[Sci-tech-public] Siegel teaching prize

[David Mindell]

Hi all,

 

I am very happy to announce the Siegel Teaching Prize for 2008 that goes to
Xaq Frohlich. Many congratulations to Xaq on this hard-earned and
well-deserved accomplishment, especially given the quality of all of our
graduate TAs. Also thanks to Roz Williams and David Jones who sat on the
Prize Committee.  The prize carries a $2,500 award.

 

To quote Roz on Xaq's impressive teaching abilities in (and outside of) the
classroom:

 

"Xaq TA'd for STS.005 (Disease and Society in America/Jones) in the fall
term and for STS.006 (Bioethics/Schull and Hare) in the spring term. Both
Jones and Schull praised Xaq's combination of enthusiasm and professionalism
in his work with these classes. He went far beyond the expected duties in
his interactions with the students and also with the professors. With the
students, he was especially good at dealing with the inevitable questions
about grades, explaining with understanding but also firmness the logic
behind these decisions. With the teachers, he offered helpful comments,
suggesting reading materials, and bringing their attention to current events
related to the class.

 

Xaq was especially helpful in STS.006, where he also worked with Natasha
Schull to help her develop her contributions to this co-taught subject. He
worked with her on reading selections, gathered images for lecture slides,
and helped develop lecture themes and essay questions.  He also provided
excellent and reliable technical support for the class. In all respects his
work went far beyond the call of duty.

 

In their evaluations, many, indeed most, of the students went out of their
way to describe and praise Xaq's contributions to the class. They commented
on how he managed discussions well, always having questions to ask that
would get them talking and thinking about; on his being "very knowledgeable
and extraordinarily understanding"; on his helpfulness in preparing to write
papers and also on the revisions and in commenting on the papers; his
enthusiasm and liking for the subject was obvious to and appreciated by the
students."

 

d

 

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