Six faculty members in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS)
at Iowa State University have been named Master Teachers for 2007-08.
The LAS Master Teachers named are Cinzia Cervato, associate professor
of geological and atmospheric sciences; Margaret Holmgren, associate professor
of philosophy and religious studies; Stephanie Madon, associate professor
of psychology; Craig Ogilvie, associate professor of physics and astronomy;
Amy Slagell, associate professor of English; and Kim Smith, professor
in the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication.
This is the ninth year of the LAS Master Teacher program, which recognizes
teachers who have a reputation for using unique methods to enhance student
learning. This year's award recognizes individuals with expertise in large
format classes with more than 100 students.
Previous LAS Master Teacher classes have focused on technology use in
the classroom, undergraduate research, off-campus learning opportunities,
multicultural teaching activities, and graduate instruction.
The six LAS Master Teachers will plan teaching methods seminars and in-class
demonstrations throughout the academic year.
The honorees include:
Cinzia Cervato, associate professor of geological and
atmospheric sciences. While at Iowa State, Cervato has incorporated innovative
teaching methods into her large lecture classes, obtained over $900,000
in National Science Foundation funding for enhancing geoscience education
in large-format classes, published journal articles on the topic, and
served as an associate editor for a journal in the area of education.
In her large lecture classrooms, Cervato uses various approaches to make
the class seem more intimate and engaging. These include interspersing
traditional lecturing with breaking the class into small discussion groups,
having students answer questions en masse by holding up colored cards,
and having large number of samples that can be passed out to all students
at the same time.
Margaret Holmgren, associate professor of philosophy
and religious studies. Holmgren continues to devote tremendous effort
to providing Iowa State students with the very best classroom experience
possible. She has been cited for her enthusiasm for teaching, the organization
of her courses, the neutrality of her presentation of controversial topics,
and her ability to stimulate and moderate discussions.
Stephanie Madon, associate professor of psychology. Madon
has a repertoire of techniques designed for large enrollment courses that
she uses to promote student engagement and enhance student learning. She
also infuses her large lecture classes with her own genuine excitement
about social psychology, which is evident in both student and peer evaluations
of her teaching effectiveness. She utilizes multiple modes of instruction
as a way to reach students with different learning styles including traditional
lecture format, visual aids, films, and participation activities.
Craig Ogilvie, associate professor of physics and astronomy.
Ogilvie has introduced innovative approaches to the Department of Physics
and Astronomy's large lecture classes in both the lecture and recitation
section portion of the courses. The innovations include an active learning
exercise component as part of the lectures, online problem assignments
to provide detailed and specific feedback tailored to each student, and
cooperative problem solving in the recitation sections.
Amy Slagell, associate professor of English. As the professor
in charge of the Speech Communication Program in the College of Liberal
Arts and Sciences, Slagell has secured funding to develop web-based resources
to enhance that program's large lecture course, partly to ease access
to grades and assignments so that teaching assistants spend more time
teaching and less time fielding grade-related questions. She works constantly
at upgrading the pedagogy and technology of her lectures, employing videos
of speeches, PowerPoint, online video and audio. She also employs exercises
that require students to move around the lecture hall.
Kim Smith, professor in the Greenlee School of Journalism
and Communication. In his instruction of "Mass Media and Society," a large
lecture classroom with enrollments approaching 300 students, Smith uses
real world examples and applies them to engage students in discussions.
Students indicated that they "enjoyed Smith's teaching style and the atmosphere
of the class."
Stephanie Madon, Margaret Holmgren, Craig Ogilvie, Amy Slagell and Cinzia Cervato.
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