Diana Austin says the kind of teaching she aspires to is a collaborative ‘joyful dialogue’.
“Simply put, my teaching strategies start with students, evolve with students, and, I hope, continue with students, because I see students as the key to their own education.”
Whatever her strategy is— it works. Austin, professor of English at UNB, recently won the highest teaching honour in the country—the 3M National Teaching Fellowship.
Austin received one of 10 fellowships awarded to professors across the country, who were formally announced in a special issue of Maclean’s Magazine this month.
For the love of students
Austin frequently scores 100 per cent on all the major areas of her student evaluations and has won all of the UNB University Teaching awards for which she is eligible, but that’s not why she does it.
“I want everyone to know that UNB's students make teaching possible; awards, however prestigious, are not the motivation that gets teachers out the door to work in the morning, but looking forward to a lively class session with engaged students is irresistible every day.”
Getting out the door each morning doesn’t always come as easy to Austin as it does for most people. In 1994 she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which makes standing through a 50-minute class quite challenging.
However challenging days can be, Austin doesn’t let her disability get in the way of doing what she loves best — teaching. Her commitment and dedication to her students does not go unnoticed.
“One thing that I really appreciate about Dr. Austin is her commitment to making every student feel intelligent so that they in turn will stay committed to learning,” said Christine Bissonnette, fourth-year UNB English student.
“Dr. Austin's class is not just about her teaching us, it's about us teaching each other and ourselves. Learning becomes a collaborative effort.”
Austin doesn’t believe teaching is something done to or for students, but an enjoyable, challenging experience shared with students.
“Most students can find joy in learning if teachers find joy in teaching and engage them as partners in the collaborative project of education,” said Austin. “Teaching, in other words, is joyful dialogue.”
When asked what this actually means, Austin said it does not mean ignoring the responsibilities of the academic context by “mindless enthusiastic gushing, non-stop fun and games, or giving A grades like candy-canes at Christmas.”
She says achieving a joyful dialogue with students happens by creating a collaborative environment of authenticity and empathy so that students in return are willing to make the effort necessary for achievement.
“I think students learn more effectively when they experience the enjoyment that comes not from watching, but from investing in and claiming ownership of their own education.”
Bissonnette says Austin’s interest and excitement for the subject matter she is teaching is truly infectious.
“She really does make learning fun,” said Bissonnette. “One of her clear strengths is explaining difficult concepts in a way that is easy to understand. Whether this is by comparing themes in the novels to current events, pop culture, or her own experiences, Dr. Austin makes the novels relatable to her students.”
Simply the best
Not only is Austin an inspiration for her students, but she is also a valued teaching mentor for her colleagues. She is a role model in teaching and learning for students and colleagues across the campus and beyond.
Anthony Secco, UNB Vice-President, Fredericton (Academic), says providing an exceptional and transformative student experience at UNB is a top priority and Austin’s passion and gifts for teaching allows the university to do just that.
“Clearly she is an instructor who challenges students to think independently and to achieve their best, always striving to inspire in them a confidence in the worth of their own ideas,” said Secco.
Her accomplishments speak for themselves.
On top of her recent 3M Teaching Fellowship, in 2008 Austin was appointed to the prestigious rank of University Teaching Professor in recognition of her long and distinguished record in teaching and in 2010, she was the recipient of the Association of Atlantic Universities' 2010 Distinguished Teaching Award.
And Secco points out that she continues to be frequently nominated by students for awards she has already won.
Roger Ploude, professor emeritus in English at UNB, worked with Austin for many years and sums her career up best.
“Austin represents the very best in our profession.”
As a 3M scholar, Austin will attend a four-day scholarly retreat and become a lifetime member of the Council of 3M National Teaching Fellows, a group that advocates for teaching and learning in Canadian universities and colleges.
Contributed by Natasha Ashfield, UNB Communications & Marketing.
