April 13, 2006 Source: :
http://newsrelease.uwaterloo.ca/news.php?id=4717 "Distinguished" UW teachers and student teachers of the year named WATERLOO, Ont. (April 13, 2006) -- The University of Waterloo has named four faculty members as "distinguished teachers" of the year, along with four "distinguished" student teachers. The winners of the 2006 Distinguished Teacher Award to recognize outstanding professors and instructors nominated by UW students, colleagues and alumni are: James Barnett, School of Accountancy; George Davidson, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Owen Ward, Department of Biology; and Erik Woody, Department of Psychology. The awards -- to be presented at UW's spring convocation ceremonies in June -- recognize a "continued record of excellence in teaching" at UW. Recipients will receive a citation and $1,500 each to support teaching activities. A selection committee considered "intellectual vigour and communication skills in the interpretation and presentation of subject matter," along with the teacher's "human quality and concern for and sensitivity to the needs of students." Also, awards for Distinguished Teaching by a Registered Student went to Julie Gauley, Department of Biology; Daniel Olsen, Department of Geography; Spencer Rand, School of Architecture; and Jason Tsang, School of Planning. They will receive an acknowledgment at the convocation when they graduate, $500 and a certificate. The Distinguished Teacher Award winners, including citations: -- James Barnett, professor of accountancy. For many students in the taxation program, Barnett is one of the keys to their careers. He gives clear instructions ahead of time as to what will be discussed during each class, encourages participation and, as a result, learning. Also, he is masterful at approaching concepts from the point of view of somebody who is learning tax for the first time. -- George Davidson, professor of mechanical engineering. Davidson's students speak of the clarity of his lectures, in which he makes use of practical examples that make the most complicated equations and questions understandable, the superb organization of his notes, which serve as a textbook, and his sincere interest in his students' learning and their general welfare. -- Owen Ward, professor of biology. Ward is known as "absolutely inspirational" by his students. His lectures are animated and enjoyable to attend according to students, even at 8:30 in the morning. The obvious respect he has for his students and his humility make him a wonderful role model for them. -- Erik Woody, professor of psychology. As a result of his expertise in statistical methods, his clarity of expression and his exceptional generosity, Woody has had a profound influence on almost every graduate student and faculty member in his department. He is said to have a unique, expressive and humorous teaching style. The Recipients of the Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Registered Student, including citations: -- Julie Gauley, biology. Gauley is a graduate student pursuing her PhD in biology. Her hard work to help as much as possible has been appreciated by students, professors and colleagues. Her pre-laboratory talks and tutorials engage students with open-ended questions, creating a friendly atmosphere for them to get answers to their queries. -- Daniel Olsen, geography. Olsen is a graduate student in geography pursuing his PhD. Apart from having been a teaching assistant, he also has full responsibilities in teaching several courses. Being determined and exuberant, he has never hesitated to take on new projects and tasks. -- Spencer Rand, architecture. Rand is a graduate student pursuing a master of architecture degree. His exemplary levels of energy and high enthusiasm for work and commitment could not be left unnoticed by his students, professors and colleagues. He has been extremely open with students and able to communicate and comprehend their needs. -- Jason Tsang, planning. Tsang is a third-year undergraduate student in the School of Planning, as well as a teaching assistant. He helps many of his students by guiding their thought processes instead of just revealing the answers. As well, he is close to his students and makes them comfortable when addressing their questions.
| 