The most effective way to engage a college student with material is through experiential learning.

This is the teaching philosophy that Associate Professor of Management Michael Haselhuhn has carried into his classroom at the UCR School of Business. When asked about his approach, he emphasizes that active participation is at the center of meaningful education.

“For example, in my negotiation course, students participate in a series of face-to-face role-playing exercises throughout the quarter,” Haselhuhn explains. “This allows them to feel the tensions involved in negotiation and to apply the theoretical perspectives that we discuss in class. By putting themselves in the shoes of different parties, they not only understand the subject matter more deeply but also develop critical skills that they will use throughout their careers.”

Students echo the same perspective. They consistently highlight how much they value the chance to take classroom theories and test them in real-world scenarios. One student commented in a survey: “Professor Haselhuhn’s BUS 144 course is one of the best and most memorable classes I’ve ever taken. I truly love the mix of hands-on learning and the recaps afterward. It was a very effective mode of learning for me.”

That kind of feedback is not unusual. Several students pointed out that the course challenged them to confront situations that felt uncomfortable at first, but ultimately gave them confidence in their abilities. “I always look forward to Dr. Haselhuhn’s class,” wrote another student voter. “This is one of the most interactive courses I’ve ever had.”

The high level of student engagement and enthusiasm contributed to Haselhuhn receiving the 2021–2022 Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence in business administration elective courses. This student-voted honor is given to faculty who leave a lasting impression on their students, not only through subject expertise but also through teaching style and dedication to student growth. Haselhuhn was among five professors recognized that year, showing the depth of teaching excellence across the School of Business.

For Haselhuhn, the recognition was deeply meaningful because it reflected the voices of his students. “The most satisfying experience for me as a professor is to see my students progress and improve over the quarter,” he says. “When students come in feeling hesitant about negotiating and then leave the course with the confidence to handle challenging situations, it’s incredibly rewarding.”

He notes that many students initially view negotiation as something to avoid. Some are worried about creating conflict with classmates, while others feel uneasy about speaking up in front of peers. The structure of the course allows them to gradually build comfort and competence. Through repeated role-playing, reflection, and guided feedback, students transform from reluctant participants into capable negotiators.

By the end of the term, Haselhuhn says, his students are not just familiar with negotiation strategies — they are experienced practitioners who understand how to apply those strategies productively. “They know how to navigate conflict in ways that can actually strengthen relationships and create value for all parties involved,” he explains.

This approach, he adds, is made possible because of the unique qualities of UCR students. “UCR students have a dedication to learning that makes teaching a genuine pleasure,” Haselhuhn says. “Their openness to trying new things, even when they feel challenging, is what makes experiential learning so effective here. It is that willingness to take risks, reflect, and improve that sets them apart.”

The Golden Apple Award stands as recognition of his commitment to building a classroom where theory and practice meet, and where students walk away not only with academic knowledge but also with the practical skills needed to succeed beyond campus.