Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, Teaching Assistant Professor
Omar Al-Shebeeb
"I strive to learn from and to adapt both the style and content of my teaching material to reflect the diversity of my students."
Omar Al-Shebeeb went into industrial engineering because he was interested in optimizing processes and creating effective solutions to engineering problems.
In addition, he already had a solid foundation in production engineering, a profession that combines parts of mechanical and industrial engineering.
He says his teaching style is determined by the class arrangement and structure. It is adaptive and varies from class to class.
"I use a variety of teaching approaches in my graduate and undergraduate classes, depending on the courses," he says.
"When I get productive feedback from students, and I see positive results on their faces, it makes me more motivated to give more and more. I consider my students to be my customers, and I am motivated by their needs."
Omar says the development of a vibrant and welcoming learning atmosphere that prioritizes active participation, open communication, and a sincere interest for the material is essential for student success in his classrooms.
He thinks students are more likely to effectively retain and understand knowledge when they are actively engaged in their learning process.
"The common activity in all the classes that I teach is the availability of the projects and teamwork in addition to the self-learning activities," he says.
"I strive to learn from and to adapt both the style and content of my teaching material to reflect the diversity of my students."
What technology do you use in the classroom?
"I employ various technologies to keep students engaged and connected, including video conferencing platforms, Learning Management Systems (LMS), synchronous chat and discussion tools, interactive learning modules, collaboration tools, adaptive learning software, and virtual office hours."
How do you mentor students?
"Mentoring has played an important and complex role in defining my work path. It has aided my development not only as a professional, but also as an individual."
What is the difference between online teaching vs on-campus?
"Teaching online is different from teaching on-campus with regard to personal presence, classroom setting, use of technology, student involvement, evaluation methods, and logistical issues. My teaching motivation comes from the engagement and participation of the students in my classes."
What is the key to student success in your classes?
"I believe applying the materials that have been taught to students in actual/theoretical projects is the most beneficial part of the study. Students need to know why they are studying specific subject or material and their effectiveness in students career goals."
Inside WVU
Omar’s research interests are in Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) and design efficiency, design thinking, productivity improvement, advanced manufacturing and technologies, subtractive and additive manufacturing, quality control, manufacturing facilities design and material handling, and CAD/CAM/CIM/CIE systems and applications.
Outside WVU
He is an active member of American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) International, Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), and Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (IEOM).
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