WSU psychology professor gets rave reviews from students

Robert Gordon has 45 Internet pages all about him. Gordon, a professor in the WSU psychology department, was rated on Ratemyprofessors.com, and has seen nothing but good reviews on the page.

“I’ve always been this person who shares knowledge,” he said.

Gordon earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and his master’s degree in exercise science at Indiana University. Psychology was not originally one of his intended areas of study, but he became drawn into it after his college years because he became “interested in why people change,” he said.

Gordon taught at the OSU–Marion branch campus, which he thought was interesting because one of the faculty assignments was to teach college-level classes to inmates in the Marion County Jail. Gordon taught the inmates abnormal psychology, which was an odd and sometimes uncomfortable experience, he said.

In 1989, Gordon came to Wright State to teach introductory psychology. Gordon currently teaches two introductory psychology classes here: Psychology 105: The Science of Behavior and Psychology 110: Science & Practice.

Gordon said he’s always been impressed with WSU’s commitment to those with disabilities, and he enjoys the diversity of students on campus.

“I wear flip-flops from time to time,” Gordon said with a laugh when asked what he felt separated him from other teachers at Wright State. He had been interested in teaching others since a young age, and often enjoyed teaching other children things during his own childhood.

When asked why he thought his students praised him so highly, Gordon said it’s because he actively searches for content that he can relate to his lectures. It makes it easier for students to understand concepts.

Gordon said he does this by relating his lecture to popular videos, personal stories, and cartoons. He also likes to put humor into his lectures as well.

“I think students realize all they have to do is be conscientious in my classes, and they have a very good chance of doing well,” he said.

Gordon said his ultimate goal for teaching is to get students to question the world around them and use critical thinking. He also hopes to have taught 100,000 students by the time he retires.

“I don’t really see myself retiring to be honest with you,” he said.