23-Apr-2009

Rick Martin

Jerry Collins

Congratulations to Dr. Rick Martin and Mr. Jerry Collins for being awarded this year’s Stanley J. Drazek Teaching Excellence Award. This year, students nominated scores of instructors to be recognized for teaching excellence and after much deliberation the selection committee chose five finalists. Jerry and Rick, the top two finalists, were awarded the Drazek Award; Pamela Carlton, Aleta Geib, and Hiromi Edwards—the three runners-up—were awarded the Teaching Recognition Award.

This year, nominees participating in the selection process were required to submit a packet of materials to support their nomination. Among those support materials was a teaching philosophy statement, which articulates his or her approach to teaching and learning.

“I tell students on the first night of class that my goal in the course is to confuse them. I then dispel their confusion by explaining that I want to introduce them to Asia in such a way that they will have more questions about Asia after the course is over than they have at the beginning of the semester,” writes Jerry Collins in his teaching philosophy statement. How do students benefit from having more questions about a topic at the end of a course? Jerry explains, “I emphasize the importance of asking questions, and often make the point that being educated means that a person has learned [how] to learn, and that the learning process begins with questions.” Jerry’s students were intrigued by his emphasis on cultivating their nascent intellectual curiosity and encouraging inquiry and expressed their appreciation for his innovative teaching methods by nominating him for the Stanley J. Drazek Teaching Excellence Award. Jerry has been teaching history, government, English, and Asian studies courses for UMUC Asia students for nineteen years.

Rick Martin, who was awarded the Drazek Award, elaborated his OLÉ (optimal learning environment) concept, which he describes as “the foundation on which I build my classes and teaching methods.” Rick wrote, “Learning requires active engagement of students’ minds, so I employ a variety of techniques to capture and retain their attention toward learning.” A method that apparently has met with great success as one student nomination reports, “…he is by far the best instructor I have had. If it was possible to have him teach every class I need to complete my bachelor’s degree in English, I would love it.” A pretty remarkable compliment for a biology instructor! Rick has been teaching science courses for UMUC Asia students for seven years.

Dr. Pamela Carlton, who was awarded the Teaching Recognition Award, noted in her teaching philosophy statement that she “tries to challenge students to perform at a level which requires them to stretch.” She adds, “I believe that successful performance in a challenging course enhances self-efficacy—one’s belief in one’s own abilities to cope effectively.” Pamela has been teaching psychology courses for UMUC Asia students for five years.

The student nomination for Dr. Aleta Geib read, “I am always motivated after her class to finish my degree and begin my passion as a career.” Aleta, who was awarded the Teaching Recognition Award, emphasized the importance of being well-versed in the students' culture in her teaching philosophy statement. In fact, having been raised in a military family, having served in the military, and having conducted social scientific research on the military—as mentioned in her statement—Aleta understands very well where her students are coming from. Aleta has taught sociology courses for UMUC Asia students for twelve years.

Ms. Hiromi Edwards, who was awarded the Teaching Recognition Award, mentioned in her teaching philosophy statement that, “Education did not come easy for me but after acquiring a college education, I realized it made so much difference in my life. I feel honored to be a part of my students’ education, which in the end will enrich and enhance their lives.” Hiromi teaches Japanese language classes and has been with UMUC Asia for twelve years.

Congratulations!

Aleta Geib

Hiromi Edwards

Pamela Carlton

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