My philosophy of teaching is that communication is the most important aspect. I feel that emphasis on real-world applications, albeit demanding and challenging, give students what they really need. Overall, students are extremely happy with this style of teaching. I have the ability to link theory with application with ease and clarity which is vital. I believe in being a caring, accessible, motivating instructor. My knowledge in other areas as well as my expertise aid in my teaching ability and style. My teaching style promotes class involvement and analytical thinking using the latest developments in related fields. I convey the subject matter in a clear and concise manner in order to enable students to understand and retain fundamental concepts better. I use examples, overhead transparencies, and real-world case studies to reinforce the theory. This gives students concrete illustrations to apply to abstract ideas. My broad knowledge in statistics as well as in mathematics enables me to find various ways to explain complicated notions. I use a unique method of incorporating the presentation of materials and student involvement. In my classes, I like to move around the classroom while I am lecturing and encourage interaction from the students.

In my classes, I use applied examples that are related to my funded projects. I encourage the use of statistical packages such as SPSS, SAS, and MINITAB in all statistics courses that I teach.

In the courses that I give individual instruction, in order to help students achieve their learning objective, I utilize the following:

Available at various times which are convenient to the student.

Clear objectives are set from the beginning for the student. This enables the student to be aware of what is expected.

Rigorous one-on-one instruction using real world applications and a variety of supplemental materials (such as case studies, personal experiences, current research materials relevant to course) to enable the student to understand and retain fundamental concepts.

I believe in regular strong interaction with the student.

Periodic testing on materials to ensure that the student is staying focused.

I use Blackboard in some of the graduate classes.

As required, evaluations are completed by students at the end of every semester. Below are some comments made by students regarding what they felt were the most valuable about the course/instructor:

"I have always been terribly afraid of math but find I am comfortable with it and enjoy it. Dr. Rekab is a patient and caring instructor who truly cares if students get it."

"I think his teaching methods are the best."

"He was always available and willing to help, and his teaching manner was quite effective."

"His enthusiasm made the class much more enjoyable than I thought."

"His enthusiasm was great and the concepts were clear."

"The instructor is very knowledgeable."

"This class has helped me out with other classes this semester."

"Explained concepts well and facilitated note-taking. A good instructor."

"Instructor knows and understands a lot about subject. Friendly."

"The basic idea of statistics if fundamental to many careers. Excellent understanding of material."

"Promotes interaction between instructor and students."

"Dr. Rekab is effective in teaching statistics. Although the class is difficult, I learned a great deal of information in his class."

"... Furthermore, I feel Dr. Rekab did a good job breaking complex ideas down to the class so that we could understand them better!"

"His enthusiasm and drive to make us understand."

"Excellent teaching methods. In class assignments and review are very beneficial."

"The real world applications - which is lacking in many other classes."

"Dr. Rekab is a very interesting instructor!"

"He gave every practical look to Stats. He seemed to actually enjoy statistics. I always think of Stat. teachers hating their subject, but he was excited to be teaching it."

"I like the way he mixes problems and exercises throughout the class."

"Creativeness of instructor."

"Very energetic. Seems to understand students problems."

"EXCELLENT INSTRUCTOR!!!"

"Dr. Rekab has a very "hands on" teaching approach. He makes students work problems in class and show their work on the board. Although the approach can be intimidating, when students leave the class, they feel they learned something.

"Very applicable to real-life situations. Valuable for my position at work."

"He simplified the subject matter and presented it in an understandable fashion."

"I found the instructor's enthusiasm and ability to explain concepts very valuable."

"The instructor was friendly, to the point and interesting."

"Very applicable methods."

"I found this to be one of the more concrete classes I have taken."

"Dr. Rekab is very knowledgeable and presents material in a very easy way..for all of us to learn. He honestly cares that we understand!"

"Very informative, simple presentation."

"Dr. Rekab has a mastery of the subject and can explain from several perspectives."

"Clear and concise explanation of material."

"Made course interesting and enjoyable to attend as well as understandable for all."

"The instructor was a clear speaker. Great sense of humor, explained details in an understandable manner."

"He is very dynamic and he knows his job very well. He has a good background."

"The instructors depth of knowledge. He has a thorough understanding of a difficult subject. This is what I want."

"Enthusiasm of teacher. Challenge to think."

"Good teaching note. Valuable."

"He brings to the class real world examples (application) to motivate the students. He knows deeply the subject."

"Explain very clear by instructor."

"He makes the subject easy."

As the only statistician on the faculty, I am frequently asked to aid students from various disciplines such as psychology, electrical engineering, physics, operations research, civilengineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, oceanography, math education.