some student comments illustrating dimensions of teaching style (see Numerical page for quantitative evidence.)
“Engaging; contagious passion for economics; this class was my favorite class I've taken with; talked with us about how we learned and where our skills/knowledge fits in Bloom's taxonomy, which I thought was very effective and unique.
“This class teaches more than macroeconomics, we learn creative problem solving and models real world phenomenon through the use of simplistic yet powerful models.”
“The project and class discussion were both helpful, and it made students build skills and question their own assumptions. I've never had a class that goes this in depth into papers and the logic of causality. The discussion and project were both great tools for this.”
“It has really transformed the way I think about the world and approach the learning process.”
“The critical thinking on my own, presenting skills, problem solving were all improved. I have never learned more in a class and not just about multinational, but how to learn about anything.”
“The class discussion was great learned a lot from both the professor + fellow students. Encouraged to think for myself. Learned how to overcome feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable. Developed a lot as a student.”
“The instructor really helped me learn the material. In this course, not only have I learned the material, developed critical thinking skills, work presentation skills and teamwork.”
“Dr. passionate and engaging and truly believes in the value of learning to think, not learning to repeat-incorporates a refreshing philosophical perspective into an otherwise cut & dry subject.”
“This honestly has been far by most favorite econ course. I enjoyed learning how to better collect and test data and think about causality in non black and white terms.” (Econometrics)
“Class discussion, students as well as the professor pursued us to provide concrete details and counterarguments. Much different from the average lecture-based econ class. Very helpful in preparing for the real world. Class structure of learning facts, reading articles, learning to critique based on those facts. And develop and critique our own research project.” (Multinationals)
“He does a great job in stimulating our interest in the subject, while at the same time encouraging us to think more of the underlying factors, reason with ourselves whether the stories are connected or not and tries his best to fill up the holes without giving us too much information that could go out of the scope of the course.”
“Overall, great course. I sharpened my critical thinking skills and learned several important economic modeling skills.”
“He challenged me to go beyond the basics and really learn macroeconomics. I feel like I have a deep understanding of macroeconomic analysis and a deeper understanding of how to apply economics in the real world.”
“Challenging course which required some to push through after a slow start like myself. The struggle is hard but the reward is great. One of my favorite classes thus far.”
“This course was among the top two courses I’ve ever taken in terms of difficulty and academic rigor- it is also by far and away the more fulfilling and useful of the two.”
"Very enthusiastic, challenging, but fair"
“Extremely challenging but incredibly rewarding once I got the hang of the workload and the expectations.”
“Challenging but rewarding definitely taught well.”
“I feel that struggling throughout this course has been a valuable experience.”
“Really enjoyed group projects, really enjoyed the graded problems, the tests were tests, I think Dr. Stroup pushed harder that most professors at Davidson. I think this is a good thing. Very helpful and kind in office hours.”
“Professor Stroup is one of the best professors I’ve ever had! He challenged me to be the student I knew I was but never applied myself.”
“I feel that I have gained lots of knowledge on the course material. I really enjoyed macro and I think part of why I enjoy it is because it was hard for me but I still pushed through.”
Even though the course was very difficult, I feel like I came out having learned a lot and even learned how to learn. Overall, I am happy I took the course. (Introductory Economics)
“The course is challenging but very beneficial to students who want to pursue further economics study.”
“He is very helpful in forcing you to really learn the material, not just learn the material for a test & then forget about it.”
What was most helpful was the availability of help. Dr. Stroup was always willing to help, no matter the time. Plus, he made you think and come to answers on your own.”
“Literally the most available & engaging prof I've had in 3 years at Davidson.”
“Dr. Stroup was one of the most interactive and passionate teachers I have ever had he cared a lot and pushed every person to be better.”
“Dr. Stroup is one of the most invested professors in the welfare of his students 10/10.”
"Great, very knowledgeable and he really cares about getting the best out of each student."
“I really appreciated Dr. Stroup's commitment to making sure every student could understand statistics.”
“Very passionate & committed. Willing to go the extra mile for students.”
Always available to have lunch or meet with students during office hours. Very helpful and warm.
“The office hour is extremely helpful. Like the way that Professor Stroup is always curious about our research projects & asks lots of questions.”
“Professor Stroup was very easy to communicate with and responded to emails quickly and was always willing to meet with me.”
“The instructor clearly cared about my learning and was very approachable during office hours.”
Always wants to make sure that students understand material, goes out of his way to help.
The professor was/is dedicated any very persistent in ensuring that the students understand the coursework and I really appreciated.
“Stroup has a very apparent passion for economics and shares that amongst his students.”
“Very clearly an enthusiastic instructor clearly invested in student learning.”
“Dr. Stroup is clearly passionate about the topic and is dedicated to making sure we understand the most complex aspects.” (Financial)
“The lectures, readings, and reviews are very informative, challenging, and informative. His enthusiasm for the material is helpful to keep motivation high for students.” (Financial)
“The instructor was incredibly helpful and the most approachable professor at Grinnell in my experience. Very invested in students’ success.” (Macro)
“Most passionate professor who cared a lot. I hope to see him be at Davidson for a long time.” (Statistics)
"Incredible instructor; patient; organized; motivating tough." (Economics of Multinational Firms)
“The lectures contained incredibly fascinating content that engages the audience and motivates them to continue learning on their own.” (Financial)
“The lectures cover a lot of dense material quickly and very well. they helped convey the information in an understandable way.” (Statistics)
“Stroup was great at making us think and providing many different outlets to learn. Lectures were organized and he was always prepared.” (Financial)
“This course is well constructed and well designed Professor Stroup is really passionate about teaching and education.” (Macro)
“Dr. Stroup is one of the most passionate and articulate econ teachers I've had. Great instructor.” (Statistics)
“The lectures were informative and engaging. Optional additional reading were also very helpful in going deeper into specific topics.” (Financial)
“Dr. Stroup was available for office hours above + beyond what was expected. he looked forward to chat+to challenge you no matter your ability. His lectures were fantastic and slowed down or sped up depending on the class understanding of the material.” (Statistics)
“A not a big fan of Stroup overall in the classroom, but the man comes prepared and gives you every chance to succeed. His passion for teaching is evidence.” (Statistics)
“Prof Stroup is articulate, flexible and extremely helpful. He seems to truly care about our individual wellbeing in the course and goes out of his way to make sure we are learning. He’s also just really freaking smart.” (Econometrics)
“His course is well structured and well organized. Professor Stroup is really passionate about teaching and education.”
“I particularly enjoyed the layout of the presentation.” (Macro)
“Organized, helpful, and very approachable."
“The powerpoints were very helpful. I loved that Stroup sent out a survey asking us what he could improve on etc. Love how hard he works and cares about his students! Textbook is FANTASTIC!” (Statistics)
“Dr. Stroup was very helpful and available, and was very willing to change his teaching based on students' needs. the lab sessions were also very helpful as far as understanding the material and how it is used in real life.” (Statistics)
“Extra available help in the office. Professor asking question to see if the responses are signaling understanding.” (Macro)
“Great professor. Willing to help always, excited about material. Also willing to adapt teaching style to better serve the class, which I think is great have never seen from a Davidson professor.” (Statistics)
“The material has been difficult, but the professor had tried his best in having us learn the material, not memorize it. If we are on a section we don’t understand, he would slow down the class (if need be b/c most of the class would not get it) and explain as much as possible in office hours.” (Financial)
“10 great teacher, willing to help students and their learning styles.” (Statistics)