Computer Science Department
Steve Engels, a graduate student in the Computer Science Department since Fall 1999, has held several teaching assistantship positions over the past few years. In CS 130 (Developing Programming Principles), Steve explained complex problems using basic day-to-day examples and visual models that helped to clarify the concepts. Steve was always available for questions. One student pointed out that Steve would “visit the computer labs the night before the major assignments were due just to see if he could be of any last-minute help.” Steve is currently completing a sessional lecturing assignment for CS 134 (Principles of Computer Science).
Steve’s interactive teaching style encourages students to contribute their ideas and to participate in the day’s lecture. Students recognize “his patience, his positive attitude, his listening skills as well as his ability to explain a concept in many different, creative ways” and his ability to demonstrate how it all interconnects within the broader picture. He is constantly smiling and encouraging students to do their best. His belief in and love for teaching, combined with his boundless energy, has translated into an eagerness by the students to learn. A colleague notes that Steve’s “innovative methods and personalized approach are making a great difference not only to his students’ understanding of the material, but also to their adjustment to University education. He is an inspiring example to his students that learning deep, difficult material cannot only be challenging, but also great fun.”
As one student summarizes, “There is no doubt that the combination of well-thought-out lectures and discussions, along with Prof. Engels’ natural charisma and teaching ability leads all his students to a heightened understanding, appreciation and passion for Computer Science.”