Teaching

A Hands-On Approach

FER's educational approach combines the theoretical with the practical. We rely on innovative teaching, extensive fieldwork and state-of-the-art technology to ensure that our students graduate with all the skills they need to pursue successful careers in their chosen fields.

FER faculty members rely on rely on a number of different teaching methods, including classroom and field-based instruction, project-based lab assignments, long-distance learning and on-line courses.

In addition to learning new subject matter, students are taught computer fundamentals and "writing across the curriculum.” This unique writing program requires students to write formally assessed assignments throughout their academic experience, including a final senior year project.

We believe this emphasis on communications skills is one reason why so many of today’s industry leaders are graduates of FER.

Fieldwork

Because most forestry and natural resources jobs require working outdoors and knowledge about the environment, a lot of instruction takes place out of the classroom, often in FER's Facilities & Forests. These opportunities increase each student’s ability to identify, measure and assess natural forces in a way that only real life experience can provide.

FER students are also given frequent opportunities to participate in field trials or actual research initiatives, often receiving compensation for their efforts. For example, FER offers cooperative work programs and internships with private firms and government Agencies. These programs typically require students to work during the summer or take a year off from their studies and are arranged as positions become available to qualified students. We also have a number of work-study scholarships that provide generous stipends for students to hone their professional management skills working in one of our forests.

Study Abroad

As part of the college experience at FER, many students pursue Study Abroad or work abroad opportunities that put them on the frontline of worldwide forestry and environmental resources management. Internships are often made available through FER’s cooperative and extension programs, or through arrangements with international industry or academic partners.

One of the hallmarks of NC State's internationalization efforts is the number of organized student trips abroad led by faculty members each year. Between the opportunities offered within FER and those offered by other areas at NC States, students can choose from a variety of programs that fit different scheduling and budget needs, including programs that take place during spring break, summers, semesters and even year-long programs.

Service-learning

Faculty in the Department of Forestry & Environmental Resources are incorporating service-learning into their courses to enhance student learning. NC State’s Service-Learning Program defines service-learning as a collaborative teaching and learning strategy designed to promote academic enhancement, personal growth, and civic engagement.

Students render meaningful service in community settings that present them with experiences related to academic material. Through guided reflection, students—individually and in groups—examine their experiences critically and articulate specific learning outcomes, thus enhancing the quality of their learning and of their service. Service-learning helps students to deepen their understanding of what they know, who they are, how the world around them works, and their place in it and responsibility to it.

Technology

Advances in technology have dramatically changed the way the world addresses forestry and natural resource challenges. FER is on the forefront of relevant industry technology, a commitment that shows in the technological support provided to students, the scope of our research capabilities, our curriculum and even the way we manage our forests.

Wireless technology is available throughout our learning complex and all classrooms are equipped with multi-media presentation capabilities. Special teleclassrooms also provide a technologically-rich environment for learning, while high-tech teaching options bring our expertise to an international audience.

All labs are state-of-the-art and we use such tools as remote satellite imaging and global positioning devices to aid in fieldwork and research efforts. We even support a center for geographic information science to conduct research into its many forestry and natural resource applications.

Our emphasis on technology is an important advantage for students seeking to graduate with up-to-the-minute knowledge of the tools available to them. It is also useful for industry professionals who are looking to FER for guidance on new technological developments worthy of their attention.