Teaching Experience and Interests
My Journey into Teaching
I come from a family with a rich tradition in education. My grandmother was a math teacher and school vice-principal, my father taught art, and my mother was a high school history teacher. Surrounded by educators, I grew up admiring the impact they had on their students' lives. Over time, I realized I had inherited that same passion for teaching and a deep desire to share knowledge and inspire others.
My teaching journey began in Ukraine, where I worked as a part-time university lecturer while holding an M.S. in Management. From 2009 to 2010, I taught undergraduate courses such as Decision Making Methods and Entrepreneurship, as well as graduate-level classes in Theoretical Foundations of Management and Tourism Management.
After moving to the United States to pursue a doctoral degree at West Virginia University, I continued developing my teaching skills. I led undergraduate courses in Marketing, Buyer Behavior, International Marketing, and International Business
What Good Teaching Means to Me
To me, good teaching is grounded in three core principles:
- Engagement - I strive to make every class interactive and thought-provoking.
- Preparation for real-world careers - I connect classroom concepts to practical applications in marketing and international business.
- Fairness - I ensure all students are treated with respect and have equal opportunities to succeed.
I also believe that learning should be fun. I incorporate games, simulations, real-world case studies, and interactive quizzes to create a dynamic and enjoyable classroom experience. My goal is for students to feel energized and curious, not overwhelmed or disengaged.
An Inclusive, Supportive Learning Environment
Creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom is at the heart of my teaching philosophy. I work intentionally to make my classes a safe space where all voices are heard and respected. I welcome diverse perspectives, foster open discussions, and encourage students to bring their unique backgrounds and ideas into our shared learning experience.
I want each student to leave my class not only with stronger academic skills, but also with greater confidence in themselves and their place in the world.
Consumer Behavior (MKTG-315)
In this course, students explore consumer decision-making processes and learn different behavioral concepts and theories that help them understanding these processes. This knowledge of factors that influence consumer behavior can be used in developing marketing strategy and/or marketing communications. The topics discussed in this course include contemporary trends in American society, market segmentation, internal and external influences on behavior, and persuasive communication.
Syllabus Link
Marketing (MKTG-301)
This is an introductory course that presents the history of marketing, marketing concept, the marketing mix, methods of marketing research, ethical and sustainable decisions in marketing, and more. Upon completion, students will be able to apply basic marketing concepts to the real-world situations.
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International Marketing (MKTG-370)
In this course, students explore how the elements of the marketing mix can be applied in an international context. Topics include the importance of globalization and its influence on American businesses, understanding of global economic, political, legal, and regulatory environments, cultural differences in foreign countries, brand, product, and communication decisions in global marketing, etc.
Syllabus Link
International Business (INTB-280)
This course explores business in the international context and the role that politics, culture, demography, as well as home/host country institutions and regulatory policies, play in making global business decisions. Topics include international trade and investments, the role of natural resources in economic development and sustainable solutions, intellectual property rights and other legal aspects of international trade, contemporary global security problems, global leadership, etc.
Syllabus LinkSelected Student Comments
Buyer Behavior (Spring 2019):
“Overall I loved this course and thought [Elvira Kizilova] was very understanding and down to earth. I don't really have any recommendations for changes.”
Global Marketing (Fall 2019):
“[Elvira Kizilova’s] great ability to explain, her enthusiasm and dedication to teaching the material, and mostly her excellence [helped me in this course].”
“I would like to thank you to be such an awesome professor. You have always been there for me. And [I] learned a lot from you throughout the semester. Thank you again it was a pleasure being in your class.”
Consumer Behavior (Spring 2020):
“[Elvira Kizilova’s] lectures were very thought–provoking and informative, and also the kahoot reviews we did. The professor also was very understanding with everything going on, and gave feedback on everything I did so I knew if I was on the right track or not.”
Global Marketing (Fall 2020):
"I couldn't have asked for a better class! Everything from the sims to the quizzes and video assignments all were to the point and made me learn the material very easily. Thank you for making this class fun and enjoyable to be in."
International Marketing (Spring 2022):
"Professor Kizilova has been one of the best professors I have had at this school. She genuinely cares for her students to pass the course and to have enthusiasm about it too."
“Throughout the whole class this professor managed to make every single topic that we discussed something interesting to learn and the most important the messaging and communication while teaching was very clear and precise. I believe that in order to be highly effective you have to be able to exceed and what you do and I truly believe that this professor has done it. She managed to make the class extremely interesting and was always upto-date when it came to topics and examples. During her lecture, throughout class assignments, projects and in our final presentations she managed to help us connect with the topics and actually understand them not only learn them for an example actually be able to understand what we are learning and be able to apply it in real life scenarios which is extremely valuable for me.”
International Business (Spring 2022):
“A very professional individual to learn and work with. Lead class adequately, with full respect, and in a timely manner. Addressed all and any concerns that were raised during class and out of class. The professor also constantly encouraged class for participation which led to comprehension, knowledge, and success. She is very open and caring towards her students. Dominican needs more professors like her!!”