Each year a committee selects University of Florida graduate teaching assistants to be recognized for their excellence in teaching. DCP is proud to announce our own Scott Rothberg was chosen as one of the Graduate Assistant Teaching Award Winners this year.
“This award is very competitive and speaks well to Scott’s outstanding contributions to our teaching mission,” said Margaret Portillo, Associate Dean, Research & Strategic Initiatives.
DCP Communications staff conducted a Q&A with Rothberg to learn more about his teaching methods and his thoughts on winning this award:
DCP Communications: What class do you teach?
Rothberg: I teach Methods of Inquiry for Sustainability and the Built Environment (DCP 3200).
DCP Communications: Can you describe your approach to teaching?
Rothberg: The nature of my teaching centers on the students as individuals. The purpose of my class is to prepare the students for independent research of their choosing that will lead them to successful execution of their final Capstone Project in the major. I structure the course to first target their understanding of the philosophy of inquiry and claim making, and then introduce to them a variety of general research methods. By the end of the course, successful education is evaluated based on how well the student has progressed from selecting a research area of interest, to defining a research question, and ultimately, to presenting a proposed research design to their peers.
DCP Communications: Can you describe your emotions upon winning the award?
Rothberg: When I first found out about the award I was astonished. I know that there are many courses within our college taught by some incredibly talented graduate students. To me, it was confirmation of how much the course has evolved in the two years I have taught it. To be selected in my final semester teaching this course was very humbling.
DCP Communications: Can you tell us about your award?
Rothberg: The award is determined by a university-wide faculty committee responsible for receiving nominations and evaluating deserving individuals. The main categories for evaluation are based on contribution to course development, the teacher’s instructional technique and their involvement with students.