• In Conversation with Elaine Cheng: Preparing Future Archaeologists at Laurier
    Nov 22 2024

    Elaine Cheng from Laurier’s Archaeology and Heritage Studies program and 2024 Early Career Excellence winner shares how she guides students through classroom and field experiences that blend real-world challenges with a mix of career-integrated and experiential learning. Elaine emphasizes the importance of both hands-on fieldwork and in-class activities to help students develop critical skills in teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. Her inclusive course design invites students to explore personal interests, engage in debates, and learn how to approach ethical issues in heritage studies. By blending theoretical concepts with current events, she shows students how archaeology connects to contemporary issues and how students can meaningfully apply their degrees in the heritage sector.

    Laurier’s Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Learn more about award-winning teaching at Laurier!

    Explore more from the Teaching Excellence and Innovation Team at Wilfrid Laurier University.

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    37 mins
  • In Conversation with Simona Pruteanu: Teaching Language with Global Perspectives at Laurier
    Nov 1 2024

    Simona Pruteanu from Laurier's Languages and Literatures department and recipient of the 2024 Excellence in Internationalization Award, shares her passion for creating a multicultural and inclusive curriculum that incorporates guest speakers, creative assessments like storytelling and comic book creation, and career-integrated learning opportunities. She discusses how teaching entirely in French helps students build linguistic confidence and how the pandemic reshaped student engagement in the classroom. Simona reflects on the impact of technology on language learning, the effects generative AI tools are having on language education, and why technology cannot replace the interpersonal aspect of language learning.

    Laurier’s Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Learn more about award-winning teaching at Laurier: https://bit.ly/award-winning-faculty

    Explore more from the Teaching Excellence and Innovation Team at Wilfrid Laurier University.

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    45 mins
  • In Conversation with Max Gwynn: Inspiring Students’ Confidence with Stories and Humour at Laurier
    Oct 11 2024

    Max Gwynn from Laurier’s Psychology Department and recipient of the 2024 Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award reflects on his mentors and the teachers who have shaped him as an educator, and discusses the importance of stories, humour, and personal anecdotes on engaging students. He shares how his focus on increasing students’ self-efficacy allows them to overcome their math anxieties and carry their newfound problem-solving abilities into their personal and professional lives. Max shares his strategies for keeping large classes engaged, including crafting lectures with narrative arcs and ensuring that students have opportunities to participate, and offers advice for colleagues on the importance of sharing their authentic selves with students.

    Laurier’s Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Learn more about award-winning teaching at Laurier: https://bit.ly/award-winning-faculty

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    45 mins
  • In Conversation with Sara Klinck: Teaching as a Learning Journey
    Sep 20 2024

    Sara Klinck from Laurier's Music Therapy program and recipient of the 2023 Sustained Excellence Award in the Part-time Category shares her journey from a clinical music therapist to an inspiring educator, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, humility, and lifelong learning in her pedagogical approach. Sara’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment shines through as she prepares students to handle weighty subjects such as end-of-life care. She discusses the integration of clinical experiences into her courses, the significance of universal design for learning, and the delicate balance of professional and personal well-being.

    Laurier’s Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Learn more about award-winning teaching at Laurier: https://bit.ly/award-winning-faculty

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    38 mins
  • In Conversation with Scott Nicholson: Motivating Students to Play and Explore
    May 31 2024

    Professor Scott Nicholson from Laurier’s Game Design and Development program shares his passion for creating unique and inspiring learning experiences through games. Not only does Scott teach about games, he also weaves meaningful gamification principles throughout his teaching, igniting students’ interest in both the subject matter, and their own learning. Scott discusses his student-centred approach to motivating students with customized learning paths that foster intrinsic motivation and empower students to learn through exploration and play.

    He shares his experiences with integrating AI tools into teaching, helping students navigate these new technologies in their work, and how he uses gamification to help students build confidence. He offers advice for other instructors on incorporating meaningful gamification principles into their courses to make learning more engaging and effective.

    Resources and Articles

    • A RECIPE for Meaningful Gamification http://s
    • Exploring Gamification Techniques for Classroom Management
    • Completing the Experience: Debriefing in Experiential Educational Games
    • EscapeIF: Educational Storytelling Games for Low-Resource Classrooms

    Find Scott on the web at scottnicholson.com

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    52 mins
  • In Conversation with Danielle Law: Leading with Care at Laurier
    May 31 2024

    Danielle Law from Laurier's Psychology and Youth and Children's Studies programs and recipient of the 2023 Faculty Mentoring Award, shares her mentorship philosophy rooted in trust, support, and mutual respect. She explains how her emphasis on "red means love" in her grading shifts the way students receive academic feedback, fostering a positive, student-centered and growth-oriented environment.

    Danielle describes how she built the Child and Adolescent Research and Education (C.A.R.E.) Lab and shares the complexities and rewards of mentoring large teams while promoting peer mentorship among students. She also@ offers ideas about how effective mentorship practices can be implemented to nurture the next generation of scholars and community leaders.

    Laurier’s Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Learn more about award-winning teaching at Laurier.

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    41 mins
  • In Conversation with Robert Ame: Seeking Knowledge with a Global Purpose
    May 10 2024

    Robert Ame from Laurier’s Human Rights and Human Diversity delves into his comprehensive approach towards enriching educational experiences through internationalization. He shares his journey as an international student from Ghana to Norway and Canada and how those experiences shaped his teaching philosophy centered on the value of cross-cultural knowledge. Robert highlights the significance of creating inclusive educational environments that embrace a global perspective and shares his belief in the potential for academic pursuits to lead to meaningful societal change. He talks about establishing bi-directional international partnerships and illustrates the profound impact of these programs on fostering community among international students, combating isolation, and promoting cultural exchange.

    Laurier’s Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Learn more about award-winning teaching at Laurier.

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    56 mins
  • In Conversation with Amilah Baksh: Bringing the Energy of Social Work into the Classroom at Laurier
    Apr 5 2024

    Amilah Baksh from Laurier’s Faculty of Social Work shares her holistic approach to education, which acknowledges the significance of positionality and identity and invites both educators and students to bring their entire selves into the classroom. Amilah discusses how establishing classroom community guidelines sets a foundation for respectful and supportive discussions on challenging topics. Explore how Amilah incorporates critical reflective journals as activities to encourage students to develop deep, personal introspection and insight into their experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.

    Laurier’s Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Learn more about award-winning teaching at Laurier.

    Discover more from the Teaching Excellence and Innovation Team

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    36 mins