December 18, 2002
INFORMATION: Sue Bozman or John McElwain, (661) 362-3415 or 3494
College Program Recognized for Excellence
The College of the Canyons Associate Program for Adjunct Instructors was recognized as one of California's exceptional educational programs by the Community College League of California.
The Associate Program is a series of interactive workshops and activities that help the college's adjunct professors learn more about the practice and principles of teaching. Those principles include:
- Teaching is more effective when based on communication between the teacher and the learners;
- Teaching is more effective when students are actively involved; and
- Good planning makes teaching more effective.
"It's always a big boost for a program to know that what you do is appreciated," said Russ Richardson, a professor who serves as coordinator of the Associate Program.
The Community College League announced the "Celebrating the Way California Learns" award during its annual convention, which was held in San Jose Nov. 14 to 16. The award recognizes college personnel who have created outstanding learning environments and enhanced the learning of both students and employees.
Participants in the Associate Program are asked to demonstrate their teaching practices and discuss them with other faculty members. One hundred sixty five adjunct professors have completed the program, with demand outpacing available slots.
Helping to coordinate the program are Susan Crowther, professor and director of the MESA program; Joe Gerda, professor; James Glapa-Grossklag, professor and director of the PACE program; Victoria Leonard, professor; Rebecca Shepherd, professor; Diane Stewart, assistant dean of child development and Education, and Linda Trexel, adjunct professor.
The program also has received a prestigious Hesburgh Award certificate of excellence.
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