Profile - Linda Geller Axelrod

Instructor Profile

Meet Linda Geller Axelrod
Instructor of Business

Juris Doctorate (JD), Hamline University School of Law (currently Mitchell Hamline School of Law); Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism/Advertising, University of Minnesota

Question and Answer

  • Question

    Teaching Statement

    Answer

    My goal as an instructor is to create an engaging and challenging learning environment in which students can gain relevant and practical information relating to the legal environment in which businesses function. As a licensed attorney, I remain current on the areas of law that I teach and try to bring real-life examples into the curriculum. I want my students to be successful and will do whatever I can to help them understand the material.

  • Question

    What inspires you as a teacher?

    Answer

    I am inspired by students who are motivated to learn and by those who become excited and more confident in their ability when they grasp an unfamiliar concept for the first time.

  • Question

    What makes your curriculum interesting or valuable?

    Answer

    The areas of law covered in my classes are relevant to students in both their personal and professional life. Topics that seem to be most thought-provoking include: discovering that there often is "no one right answer" to a legal issue; becoming aware that they may be liable for something in a document they signed, but did not read; and learning about how employment law impacts them as an employer or an employee.

  • Question

    How would you describe what happens during one of your classes?

    Answer

    During one of my most successful classes, students are involved, interested and interacting with other students in discussions and able to connect their own experiences with what they are learning about the law and legal system.

  • Question

    How do you think students describe your teaching?

    Answer

    The comments I hear most often from students describe my classes as very well-organized, easy to navigate and understand, pertinent and relevant. Students have referred to my teaching methods as engaging, challenging, interesting and interactive, and they appreciate the quick feedback I provide on assignments and responses to questions.

  • Question

    What are some ways that you help your students succeed?

    Answer

    I encourage students to contact me as soon as possible if they are struggling. I am happy to meet with anyone who needs extra help. If their location prohibits meeting in person, I will work with them by email or phone, and can also direct them to other sources to further explain the area in which they need additional help.

  • Question

    How do you help your students get the most out of your classes?

    Answer

    I have created my online courses from the perspective of students who may be unfamiliar with D2L. I have designed them to be easily navigable, with content that is easy to find and includes clearly defined expectations. By incorporating videos that depict various legal issues, students learn how to analyze and resolve relevant issues. Students also have opportunities to learn the material through different methods, helping to make for a more interesting and interactive class.

Fun Facts

  • Fun Fact #1

    My family takes an annual "MLB baseball adventure" every summer, and we have been to games at all but one of the 30 stadiums.

  • Fun Fact #2

    I recently founded The Olivia and Howard Geller Foundation for Patient Safety, a non-profit foundation focused on the safety of hospital patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic the foundation purchased and delivered more than 250 WiFi-enabled tablets to hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Minnesota so they could communicate with their families when the "no visitor" policy was in effect.

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