Get to know New Assistant Professor Michelle Rivers
Dr. Michelle Rivers' research focuses on student learning
Tell us about yourself:
Hi, I’m Dr. Rivers! I’m a new assistant professor in the Psychology department at SCU and I’m so excited to be here. I grew up in San Diego so California is home for me. I went to Ohio for graduate school and completed a postdoc in Texas, so I’ve experienced both extremes of cold and hot weather… and I’m very happy to be back in place with a temperate climate.
My research focuses on student learning. I’m interested in questions such as: What are the most effective learning strategies and why are they effective? What factors influence the way students study? How can we promote the use of effective strategies through instruction or experience? A lot of my research questions are informed by my own experience in educational settings (as both a student and instructor!)
What's your teaching style?
To emphasize the importance of supporting diverse learners, I use the acronym “DIVERSE” to describe my teaching style, which stands for:
- Democratic – valuing student input & fostering community
- Innovative – leveraging educational technologies and assignments that allow for creativite expression
- Valid – informed by evidence-based teaching and assessment techniques such as regular, low-stakes quizzes
- Empowering – promoting critical thinking and scientific literacy skills that can inspire students to become agents of change
- Relevant – using relatable examples and emphasizing real-world applications
- Supportive – engaging inclusive and equitable practices
- Evolving – constantly improving based on feedback and ongoing professional development
I love the “improvisation” that comes with teaching. My favorite days in the classroom are when students get so interested that we end up having an engaging discussion about a topic instead of sticking to my lecture slides.
What's one of your favorite memories from your student days?
I have so many wonderful memories from my time as a college student – you might say that I enjoyed college so much that I never left! As a student, I studied Spanish in Costa Rica, took massage classes in the evenings, joined multiple research labs, and made friends who I still call for advice. I was a transfer student at UC Santa Cruz (go banana slugs!), so one memory that stands out is hiking amongst the redwood trees in between classes.
What was one thing you struggled with in college?
I’m a slow but persistent learner. It often took me longer than my peers to understand new concepts, but I tried to find ways to make the challenge of learning more enjoyable. What really helped was having supportive peers and professors who pushed me to reach my full potential. My experiences made me sympathetic to students who “march to the beat of a different drummer” – everyone learns at their own pace, but with support and determination, progress is always possible.
What do you think every student should experience in college?
All kinds of exploration and new experiences! College is a great time to try out courses in different departments, attend community events, reflect on your interests and values, and meet people who offer diverse perspectives. I don’t think that journey should end in college, either – but college offers so many unique opportunities to step out of your comfort zone.
If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why?
Definitely teleportation! Being able to instantly travel anywhere in the world would open up endless possibilities for exploration and connection with people without worrying about my carbon footprint. It would also make it so much easier to be there for friends in need – even if it’s just for a quick hug. Plus, no more sitting in airports or waiting for a bus. And if I’m craving Tom Kha Gai for lunch I could just hop over to Thailand for an hour.
I’m bad at following sports, but I do love watching figure skating (I figure skate at Sharks Ice when I can!) My favorite skater is Sasha Cohen, because she had an exquisite balance of both artistry and athleticism. Her 2006 Olympic short program is still my favorite skating program of all time!