Bio
Courses I often teach
COMST 2030: Introduction to Research Methods
COMST 2110: Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
ENGL 3020: Business Communication
SPCM 2120: Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Research areas
Interpersonal communication, workplace communication skills
About my teaching
I like classrooms with momentum, energy, and interaction. Students practice active listening during lecture segments, discuss ideas in small groups, and consider others’ viewpoints during full class discussion. I draw on research findings and connect with personal experiences to illustrate concepts. Then, students are asked to think about and share their own experiences to solidify understanding of concepts. Assignments allow students to showcase their knowledge by integrating course concepts into their work.
How I came to teach what I teach
When I was 12, my dad asked me, “How would you like to get $1,000?” He had my attention. That question led me to my first public speaking competition. I spoke competitively for four more years, then switched to motivational and leadership speaking in high school organizations. These early experiences with public speaking, presenting, training, and interviewing launched me into undergraduate studies in business management. It was not until a friend said to me, “Did you know you talk about relationships all the time?” that I realized how fascinating interpersonal relationships are to me—family member, friend or intimate partner. That was also the day I switched from studying communication in organizations to interpersonal communication. Over time, I have come to appreciate the research process and I frequently teach research methods.
Grants
Madson, K., Shane, J., & Coffelt, T. A. (Accepted 2022). Integrating industry-defined non-technical skills into the curriculum. Miller Grant at Iowa State University, Funded, $25,000.
Coffelt, T. A., & Koziel, J. (Accepted July 2020). Enhancing the reputation of research in Uzbekistan through Professional Development. UniCEN, American Councils. Funded, $40,000.
Coffelt, T. A., (Accepted February 2020). C. R. Anderson Research Award. Association for Business Communication. Funded, $4,900.
Coffelt, T. A., (Accepted August 2019). Fulbright Scholar Teaching Award in Uzbekistan. United States Department of State. Award, $35,000.
Outside of the university
I travel, sew, follow college football and basketball, read, do puzzles, and spend time with family.