Dr. Lillie's Teaching Philosophy

The years that I spent developing training materials and teaching courses for an international CPA firm taught me to be very sensitive to the needs of the adult learner.  I refer to this as “teaching the pros from Dover” (a take-off on a line from “Mash”).  What I learned from this experience is that you do not really teach adult learners.  Rather, with the aid of well-designed course materials, you gently guide them through a learning process.

As a teacher, I see myself as a guide.  In order to know where I am going I look through the eyes of the learner that I am attempting to guide.  This perspective enables me to see things as the learner/student sees them.  Once I have this vision, then I can develop course materials and create the learning processes that will guide the learner to a desired learning objective.

I treat my students as adult learners, as stakeholders in their learning process.  I have responsibilities in the learning process, just as they do.  I assume that my students are in class because they want to be there.  I do not know all of the answers.  Neither do my students.  But, together we can find most answers.

I am a teacher, a professional accountant, and an active member of my profession.  While I guide my students through the topics that need to be learned, I share my practice experiences and my vision of what I believe a professional accountant should be and what the profession as a whole will expect from each of us.

I am a counselor and advisor.  My experience in training and development has given me a unique perspective on how accounting professionals grow and mature throughout their careers.  When students ask for help with career planning, I am most willing to help guide them through the many options that are available.

I set high performance standards and encourage students to reach those standards.  While setting high standards that challenge performance, I believe that evaluation should be fair.

I expect ethical behavior.  Honesty in all things is of paramount importance.

Accountants must be critical thinkers, effective communicators, and sensitive to the needs of their clients and peers.  I emphasize these characteristics in all aspects of my course design and teaching.

When I entered public accounting almost 30 years ago, the pencil, paper, ruler, eraser, scissors, glue, and the adding machine were the “tools of the trade.”  While these tools are still used, emphasis has changed toward technology.

Accordingly, technology plays a key role in my course design.  I challenge students to learn how to use technology so that it becomes second nature to them.  While doing this, sensitivity is key to success.  Some students handle technology more readily than others.

I have an obligation to my students, profession, colleagues, and to myself.  Everything that I do is done with these obligations clearly in mind and sight.

The accounting profession has been good to me.  Everyday, I do my best to pass this kindness on to others.

Dr. Rick Lillie