CLT: Provost's Conversations on Teaching and Learning

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Jan. 19 Watch Archives

Ways to foster critical thinking

Presented by Lawrence Hatab

Lawrence Hatab of the Philosophy Department led a Conversation on "Ways to Foster Critical Thinking"
He reminded fellow faculty members to use the Socratic method and then to be patient while the students make their way to the answer. He reminded us to "empathize with the starting point."

11/17/2009 more info watch

Engaging students (the art of lecturing)

Presented by John Toomey

John Toomey, chair of the Music Department, led a Conversation on "Engaging Students: The Art of Lecturing."
He advocated keeping students on their toes by asking questions unexpectedly, looking for "zoned-out" students and approaching them directly in class, and including in-class quizzes in his coursepak, so that students can take them together and help each other to understand the right answers.

11/3/2009 more info watch

Understanding faculty teaching styles: or how do teachers teach?

Presented by Shaomin Li

Shaomin Li of the College of Business and Public Administration led a Conversation on "Understanding Faculty Teaching Styles."
Dr. Li used the analogy of knowing how to build a clock (as opposed to merely knowing the time) to emphasize his focus on inspiring students to acquire knowledge, and he explained the traditional model of teaching that he employs: making material relevant to students by using personal experience and by relating out-of-course research to course topics.

10/6/2009 more info watch

College of Business and Public Administration
2008 SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award Winner

Shaomin Li is the E.V. Williams Fellow and Professor of International Business. He has taught undergraduates, graduates, and executives in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and the U.S. His research has been featured in The Economist, Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. He also appeared on CNN, FoxNews, and BBC. Professor Li advised the United Nations, Fidelity Investments, and Johnson & Johnson.

Shaomin received his Ph.D. from Princeton University, and was a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University. In 2008 Virginia Governor Tim Kaine awarded him the Outstanding Faculty Award for his "superior accomplishments in teaching, research, and public service."

Chair, Department of Music
2000 SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award Winner

Professor Toomey is chair of the Department of Music. He is a 2000 SCHEV winner, as well as a recipient of the TELETECHNET Professor of the Year award. Professor Toomey was appointed a University Professor for excellence in teaching by Old Dominion University, and is an active performer in the jazz idiom. He has toured with Maynard Ferguson, Mark Murphy, and Rene Marie, and has composed soundtracks for the History Channel, the Discovery Channel, PBS, and NBC.

Professor Toomey conducts the Jazz Choir, and teaches courses in Ear Training, Jazz Improvisation, and the History of Jazz. His son Jonathan is in his first year at Old Dominion, and his five year old daughter Charlotte is more than happy to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the piano for anyone willing to listen. He has been part of the music faculty since 1990.

Department of Philosophy
2009 SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award Winner

Lawrence Hatab has been teaching in the Philosophy Department at ODU since 1976. He was born in 1946, and when he was six years old he and his family emigrated to Brooklyn, NY. He received his Ph.D. from Fordham University in 1976. He has published six books and over 40 articles, mostly in Heidegger and Nietzsche studies. He has received both the teaching and research awards in the College of Arts and Letters.

In 2004, he was named Louis I. Jaffe Professor in the College. In 2008 he received the designation of University Professor. In 2009, he received the SCHEV Faculty Award, was named Eminent Scholar, and was given the University Research Award.