Denise Besson
Reason #16: Employers are looking for employees with effective communication skills.
Title: Communication Instructor
Office Location: PB2
Email: dbesson@gavilan.edu
PEDAGOGY PHILOSOPHY:
It is impossible not to communicate on any given day. Whether it be on the phone, via email, conversations and/or simply listening to others and giving feedback, it is a continuous process that we often times take for granted. Therefore, I structure my courses in a way that reflect what you deal with in life. I want you to understand the complexity of human communication and how you can improve by applying skills essential to growth and development in any communication context. I am known for using a variety of teaching methods including lecture, collaborative learning in small groups and dyads, role-playing, television and film analysis and hands on learning. I also require students enrolled in my CMUN 10- Small Group Communication course to participate in an extensive 8-week service learning project where they go out into the community and make a positive difference working together as a team. Through synergy and hard work, we (Gavilan College Students) continue to make positive differences in our community. For more information regarding the community service project and success stories related to community service, visit the Communication Department Website or click on the Communication Studies Community Projects link. I invite you to take a communication studies course, as you will find it empowering and rewarding.
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:
- B.A. in Organizational Communication with a minor in Journalism, CSU Stanislaus
- M.A. in Speech Communication with Emphasis in Communication Education, SJSU
- Certified in Conflict Mediation
- CMAP's Collaborator of the Year Award (3 years in a row) with Marc Turetzky for work in Learning Community
- Alumni Speaker Gavilan College 87th Annual Graduation Commencement May 25, 2007
- Faculty of the Year 2007, Fine Arts Dept
- Emcee at Bach to Blues, 2010
BIOGRAPHY:
Denise attended Gilroy High School, completed coursework at Gavilan College and received a B.A. in Organizational Communication with a minor in Journalism from CSU Stanislaus and an M.A. in Speech Communication Education from San Jose State University. In addition, Denise studied abroad traveling through most of Central America and Studied at the Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica. Denise was the first in her immediate family to receive a college degree and began teaching at Gavilan College in 1997. Her passion for teaching and commitment to the community have been demonstrated through her involvement on the Gavilan College Education Foundation Board. Denise began to connect Gavilan College students with local non-profit agencies through a service learning assignment entitled, Making a Difference. To date, Gavilan College students have volunteered over 4,000 hours of community service, raised, and donated over $50,000 to local non-profit agencies and services.