This study examined the teaching methodology used by Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh in his Agricultural Policy course at Kansas State University for nearly 50 years. Dr. Flinchbaugh was known internationally for agricultural policy and teaching. Ten former students were interviewed and asked a series of questions in a semi-structured format. Through qualitative methods, the study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the instructional practices, engagement strategies, and approaches that contributed to his impactful teaching career. The findings reveal that Flinchbaugh’s teaching approach was characterized by a student-centered approach, emphasizing active engagement, critical thinking, and real-world application. Effective student-teacher interactions, including timely feedback and open dialogue, are also highlighted as crucial aspects of Flinchbaugh’s pedagogy. Participants attributed their career success and continued engagement in agricultural policy to the knowledge, skills, and inspiration from Flinchbaugh’s course. Overall, this study highlights the significance of exceptional educators in shaping students’ educational experiences and emphasizes the continuous improvement of teaching methodologies in higher education.

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