James Leo McFarland is an associate professor in psychology at Kaua‘i Community College. According to his students, “His lectures are always interesting and they are given in such a way that the student can apply this knowledge to everyday events.” They describe McFarland as always approachable, enthusiastic about his subject, compassionate and understanding.

McFarland believes that a professor’s teaching philosophy should transcend discipline-specific objectives and content. “My overall objective with any class is to imbue the students with enthusiasm for learning,” he says. He hopes to inspire students whose orientation to education is that of being passive receptacles of knowledge into becoming more active learners.

McFarland, who has been teaching at Kaua‘i CC for the past 28 years, is regarded as a creative, flexible teacher who is learning and learner centered. His interests in advancing teaching and student-centered learning go beyond the classroom. McFarland has taken active roles on the UH Community Colleges articulation committee and accreditation self-study committee and within University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly.