Teaching Commons @ CSAM: Excite, Connect, Pivot with Josh Galster

The September 29th session of the Teaching Commons @ CSAM series brought energy, laughter, and practical inspiration to Schmitt Hall 327 as Dr. Josh Galster, Professor of Earth and Environmental Studies, led the workshop: “Connecting with Students in a Classroom: Finding Ways to Excite Students, Connect Topics, and Include Room for the Unexpected.”

About a dozen faculty and staff joined the session, which opened on a humorous note: Josh began his presentation standing in front of a slide featuring an AI-generated image of Josh, created by ChatGPT to promote the event. The real Josh, dressed like his AI-illustrated counterpart, had everyone laughing before diving into an interactive exploration of how authentic connection drives student engagement.

Drawing on his own experiences teaching science at Montclair, Josh shared tested and proven strategies for making classroom interactions more meaningful. He emphasized the power of being authentic, checking in with students regularly, and leaving space for spontaneity – what he called “embracing the unexpected.” Faculty discussed approaches such as snowball exercises, quick reflection prompts, and student-as-partner models that help bridge the gap between teaching goals and the lived experiences of students.

The session was supported by Uma Mistry, an Earth and Environmental Studies major who is certifying to teach science and serves as the CSAM Science Teaching Program intern for the Teaching Commons @ CSAM series. Uma helps organize each workshop, assisting faculty facilitators before and during the sessions and contributing a valuable student perspective to planning discussions. After the event, Uma reflected on the experience:

I had a wonderful time preparing for and participating in the event. As a CSAM student, I really appreciate how much thought and consideration (professors) put into your job. As a future teacher, I gained many tips and tricks for my own classroom, and learned what professional development can look like.

Hosted by PRISM and part of the Teaching Commons @ CSAM monthly series, the workshop exemplified the program’s goal: creating space for faculty to learn from each other’s lived experiences, share practical approaches that work for CSAM students, and strengthen community around teaching excellence. Coffee, tea, and conversation flowed freely, along with ideas for keeping students excited, connected, and ready for whatever unexpected moments come next.