Richard Byles

Background

About Richard Byles

Richard Byles, PhD is a research biologist turned educator. Thirteen years in the museum field allowed him to explore the powerful world of self-directed learners of all ages and guide them through learning experiences. Heretofore, his experience in teaching had been unidirectional in the college standard model - you lecture, students listen then regurgitate. He realized that the students were fact-rich but far less able to put disparate experiences together in novel situations. He is concentrating upon critical thinking skills instead of having students bombarded with factoids a mile wide and an inch deep. He is a firm proponent hands-on experience as practice for problem solving in novel situations, especially if we are to maintain a technological edge in the future. He is focused on opening the world of exciting science and basic engineering to students young and old. Specialties: Performing science experiences, friendly management, team building, non-profit operations, NASA through the lens of informal education, and hands-on engineering learning styles.