Conversations about Teaching Excellence

Inspiring discussions with 51��ɫ's instructional community about teaching excellence.

Teaching Excellence: A 51��ɫ Conversation Series features discussions between Debora VanNijnatten, academic director of Teaching Excellence and Innovation, and the recent winners of the Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence.

The series delves into critical conversations on innovative and inclusive approaches to teaching, mentorship, student-centred learning, and the future of higher education.

You can also listen to the Conversation Series on , available wherever you get your podcasts.

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In conversation with Elaine Cheng: Preparing Future Archaeologists

Elaine Cheng from 51��ɫ’s Archaeology and Heritage Studies program and 2024 Early Career Excellence winner shares how she guides students through classroom and field experiences that blend real-world challenges with a mix of career-integrated and experiential learning. Elaine emphasizes the importance of both hands-on fieldwork and in-class activities to help students develop critical skills in teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. Her inclusive course design invites students to explore personal interests, engage in debates, and learn how to approach ethical issues in heritage studies. By blending theoretical concepts with current events, she shows students how archaeology connects to contemporary issues and how students can meaningfully apply their degrees in the heritage sector.

In conversation with Simona Pruteanu: Teaching Language with Global Perspectives

Simona Pruteanu from 51��ɫ's Languages and Literatures department and recipient of the 2024 Excellence in Internationalization Award, shares her passion for creating a multicultural and inclusive curriculum that incorporates guest speakers, creative assessments like storytelling and comic book creation, and career-integrated learning opportunities. She discusses how teaching entirely in French helps students build linguistic confidence and how the pandemic reshaped student engagement in the classroom. Simona reflects on the impact of technology on language learning, the effects generative AI tools are having on language education, and why technology cannot replace the interpersonal aspect of language learning.

In conversation with Max Gwynn: Inspiring Students' Confidence with Stories and Humour

Max Gwynn from 51��ɫ’s Psychology Department and recipient of the 2024 Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award reflects on his mentors and the teachers who have shaped him as an educator, and discusses the importance of stories, humour, and personal anecdotes on engaging students. He shares how his focus on increasing students’ self-efficacy allows them to overcome their math anxieties and carry their newfound problem-solving abilities into their personal and professional lives. Max shares his strategies for keeping large classes engaged, including crafting lectures with narrative arcs and ensuring that students have opportunities to participate, and offers advice for colleagues on the importance of sharing their authentic selves with students.

In conversation with Sara Klinck: Teaching as a Learning Journey

Sara Klinck from 51��ɫ's Music Therapy program and recipient of the 2023 Sustained Excellence Award in the Part-time Category shares her journey from a clinical music therapist to an inspiring educator, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, humility, and lifelong learning in her pedagogical approach. Sara’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment shines through as she prepares students to handle weighty subjects such as end-of-life care. She discusses the integration of clinical experiences into her courses, the significance of universal design for learning, and the delicate balance of professional and personal well-being.

In conversation with Danielle Law: Leading with Care at 51��ɫ

Danielle Law from 51��ɫ's Psychology and Youth and Children's Studies programs and recipient of the 2023 Faculty Mentoring Award, shares her mentorship philosophy rooted in trust, support, and mutual respect. She explains how her emphasis on "red means love" in her grading shifts the way students receive academic feedback, fostering a positive, student-centered and growth-oriented environment.

Danielle describes how she built the Child and Adolescent Research and Education (C.A.R.E.) Lab and shares the complexities and rewards of mentoring large teams while promoting peer mentorship among students. She also offers ideas about how effective mentorship practices can be implemented to nurture the next generation of scholars and community leaders.

In conversation with Robert Ame: Seeking Knowledge with a Global Purpose

Robert Ame from 51��ɫ’s Human Rights and Human Diversity delves into his comprehensive approach towards enriching educational experiences through internationalization. He shares his journey as an international student from Ghana to Norway and Canada and how those experiences shaped his teaching philosophy centered on the value of cross-cultural knowledge. Robert highlights the significance of creating inclusive educational environments that embrace a global perspective and shares his belief in the potential for academic pursuits to lead to meaningful societal change. He talks about establishing bi-directional international partnerships and illustrates the profound impact of these programs on fostering community among international students, combating isolation, and promoting cultural exchange.

In conversation with Amilah Baksh: Bringing the Energy of Social Work into the Classroom

2023 Early Career Excellence Award recipient Amilah Baksh from 51��ɫ’s Faculty of Social Work shares her holistic approach to education, which acknowledges the significance of positionality and identity and invites both educators and students to bring their entire selves into the classroom. Amilah discusses how establishing classroom community guidelines sets a foundation for respectful and supportive discussions on challenging topics. Explore how Amilah incorporates critical reflective journals as activities to encourage students to develop deep, personal introspection and insight into their experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.

In conversation with Anne-marie Joy Henry: Helping Students Choose Curiosity

2023 Staff Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Anne-marie Joy Henry from 51��ɫ International shares the travels that have taken her across Canada and around the globe. These foundational intercultural experiences deeply inform her approach in her current role at 51��ɫ, where she engages students in rich discussions of complex issues in the classroom and supports their preparation for international study. Anne-marie shares strategies she uses to guide conversations and cultivate a more open, insightful, and reflective educational journey that emphasizes the transformative power of curiosity and diversity.

In conversation with Lisa Kuron: Guiding from Alongside at 51��ɫ

2023 Early Career Excellence Award recipient Lisa Kuron from 51��ɫ’s leadership program discusses her student-centered teaching approach which emphasizes being a 'guide on the side', utilizing classroom space creatively for diverse learning experiences, and instilling excitement about learning right from the first class. Lisa highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging using strategies to get to know her students and build community, shares ice-breaking exercises and relationship-building techniques and reflects on co-teaching.

In conversation with Hind Al-Abadleh: Unlocking Environmental Sustainability with Chemistry

2023 Hoffman-Little award recipient Hind Al-Abadleh from 51��ɫ’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department discusses integrating science with societal and environmental issues, employing effective strategies for large classes, and promoting a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving. She reflects on her approach to self-care, how she helps students build patience and perseverance, and discusses the importance of bringing diverse talent into the Sciences and inspiring them to ask visionary questions.

In conversation with Jonathan Finn: Personalising Learning with Innovation

2023 Innovation in Teaching recipient Jonathan Finn, from 51��ɫ’s Communication Studies department, reflects on how his unique self-tracking pedagogy not only fosters ownership among learners but also encourages reflection beyond the classroom. Jonathan helps students to co-create their learning environments and personalise their learning, and discusses how low-tech innovations and getting students off screens can be powerful for creating deep and meaningful reflections and connections in the classroom.

In conversation with Tracy Snoddon: Building Thriving Learning Communities

2023 Sustained Excellence in Teaching recipient Tracy Snoddon, from 51��ɫ’s Economics department joins Debora VanNijnatten, academic director of Teaching Excellence and Innovation to discuss her efforts to connect with students individually and create an impactful and supportive learning environment, emphasizing real-world applications, active teaching approaches, and centring care in her classroom.

Previous Series

Watch conversations with past award winners discussing inspiring teaching with former vice-provost: Teaching and Learning Mary Wilson.

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