Dr. Zack Cramer, a Lecturer in the Mathematics Undergraduate Group within the Faculty of Mathematics, receives the WUSA Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award. This award is presented yearly by the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) to professors who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to undergraduate student learning. Professors must be nominated by a student, then endorsed by their class of students before being confirmed by the WUSA Teaching Award Selection Committee.
During the 2020 school year, every course Dr. Cramer taught received a nomination. Student feedback from his courses highlighted his dedication to student engagement and learning through technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students remarked that Dr. Cramer’s weekly video notes created to review each week’s concept made a significant impact on their learning experience.
“Zack showed me some of his videos last summer and I was stunned by the thought that went into producing them,” Benoit Charbonneau, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies in the Faculty of Mathematics, says, “I am not surprised the students found them helpful, and I am glad they chose him for this award. Watch out, this is not the last we hear of Zack Cramer. I suspect he is just getting started.”
In addition to his weekly video notes, Dr. Cramer made strides to connect with students in the new online learning environment. In one case, Dr. Cramer arranged 5 AM drop-in meetings so students many timezones away could connect with him at a convenient time.
"It is extremely rewarding to know that my students have felt supported and found my teaching to be effective, especially in these uncertain and stressful times. I am deeply honoured to have been nominated by my students and WUSA for this award." Dr. Cramer says.
Congratulations, Dr. Cramer on this accomplishment. Read more about the other recipients.