Awards celebrate innovation in teaching and learning

Camosun College

Faculty from Camosun were honoured for their contribution to innovative teaching and learning at the third annual teacher recognition awards.

The awards ceremony took place in the Sherri Bell Hall on April 25 as part of the Walls Optional one-day conference for faculty and staff focused on teaching, learning and technology. Awards were based on testimonials from students, faculty and staff.

“These awards shine a positive light on the work being done at the college to support students. Congratulations to every faculty member who’s teaching practice helps students be successful in these complex times.”

Sybil Harrison, Acting Associate Vice-President, Education and Innovation.

“We are so happy to recognize these 40 faculty members from across the college for going above and beyond to support their students,” says Emily Schudel, Chair of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. “I especially find it exciting to see so many nominations from students who took the time to highlight some of the amazing work being done at Camosun to support their learning.”

Examples of innovative approaches to teaching and learning that students said made a positive difference in their learning:

1. Finding multiple ways to explain problems until the solution clicks.
2. Using interactive software to enhance participation.
3. Regularly asking for feedback on how the class can be improved.
4. Having flexible deadlines and subject matter.
5. Scaffolding learning by breaking things into chunks and then progressively building on skills and knowledge for success.
6. Sharing real-world examples with a storytelling approach, and bringing in guests from the field.
7. Creating a safe space where students feel comfortable asking questions, seeking clarification, and expressing their thoughts.
8. Giving students the freedom to pursue their own interests.
9. Believing in students’ capability.
10. Taking a holistic, relational approach.

“Teaching strategies are evolving as instructors adapt to meet student needs in an increasingly complex world,” says Sybil Harrison, Acting Associate Vice-President of Education and Innovation. “These awards shine a positive light on the work being done at the college to support students. Congratulations to every faculty member whose teaching practice helps students be successful in these complex times.”

Camosun College is committed to teaching excellence. A range of teaching resources and learning opportunities are available to instructors to support their pursuit of excellence in teaching through the Dr. Lloyd Morin Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

Backgrounder

The third annual teacher recognition event took place on April 25 in the Sherri Bell Hall. The following faculty were honoured for Innovation in Student Success:

1. Aileen Wood Meszaros, Nursing
2. Andrea Turner, Nursing
3. Cassandra Cartwright, Nursing
4. Charles Morrison, Accounting and Finance
5. Chris Psutka, Sport Management
6. Cyrus Kanga, Accounting and Finance
7. Daniel Reeve, Political Science
8. Danielle Youngson, Nursing
9. Dean Janzen, Motor Vehicle and Metal Trades
10. Diane Gilliland, Academic and Career Foundations
11. Diane Nadeau, Nursing
12. Dulcie Thomson, Nursing
13. Erin Gormican, Nursing
14. Eva Silden, Criminal Justice
15. Heather Solomonson, Trades Development and Special Projects
16. Hilary Sandford, Social Sciences
17. Jamie Johnson, Athletic and Exercise Therapy
18. James Smyth, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
19. Jenny Holder, Community, Family and Child Studies
20. Julia Liska, Continuing Care
21. Katie Waterhouse, Social Sciences
22. Lynda Champoux, Nursing
23. Marty Donatelli, Psychology
24. Matt Agbay, Economics, Quantitative Methods, University Transfer Business
25. Maureen Niwa, English
26. Maxine Crawford, Psychology
27. Michael Pollock, Psychology
28. Nikolaas Sillem, Culinary Arts
29. Nicole Kilburn, Social Sciences
30. Robin Ley, Civil Engineering
31. Ryan Suleman, Biology
32. Sandee Mitchell, Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen
33. Sandra Carr, Architectural Trades
34. Shannon Keyser, Nursing
35. Sonja Kennedy, Management and HR Leadership
36. Stephanie Kirkland-Kuisma, Social Sciences
37. Steve Nixon, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
38. Tara Tudor, Social Sciences
39. Thomas (TJ) Babey, Marketing
40. Tracy Atkinson, Continuing Care