Dr. Joseph Canada, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Accounting, is paving the way for creating a safe and supportive educational environment. By exploring new ways to improve student experiences in the classroom, he aims to build better relationships with students and foster engagement and learning. Such ways include reframing classes in a “professor and student vs. material” perspective, instead of “professor vs. student.” He also participates in fun events, like being a judge for the NABA’s Business Fashion Show, to maintain a professional yet approachable demeanor and ultimately encourage students to feel comfortable staying connected.
There are more tangible results of Dr. Canada’s ideas. Through a database project in an undergraduate Accounting Information Systems course, he guided students in applying accounting concepts to real-world scenarios and data. He also initiated discussions in his MBA classes on vital but often overlooked topics, like the shareholder value maximization directive and how students can continue to evolve business culture. By promoting honest conversations and critical thinking beyond the standard curriculum, Dr. Canada enriches students’ perspectives and goes above and beyond to help them succeed.
The implementation of these strategies has a profound impact on Dr. Canada’s student relationships, creating an enjoyable, applicable, and comfortable classroom environment. We commend his creativity and innovation, emphasizing how RSBC’s exceptional talents continuously shape the business leaders and experts of the next generation.