CEEB Faculty, Graduate Student, Receive Biology Department Teaching Awards
At commencement ceremonies in June, two CEEB members were honored for the exceptional teaching over the past academic year. Alan Dickman, a Senior Instructor and Research Associate Professor in CEEB, and the Director of the Environmental Studies Department, and Paul Cziko, who just completed his first year as a doctoral student, each earned a Deparment of Biology Teaching Award. These awards, given annually, recognize outstanding teaching by one faculty member, one graduate teaching fellow, and one undergraduate teaching assistant. Students submit nominations for teachers who have made significant impacts in their education during their studies in the Department of Biology. Nominees should exemplify excellence in one or more of the following aspects of effective teaching:
*Sensitivity and fairness to students' needs and problems
*Ability to challenge and motivate students
*Use of innovative teaching methodologies and approaches
*Application of theoretical concepts to current issues in biology
*Organization of curriculum (lecture, discussion, exams, homework, lab, etc) to create an integrated learning experience
Students described Alan's teaching as creative and challenging, and remarked that he was especially well organized and gifted as a teacher. Many of the students found Alan's impact on the learning "inspiring."
Students described Paul as an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and patient teacher. Several nominators noted his willingness to spend extra effort helping students to deeply understand the material.