The University of Texas at Dallas recognized a group of faculty members for their outstanding achievements recently during the Center for Teaching and Learning’s sixth annual Celebration of Teaching Excellence.
Five educators received President’s Teaching Excellence Awards for their positive impact and innovative approaches in the classroom, while 21 others were honored for completing a national teaching course offered by the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE). Recent recipients of UTD’s mentoring awards and UT System honors were also among those recognized.
The 25-module ACUE course focuses on effective teaching practices for higher education faculty members. Completion of the course demonstrates faculties’ and institutions’ commitment to educational excellence.
The president’s teaching awards committee receives hundreds of nominations every year and considers a wide range of eligible candidates at UT Dallas. The award comes with a stipend, and recipients are presented with medallions.
This year’s honorees represent the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS), the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science and the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
President’s Teaching Excellence Award in Undergraduate Instruction (tenure-track)
Dr. Bing Lv, associate professor of physics
What is the best part of your teaching experience each year?
Every semester and every time before I teach a class, I still feel excited and nervous to a certain extent knowing I have responsibility for my students in the next 1½ hours.
What do you find to be the most rewarding part of teaching?
Seeing the students truly learning materials, and how your attitude makes a positive impact on them and their future success. I also like getting appreciation notes and emails from my former students telling me how my class helped them succeed in upper-level and graduate-level classes.
Do you have any advice for someone who is teaching undergraduates for the first time?
As long as you put your heart in, students will feel it. You will receive complaints, but they do — or will eventually — appreciate all your efforts for the sake of their learning outcome; sometimes it might take longer than you expect, though.
President’s Teaching Excellence Award in Undergraduate Instruction (non-tenure-track)
Dr. Tariq Ali, associate professor of instruction in bioengineering
What helped you become successful this year?
There were still some concerns and uncertainties when we returned for the first full year of in-person classes since the pandemic. My students and I both embraced it and made the best out of it.
What makes an excellent teacher?
The ability to spark enthusiasm in students; the ability to show the relevance of the course materials; the ability to engage students in critical thinking. An excellent teacher obviously does an excellent job in teaching the topics in the syllabus, but there’s more to it — they help students become thoughtful, perseverant, confident human beings.
What’s your advice for someone teaching undergraduates for the first time?
Start with a traditional approach and gradually employ any novel ideas you might have. But every once in a while, reflect upon your teaching style. Learn from assessments and more importantly, from individual encounters with students. Each week try to think of at least one thing you can do better.
President’s Teaching Excellence Award in Graduate/Professional Instruction
Dr. Meghna Sabharwal, professor of public and nonprofit management
What’s your advice for someone teaching graduate students for the first time?
Less is more. It’s better to cover fewer topics in greater depth than to cover too many topics superficially. Also, set the tone for the class early. It’s important to establish a positive and respectful learning environment and communicate your teaching style, expectations and goals. Finally, create an inclusive environment and seek ongoing feedback from your students.
What is one of your favorite memories from teaching at UT Dallas?
Getting to know my students on a personal level. It’s amazing to hear about their diverse backgrounds, life experiences and the obstacles they’ve overcome to get where they are today.
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
I was a national handball player in India. I also had a passion for singing and even had the opportunity to showcase my talent on the radio.
President’s Teaching Excellence Award in Online/Blended Instruction
Dr. Dohyeong Kim, professor of public policy, geospatial information sciences, and social data analytics and research
What was the best part of your teaching experience this year?
Witnessing my students’ growth and success. It brings me immense satisfaction to see a struggling student finally grasp a concept, observe a group of students work collaboratively toward a shared objective, and witness their overall progress and achievement.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to improve their online teaching abilities?
Keep your students engaged in dynamic class activities. Incorporating interactive and multimedia tools, such as videos, quizzes and online discussion forums, can be beneficial in maintaining students’ attention and interest. Create opportunities for students to share their thoughts and ideas in a virtual space. Furthermore, it is vital to remain adaptable to meet the needs of your students, especially those who may be new to online learning.
What is one of your favorite memories from teaching at UT Dallas?
Regardless of whether I am instructing a graduate or an undergraduate class, I always inspire my students to aim higher than simply achieving an A grade. Witnessing my students’ growth, both personally and professionally, is an unforgettable experience that I hold dear to my heart.
President’s Teaching Excellence Award for Teaching Assistants
Nan Clement, PhD student in economics
What was the best part of your teaching experience this year?
The students in EPPS are truly exceptional, and I am constantly impressed by their intelligence, work ethic and sense of responsibility. I am especially excited that this year I met more female students. They are hardworking and dedicated, and it is a privilege to support them on their journey.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to become a successful teaching assistant?
Keep an open mind. When you are on the opposite side in the classroom, it does not automatically make you a great teacher and researcher. It took me a long time to realize that it is OK to be a rookie and that I am just here to learn.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about teaching?
Teaching an entire semester is like running a solo marathon, and it’s not always easy to be motivated all the time. Additionally, it takes considerable experience to gain a deep understanding of complex subject matter and to identify students’ possible struggles.