Top Teachers
Saturday, April 26, 1997
Name: Mark Hines
Age: 37
Position: Science teacher
Education: Renssebier Polytechnic Institute
Pastimes: Paddling, cooking, spending time with his wife
Mark Hines uses an old Chinese proverb to sum up his teaching philosophy: "I hear, I forget. I see, I remember. I do, I understand." Sparking the urge to learn
A science teacher at Mid-Pacific Institute, Hines gives his students hands-on, real-world experience -- such as planning a mission to Mars. In the course, "Exploration of Mars," student projects simulate the preparation and execution of a journey to the red planet. They visit the state Capitol, e-mail the experts and create web pages. "It's a lot more authentic than traditional classes," said Hines. "These are alternative ways to get students excited and involved."
This month, Hines was awarded a Teacher Tandy Prize of $2,500, recognizing teachers nationwide who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.
Hines energizes his physics classes by giving them the "Physics Challenge." One such challenge is to design and build a rubber band-powered car and then explain the physics behind it.
Said parent Harvey Gerwig: "Mr. Hines has sparked a fire within my son Steven to learn all he can about physics and what makes the world around him work the way it does."
This May, Hines will graduate from the UH--Manoa College of Education with a master's in educational technology. He believes one of the secrets to being a good teacher is keeping a childlike curiosity. "If you're bored as a teacher, how can you motivate your students?"
Alice Keesing, Special to the Star-Bulletin
