I am a career (innovative) educator with many scholarly and informal interests. I recently completed my PhD in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University (Vancouver, Canada). The title of my dissertation was ‘Insight-Out: A Phenomenological Exploration of the Nature and Appearance of Learning.’ My research essentially confirmed the idiosyncratic/subjective character of learning as it arises for each person, young or old.
I have worked for 30+ years as an innovative and award-winning educator, researcher, coach, workshop leader, tutor, and author.
At Antioch, I recently (Fall term, 2024) instructed Foundations of Individualized Studies (FDN 5001), a foundation course for the Individualized Masters (IMA) program, of which I’ve been faculty since 2021. Earlier in 2024 and in each previous year, I taught ‘Neurobiology and Learning’ (SSC 8091) in the IMA, reflecting my long interest in Educational Neuroscience.
Earlier educational experiences include co-founding and leading the award-winning, innovative ‘SelfDesign’ and ‘Virtual High’ Learning Communities (2002 and 1993, respectively) in British Columbia, Canada; both programs were oriented to supporting personalized learning for children and youth. To this end, I have been working on and valuing online, personalized education since the early 1990s.
Professional interests of mine include holistic learning, Neurobiological learning, self-directed learning, Phenomenology, Goethean and ecological sciences, and project-based learning. Informal interests of mine include writing, music (guitar), DIY projects, woodworking, gardening, swimming, hiking, camping, and ‘shrooming (I admit it, I’m a mycophile!).
Previous professional experiences/careers: Journalist – Researcher; Geologist; K-12 educator: Science, Math, and Language Arts.
- PhD (Simon Fraser University), 2023)
- MA (SFU; Holistic Learning, 1997)
- BEd (Queens University, 1987)
- BA (Metropolitan University, Journalism, 1985)
- BSc (UBC; Geology-Chemistry, 1981)
nb: — these are all Canadian universities
In my teaching, it’s essential to me to personalize learning for my students as much as possible so that their experience is rich and engaging.
- Nature of Learning
- 2024 (in press): Book chapter: Personalizing learning in higher education
- 2023 (fall): PhD Dissertation: ‘Insight-Out: A phenomenological exploration of the nature and appearance of learning’
- 2021 (fall): Evaluating Personal Ecolography surveying; Holistic Education Review
- 2021 (summer): Where the Sidewalk Ends; Journal of Environmental and Architectural Phenomenology
- 2020 (fall): Seeking to Engage – Re-Placing SFU’s Burnaby Mountain campus; SFU Ed Review
- 2013: Learn Your Way! SelfDesigning the life you really want, starting now; book; ERAC-recommended text for middle and high school health and career planning in BC high and middle schools
- (See personal website for complete listing: michaelmaser . net)
- 2024 (fall): Educational Neuroscience (webinar for Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, SFU)
- 2023 (summer): PhD dissertation defense; Simon Fraser University
- (See personal website for complete listing: michaelmaser . net)
- Nominee: Convocation Medal for PhD dissertation; Simon Fraser University (2024)
- Simon Fraser Graduate Fellowship Award, 2021
- MITACS Training and Research Award, 2020
- Prime Ministers Award (Canada), 2007
- Award of Merit (British Columbia Ministry of Education), 2007
- Teaching, tutoring, mentoring, writing, editing
- Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology – member (Simon Fraser University)
- BC College of Teachers – Lifetime Professional Teacher membership
- ASCD, member
- (past) Brain, Mind, Learning Society
- (past) International Coaching Federation
- Antioch University (Online)
- Foundations of Individualized Studies (FDN 5001); Individualized Masters (IMA) program; 2024
- Neurobiology and Learning (SSC 6091); IMA; starting in 2021
- Other post-secondary institutions: Neurobiology and Learning; Optimizing communication; Personalizing Learning; since 2012
- K-12: Science, English-language arts, woodworking, outdoor rec, sustainability
- Outschool (youth): Science, ‘DIY,’ ‘Genius Hour