UW Professor Releases New Edition of Teaching Book for New Engineering and Science Faculty

Steve Barrett, a University of Wyoming professor of electrical and computer engineering, has released a new edition of his book “A Little Book on Teaching: A Beginner’s Guide for Educators of Engineering and Applied Science.”

The guide was originally published in 2012 by Springer Nature Link in the series “Synthesis Lectures on Engineering, Science and Technology.” It is intended primarily to give guidance to new faculty members in engineering and applied sciences as they begin their careers in the college classroom, but it also contains interesting information for seasoned teachers in any field.

While graduate students in engineering and the sciences may receive excellent education in their primary fields of study, they do not always become thoroughly grounded in best practices for passing on their knowledge to the next generation of scholars. Barrett’s book aims to bridge this gap by providing essential teaching tips gleaned from his 40 years teaching at the collegiate level.

This compact and accessible guide, at 87 pages, includes chapters about learning theory, preparing for the first day of classes, assessment, mentoring and tips for managing the workload of teaching. The second edition, released this month, contains updated content and a new section of evolving teaching methods and strategies for maintaining student engagement.

Barrett, who has a Ph.D. and P.E., received his bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering technology from the University of Nebraska-Omaha; his Master of Engineering in electrical engineering from the University of Idaho; and his doctorate from the University of Texas-Austin.

Barrett was formerly an active-duty faculty member at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He now serves as the associate dean for undergraduate programs and is a professor of electrical and computer engineering in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. He also served for four years in UW’s Office of Academic Affairs.

Barrett is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (life senior) and Tau Beta Pi (chief faculty adviser). His research interests include digital and analog image processing, computer-assisted laser surgery and embedded controller systems. He is a registered professional engineer in Wyoming and Colorado.

In 2004, Barrett was named “Wyoming Professor of the Year” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and, in 2008, was the recipient of the Engineering Education Excellence Award from the National Society of Professional Engineers’ Professional Engineers in Higher Education. In 2023, Barrett received the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Distinguished Examination Service Award.

To learn more and to purchase a copy of “A Little Book on Teaching: A Beginner’s Guide for Educators of Engineering and Applied Science,” visit https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-25438-2.