MnSCU honors Chris Austin with Excellence in Teaching award
May 22, 2009 - Chris Austin, instructor of economics at Normandale, received MnSCU's highest academic honor: the Excellence in Teaching Award. Reviewers cited Austin's teaching methods for consistently using reverse design to plan courses, establish learning outcomes and chart a path to achieve them. He provides extensive platforms through which instruction can reach students at multiple places and at flexible times. He develops his own course materials and uses a range of collaborative and active approaches in designing classes - always with classroom assessment.
In presenting the award, Chancellor James McCormick said, "I am very proud that we are recognizing teaching as the cornerstone of our colleges and universities. For me there is no higher calling."
More information on the award and the system's other three recipients is available from MnSCU at http://www.mnscu.edu/media/newsreleases/current/article.php5?id=95
