Dr. Randy Gabrys-Alexson

Education

PhD  The Union Institute                      1999
MA   University of Wisconsin-Superior   1987
BS    University of Wisconsin-Superior  1983

List of Courses

GEO 100  World Regional Geography
GEO 102  Cultural Geography
GEO 302  Economic Geography
GEO 350  Geography of Wisconsin
GEO 402  Urban Planning
GEO 450  Research in Geography for Teachers
GEO 481  Human Biogeography

Role as Faculty

As a geography educator, Dr. Randy Gabrys-Alexson's main objective is to excite students about this discipline, correct the often misconceived notion that it is merely memorizing state capitals, and accomplish this through offering classes that students find interesting and pertinent. Geography bridges the social and physical sciences. Her goal, as a member of the interdisciplinary Department of Natural Sciences, is to teach classes that clearly demonstrate to students that no matter what their major area of interest may be, learning about humans and their interaction with the environment - becoming globally informed citizens - is necessary for all students.

We offer several minors in Geography:

1. Geography for Liberal Education - this minor is popular among students who major in political science, legal studies, history, communication and science.
2. Geography (715) for teacher licensure at the EA-A (73) level and MC-EA (72) level
3. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
4. Individually-Designed - to meet your specific, unique career objectives

For more information on the geography minor for Liberal Education, teacher licensure or individually designed, please contact Dr. Randy Gabrys Alexson.

Recent Scholarly Activity

2007  An Online Teacher Preparation Model for Pre- and In-Service Geography Teachers. National Council for Geographic Education, Oklahoma City, OK.

2005  Gabrys-Alexson, R. Embarking on Collaborative Research in Geography Education. Journal of International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education 14(3):43-51.

2001  The World Bank Scenario: A Problem-based Learning Activity in Human Geography and Environmental Science.  Planet, p 25-26.

Research Interests

Randy's research interests are primarily in the area of geography education at all levels, from kindergarten through university level, and working with pre-service and in-service teachers. Development of innovative teaching methods as well as the assessment and evaluation of teaching and learning are also areas of particular interest. Securing funds for special programs for students, and in the area of professional development for current teachers, also provide employment and research opportunities for my students.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

• The scholarship of online course development
• Evaluation and assessment of K-University level educational programs
• McNair Scholar program interdisciplinary projects