University.

TEACHING AND LEARNING PHILOSOPHY

Guiding students towards the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to make a positive difference in the world is a great privilege. As such, I hold a responsibility to develop and evolve as an instructor throughout my career. My approach to teaching and learning focuses on four areas: inclusion, engagement, transparency, and relevance. First, I strive to provide an inclusive and welcoming learning environment. All students, regardless of background, demographics, viewpoint, or learning style should have opportunities to succeed. Second, I seek to engage students in learning through real world examples and experiences, group discussions and activities, applied projects, and other high impact practices. These opportunities not only make class time more enjoyable but serve to reinforce course material and bring concepts to life. Third, I seek to support learning by providing students with tools for success. Some of these tools include study guides, practice quizzes, review sessions, posted lecture slides, and readings. I aim to clearly communicate course goals and expectations. Fourth, I seek to inspire and support students in meeting their purpose – as global citizens and future outdoor professionals and conservation leaders, who will work to promote a more sustainable planet. It is important that I help students connect everyday class activities to these larger goals and support them in developing the critical thinking and communication skills they will need to make a positive impact.