In the Classroom
Gallery
Grand Valley State University · 2013–2019
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Twenty years of college teaching across community colleges, state universities, and international institutions. From introductory computing to mobile development, from classrooms in Michigan to students in Kenya, Ghana, and Nepal — the thread has always been the same: meet learners where they are, and make the work matter.
Nothing that is learned under compulsion stays with the mind. Do not keep children to their studies by compulsion but by play.
— Plato, The Republic
Proper teaching is recognized with ease. You can know it without fail because it awakens within you that sensation which tells you this is something you have always known.
— Frank Herbert, Dune
Formal Evidence
Classroom Climate
"Szymon is a very positive person and it shows in how he interacts with students and the atmosphere created in the class."
Classroom Interaction
"Does a very good job at echoing student responses. Frequently commends students who ask questions. Very nice job asking open-ended questions that require both lower level and higher level responses. Assumes students are prepared for class."
Learning Styles & Management
"Used Twitter feed to keep content relevant and current. Stressed the important concepts on screen in real time. Talked students through new steps and gave alternative ways to do the same thing."
Student Voices
Thank you for motivating my son this summer. You opened a whole new world to him so exciting that I had to take this course to see it! I'm sure that you hear when people are unhappy with your class but as the mother of two of your summer students I want to say thank you for reaching them and making the subject matter something wonderful! This is the only class I have that is not per my transfer plan — this is just for fun!
Dorothy — Michigan (GRCC student, parent of two other students)
I had a great time learning web programming throughout these 8 weeks. I must say, you were one of the most participative and innovative instructors who taught me during my 8 terms at UoPeople. It is no exaggeration in any way; I am simply impressed by your effort and the little things you did to keep me and my fellow peers engaged and motivated.
Dixit — Kathmandu, Nepal (University of the People)
My sincerest gratitude to you sir. I have really been motivated and guided well in this course. I dare say you have been among the most influential instructors I have come across in this university and I hope I would have the privilege to be guided in other courses before I complete the program.
David — Accra, Ghana (University of the People)
Thank you for your constant support and invaluable instructions throughout this course. I loved studying every bit of it and it opened up my mind to think about the many things that make web programming work. I especially thank you for the feedback you gave me in the learning journal which shaped my thinking. Your website is fantastic! Keep the technology up!
Solomon — Kenya, East Africa (University of the People)
I wanted to email my thanks for the chance to learn a very valuable skill set from a very established educator and teacher. I just wanted to let you know I had to work in your class and have walked away with a whole new outlook on Linux and have made the choice to use Linux as a second operating system and I am no longer afraid of Linux. Thanks for being a great teacher.
William — Michigan (GRCC)
Thank you instructor for your timeless effort, corrections, advices and guidance throughout this course. You are indeed a good instructor; one among a million. I remain grateful.
Bassey — Calabar, Nigeria (University of the People)
It is really cool how you are one of the professors who looks happy every time I pass them in the hallway. Keep it up!
Thomas — Michigan (GRCC)
You are my favorite instructor! The first instructor to ever mention certifications and jobs! Real world stuff.
Michelle — Michigan (GRCC)
I've taken CO courses part time for about 13 years and what you're doing is exactly what that department has needed for years. Exciting!
Student — Michigan (GRCC)
You've been a wonderful instructor too and a source of inspiration to many of us if not all. Thank you.
Emmanuel — Sagamu, Nigeria (University of the People)
On Stage
Learning Channel · Nov 13, 2015 · "Playing the Game of School Well :: Gamification DIY"
In this short talk, Dr. Szymon Machajewski compares college courses to games and shows students how to “play the game of school” in a healthier, more motivating way. He introduces three key motivation theories—Expectancy-Value Theory (Atkinson, Fishbein & Ajzen), Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan), and Daniel Pink’s ideas of purpose, autonomy, and mastery—to explain why some classes feel engaging while others feel discouraging. Drawing on these frameworks, he offers three practical strategies students can use immediately: creating detailed checklists to see progress and build competence, selectively choosing which “games” (activities and commitments) are worth their limited time and energy, and focusing on playing a “well-played game” rather than simply trying to win at all costs. By reframing school as a game with clear rules, objectives, and meaningful rewards, the talk encourages students to improve their own learning climate and contribute to a more positive campus environment.
On Stage
Spaced repetition is an evidence-based learning technique where you review material several times with increasing gaps between each review session. It takes advantage of the “spacing effect,” which shows that information sticks better in long-term memory when practice is distributed over time instead of crammed into one session. By revisiting ideas just as you are starting to forget them, spaced repetition “resets” the forgetting curve described by Ebbinghaus and slows down how quickly you lose information. In practice, this might look like reviewing new content the same day you learn it, then again a few days later, then a week later, and so on, with tools like flashcards or quiz questions. Research in domains like medical education shows that spaced repetition can significantly improve test performance and knowledge transfer compared to single, massed reviews.
Recognition
2019
Optimizing Student Experience
Catalyst Award
2017
Exemplary Course Design
CIS 150 · Introduction to Computing
2016
Most Inclusive Classroom
Grand Valley State University
2014
Exemplary Course Design
Intro to Telecom · CO232
2013
Armen Award
Service Learning · GRCC
2010
Raider Award
Cooperation & Collegiality · GRCC
Pedagogical Innovation
Gameful Course Design
Redesigned introductory computing as an experience-driven journey using experience points, achievement badges, and behavioral reinforcement. This approach earned a U.S. patent (10,026,331) and was adopted across 11 faculty members coordinating 50 sections and 1,700 students annually.
Experience Design for Learning
Going beyond Universal Design for Learning, integrating cognitive psychology, storytelling, theatre, and design thinking into course structure. Learning is accelerated when students experience the material rather than receive it.
AI-Integrated Pedagogy
Built the AI Instructional Framework Explorer, reaching 1,000+ educators across 21 institutions. Currently mentoring faculty in ethical AI adoption at Lansing Community College, with published research on how 1,187 faculty are setting AI boundaries in their classrooms.
Flipped & Hybrid Classroom
Early adopter of the flipped model — lectures via video at home, class time for problem-solving and collaboration. Featured in EdTech Magazine for implementing this approach at scale in a community college setting.
Open Badges & Micro-credentials
Contributed a LMS building block and LTI plugin for Mozilla Open Badges, enabling granular skill recognition beyond traditional transcripts. Collaborated with Mozilla on accessibility of the badge backpack system.
Global Online Teaching
Taught mobile development and web programming for the University of the People, a tuition-free institution serving students in developing nations. Adapted instruction for limited-bandwidth environments without rich content resources.
In the Classroom
Grand Valley State University · 2013–2019
Course History
University of Illinois Chicago
2019 – Present · Associate Director (teaching through technology leadership)
Grand Valley State University
2013 – 2019 · Course Coordinator & Faculty
University of the People
2011 – Present · Adjunct Faculty
Northwestern University — Center for Talent Development
2014 · Online Course Developer
Davenport University
Adjunct Faculty
Grand Rapids Community College
1997 – 2013 · Senior Solutions Engineer & Assistant Professor
Lansing Community College
2025 – Present · Faculty Fellow, Teaching with AI