The University of Waterloo announced today a new program to enhance the depth and effectiveness of student learning at the institution
WATERLOO, Ont. (Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012) - The University of Waterloo announced today a new program to enhance the depth and effectiveness of student learning at the institution.
Geoff McBoyle, vice-president academic & provost at Waterloo unveiled the University Teaching Fellows program to guests at Back to Class, an event highlighting innovation in teaching at the university. Local and provincial elected officials attended the presentation, which took place in tandem with similar activities at other universities in Ontario.
The University Teaching Fellows will provide leadership in teaching within each faculty to foster learning outcomes for students. Todays announcement demonstrates our commitment to teaching excellence, said McBoyle.
The program will result in even greater sharing of best practices in teaching and learning across all academic areas, more teaching development activities, an increase in teaching indicators such as teaching awards, and even better student course evaluation scores.
Waterloo already has in place the Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE). It emphasizes the importance of good teaching by supporting the development of the highest quality of instruction through its work with departments and faculty at all career stages.
A reliable indicator of a university's value is the success of its students. Waterloo graduates go on to have an impact on our province and our country, said Feridun Hamdullahpur, Waterloo president & vice-chancellor. Student success comes with teaching excellence. We are committed to enhancing our students learning opportunities through this and other initiatives.
Todays Back to Class event also included a student panel discussion on the undergraduate experience from the learners perspective, a presentation from Mark Seasons, associate professor and recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award, and a tour of Environment 3 and the many teaching and learning opportunities that its innovative design supports.
About the University of Waterloo
In just half a century, the University of Waterloo, located at the heart of Canada's Technology Triangle, has become one of Canada's leading comprehensive universities with 34,000 full- and part-time students in undergraduate and graduate programs. Waterloo, as home to the world's largest post-secondary co-operative education program, embraces its connections to the world and encourages enterprising partnerships in learning, research and discovery. In the next decade, the university is committed to building a better future for Canada and the world by championing innovation and collaboration to create solutions relevant to the needs of today and tomorrow. For more information about Waterloo, visit www.uwaterloo.ca.
