U of O BI 399 Oregon Field Studies. Spring 2011. (Tobias)
"Tobias is great at engaging students. He includes great stories and memory tricks, making botany really fun. He earned all of our respect, and still felt very personable." -- Chelsea Mackin
"Tobias is a fantastic GTF. He is hilarious and makes learning just that much more fun! He connects exceptionally well with students and is incredibly intelligent." -- Lydia Goy
"I think Tobias may know all things, yet he is the most modest...He treated every student as if he had a special interest in their needs and constantly tailored his lessons to accommodate." -- Kandis Jordan
"Tobias was a great teacher. He seemed to have this almost unlimited store of plant knowledge and at least one accompanying fact to go with each plant. I will forever have an image of him pulling out a gigantic keying book (Hitchcock) and declaring it the "field edition." Truly a great GTF." -- Marc Wasserman
"Tobias was a great GTF. As a history major who had a bit of trouble keeping up with the Bio in this course, Tobias was extremely helpful. He could explain (information) to me in a way that I could understand. Not only that but he knows so much about plants, and fun facts about them too, that aren't all biology-y. Have more Tobias! He's funny, helpful, knows his stuff and able to connect with students, but still garner their respect. He is THE best GTF I have ever had at the UO." -- Lauren Ross
Plant Walk at Hendrick's Park. April 12, 2009 (Tobias)
"...with Policha bringing the plants alive as he shared both his passion, his broad knowledge and his humor." from article by Susan Palmer in the Register Guard.
U of O BI 212 General Biology. Winter 2009. (Tobias)
"Tobias was a highly energetic instructor. He was motivating. Tobias really put effort into trying to clarify the course content."
"very interesting and presents material so that students pay attention. readily available to answer questions during the lab and help students to understand material and procedures"
"Tobias is a great GTF. He understands the material well and conveys it in a friendly, down to earth manner. He answered questions and was available when needed."
"Very friendly and approachable, so never felt stressed to ask him a question, and he seemed genuinely interested in helping us."
"This was one of the best labs I have ever been in in all the years i have been at the university. It was fun and I learned a ton!"
U of O BI 432 Mycology. Fall 2008. (Tobias)
"He was useful in his areas of expertise, and clear about when he lacked knowledge on a subject. He was always willing to help whoever had questions or problems, and his cheerful disposition and clear thinking made him a wonderful teacher."
"Tobias is awesome! He did a great job of teaching in a class where the quantity of knowledge required of the TA is enormous. He was always fun and friendly and really enhanced the class in general."
"Tobias is a great joy to be around. He is thoughtful, intelligent, funny, and easy to talk to. These qualities make him a valuable asset to any institution."
Willamette Valley Permaculture Design Course. Spring 2008.
"Instructors Jude Hobbs and Tobias Policha bring to The Willamette Valley Permaculture Design Course the unique perspective of living their subject. Each is a wealth of information about Permaculture. The course covers an amazing breadth of material as required to certify students as Permaculture design consultants. Course materials are presented in a format accessible to layperson and expert alike, with an easygoing pace and plenty of time for questions and follow-up discussion. Look no further if you want a great introduction to this timely topic."
Winter Twig ID. December 1, 2007. (Tobias)
“Great humor, plus learned much. Great class!”
“I really enjoyed it – you are clearly very good at identifying plants, knowing several uses for them, and communicating that effectively to others.”
Botanical Medicine. November 18, 2007. (Nome & Tobias)
“Tobias and Nome are friendly and enthusiastic.”
“You guys rock.”
“A really first class workshop. Pitched at precisely the level I hoped for, paced well, structured deftly, much fun, a relaxed, yet highly productive use of my time.”
Bioregional Herbalism. November, 11, 2007. (Nome & Tobias)
“Start a radio show!”
HERBAL PREPARATIONS: From Field to Pharmacy. March 4, 2007. (Nome)
“A very nice class from a very knowledgeable instructor”
FROM PROTONS TO POLYSACCHARIDES: Basic Concepts in Biochemistry. January 14, 21 & 28 2007. (Nome & Tobias)
“I enjoyed the humor and light tone of the class.”
“Well explained and interesting.” (12 year old participant)
“Funny stories…Tobias and Nome kept it lively.”
“The atmosphere was helpful in facilitating good discussion.”
“Thank you! You guys rock!”
“The samples helped connect some dots around plant constituents.”
“Very accessible information, fun, goofy, packed learning….Keep it going!”
“I understood the very new material”
“What a deal!?! Knowledge is priceless…..Really good instruction. Thanks for sharing, I can tell you care.”
Winter Twig ID. December 9, 2006. (Tobias)
“ICE is an amazing resource and contribution to this community.”
“ICE is awesome….keep up the good work.”
“Entertaining…great class.”
“Great handouts, very useful.”
Plants for the People. November 14, 2006. (Nome & Tobias)
“This presentation truly piqued my interest in a way no other has by making command of the information appear attainable…. This time I left feeling I’d found a new interest to develop… it also shed new light on many of the unappreciated plants in my own yard [dock!]…. I left believing that although last night wasn’t a forum that allowed you to display your mastery of the subject, you are both extremely knowledgeable and well versed in your craft. You’ll be excellent teachers, herbalists and healers.”
U of O BI 448 Systematic Botany. Spring 2006. (Tobias; as teaching assistant)
"His teaching skill, bottomless good nature, humor, and willingness to work with struggling students were extraordinary.' -- Course Instructor
Spring Field Botany @ Mount Pisgah Arboretum. April 8-9, 2006. (Tobias)
“Generally outstanding!”
“Tobias’ humor was a wonderful addition to the learning environment.”
“Great! It could have been longer.”
“Excellent!”
“Made complex material more accessible.”
“Can’t wait for more.”
“Excellent, knowledgeable and enthusiastic teacher.”
