Photo by Jeff Luo

Award recipient, Dr. Syed Serajul Islam, delivers his thoughts on how an instructor should teach.

Jeff Luo

Argus

As part of receiving the 2009 Lakehead University Distinguished Instructor Award, Dr. Syed Serajul Islam from the Department of Political Science gave a presentation on how to be a good teacher, if not the best, and how to impart knowledge onto students.

Nominated by faculty members, the award is given annually to an exceptional instructor who has over ten years of work in instruction and contribution to the teaching and learning process of Lakehead University.

Dr. Islam’s portfolio includes a nomination for TVO’s Best Lecturer Competition, publication of eight books, fostering of a student-centered teaching and learning environment, as well as his engaging lectures, which are fondly remembered by many students.

Islam began by remarking that “this is just one man’s opinion on how to teach” in which he explains that his views are a result of his cumulative experiences teaching in many universities throughout the world. He encourages colleagues and soon-to-be teachers to explore their own teaching experiences.

Dr. Islam described ten guidelines he follows for every course and lecture he delivers in what he calls “the art of teaching.”

The list included starting with a clear and detailed outline, excluding irrelevant books or materials, writing questions on the board, proceeding with the lecture slowly, showing passion, and having a command of the material. Islam highlighted giving point and purpose to the lecture, engaging discussion, introducing the topic with a one-hour lecture of the fundamentals, as well as utilizing classroom technology.

Dr. Islam remarks that “teaching is a job, but not like any other kinds of employment”. He said that teaching is always an education of two minds, the mind of the student and the mind of the professor, each giving and receiving, so it is important for instructors to be an open dialogue and not a talking book.

To his fellow colleagues, Dr. Islam remarked that good and bad students exist and they exist under common circumstances.

“Most students are stressed out from their studies, deal with complex challenges of life such as relationships, and work at jobs for their survival”. They often approach professors with their history seeking help and advice, thus, it is also important for instructors to be role models, and be a path to dialogue.

Dr. Islam notes that students are equally important in their own learning experience as well as the instructor’s teaching experience. Students must engage in the learning opportunities available to them and actively participate in the learning process, “and the most important thing for students to learn from an instructor is an attitude, a perspective, and a way to life.”

Dr. Islam has also received the 2009 Lakehead University Distinguished Researcher Award for his research and scholarly activity, and will be delivering a lecture on State and Terrorism on February 23.