Instructor Spotlight
Each quarter, the Midwest Solar Training Network will feature a model instructor's solar instruction tips and tricks. The Midwest Solar Training Network is pleased to recognize Bob Gilbert as a MSTN model instructor as he shares his teaching tips and strategies with you.
Instructor Spotlight Archives
Fall 2011: Bob Gilbert
Sinclair Community College combines classroom learning and laboratory experience in their solar PV and solar thermal courses with actual field experience made possible by their many nonprofit community partners. Recently, the students from the solar thermal class designed and installed a solar thermal system on a single-family residence for County Corp. County Corp not only provides locations for student experience in solar installations, but also provides locations for students to perform energy assessments. You can read more about County Corp by visiting their website.
Sinclair Community College offers an energy efficiency technology certificate as well as energy management degree programs. Bob’s role in these programs includes teaching engineering technology design and serving as technical director of The Center for Energy Education laboratory. Visit their site to learn more about the program.
The Center for Energy Education is host to solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, and wind technologies. Designed in 2007, Sinclair students built the laboratory through an internship program to promote energy and environmental education, laboratory experiences, and community awareness and education. The lab facility includes a mock-up Energy Star room completely run on energy from the wind turbine. The Energy Star room allows for students to participate in hands-on training in energy efficiency, including energy audits and green building principles.
Bob Gilbert received the 2009 NIA Distinguished Faculty Award at Sinclair Community College for his teaching techniques and leadership. Bob's teaching techniques center around student engagement in the classroom, as well as frequent assessment, laboratory experience, and field experience with his community partners. Each classroom lecture is a Powerpoint presentation, including many student activities for student engagement. You can view Bob's Powerpoints below:
System Components, Part 1 (.ppt)
System Components, Part 2 (.ppt)
For more photos of the solar thermal installation for Sinclair Community College’s non-profit community partner County Corp and SCC’s students working on the 1.1 MW solar PV installation for Dayton Power and Light, please check out the gallery below:
For more photos of the Energy Laboratory, download the Energy Lab Photo PDF.