Teaching and Learning

Awards

Randy Harris, University of Waterloo Award for Excellence in Graduate Supervision, 2019

One of the many people who wrote in support of Dr. Harris's award stated, “Professor Harris is the rare supervisor who is brilliant, but able to let the student develop their own ideas. He is able to point to the possible path but lets the student blaze it on their own. I have tried to model my own supervisory skills on Prof. Harris’s methodology.”

Heather Smyth, Faculty of Arts Excellence in Teaching Award, 2018

In addition to being an exceptional instructor, Dr. Smyth's dedication to students and student experience  has been demonstrated through her roles as undergraduate chair of English, as campus advocate for UWaterloo's HeForShe initiative, and as former Associate Chair of the Arts First program.

Frankie Condon, Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance Teaching Excellence Award, 2017

The OUSA wrote that Dr. Condon gives her students an extended “sense of their own agency and responsibility as scholars, rhetoricians, and writers.” She encourages students to critically examine the impact of writing and rhetoric in the forging of human relations and interactions. "Her compassion for her students, innovative teaching methods, and passion for teaching make Dr. Condon an amazing teacher."

Michael MacDonald, 
Distinguished Teaching 
Award, 2015.

Students wrote that Dr. MacDonald surpassed student expectations as a result of his remarkable ability to “communicate content seamlessly through his ability with speech.” Teaching material that can be viewed as ancient is a challenge; Dr. MacDonald breaks down the concepts and assists students in grasping them. He ensures students have an understanding of what is expected, and structures his courses so that students are able to remain focused and on-track. 

John North, Distinguished Teaching Award, 2003

Students find that Dr. North is incredibly passionate about the material he teaches and about the teaching of that material. He uses numerous analogies to illustrate the concepts in the texts and fosters the students' appreciation of many writers. One student summarized his teaching by saying “He brings to the classroom, not only the wisdom and knowledge required of a professor, but also a personal touch that makes a drastic difference from the student's perspective.”

Houman Mehrabian, Amit and Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student, 2017

Houman Mehrabian, a PhD student in English Language and Literature, is recognized for his dedication to learning and teaching. One undergraduate student explained that “his teaching went [far beyond] and always incorporated [a] set of knowledge from other respected fields, such as philosophy and politics.” Another student wrote that “he enjoys what he is teaching and manages to allow that to flow over to his students. He is highly knowledgeable in what he is teaching and makes courses enjoyable. He’s a great influence.” 

Tommy Mayberry, Amit and Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student, 2015

Tommy Mayberry, a PhD student in English Language and Literature, is recognized by his students as being a positive, supportive, and “desirable marker, teacher and mentor”. Tommy’s passion for teaching and learning has a great influence on many who cross his path. As one of his students states, “Tommy has a certain spark or passion about him – an energy in his aura that inspires students”.