May 5, 2022
Esteemed Dean Jan Hare; Esteemed Colleagues:
It is a distinct pleasure for me to present the Killam Teaching Prize on behalf of the Department of Educational Studies to our esteemed colleague Professor Robert VanWynsberghe.
Prof. VanWynsberghe has garnered an outstanding and exemplary record of teaching. He continues to contribute to curriculum development across programs and the Faculty of Education, particularly in the areas of education for sustainability and environmental awareness and education. In his teaching, he continues to generate synergies around new models and approaches to teaching and student engagement.
His contributions to the field of Adaptive Learning – a concept he has expounded on in a co-authored book bearing the same title – have significant impacts on modes of delivery, teaching-learning relations, and in the area of engaging adult learners, particularly in the areas of sustainability, environmental education, and a holistic approach to teaching and learning.
My esteemed colleague, Professor Jude Walker, captured Professor VanWynsberghe’s approach to learning and teaching in the following very apt words:
“Overall, what struck me most about Rob’s teaching is his effectiveness in supporting self-directedness, self-efficacy, and democratic education. He embodies all the core principles of adult education by making learning relevant, useful, and connected to students’ goals and experiences. His use of questioning and making connections provides personalized support and direction to each individual student while supporting the group as a whole and enabling students to form a community of practice of budding academic writers.”
Rob, on behalf of the Department of Educational Studies – faculty, staff, and students – I am honoured to have been asked to present you with the Killam Teaching Prize for this year. Well deserved. Congratulations!
André
