Rensselaer Alumni Association 2002 Teaching Award Award citation by Bud Peterson (Provost), June 2002 Outstanding teaching of Physics has long been a hallmark of a Rensselaer education. Generations of alumni cherish warm memories of great teachers including Robert Resnick, Alan Meltzer, and Harry Meiners. This year's recipient of the RAA Teaching Award, Professor Douglas Whittet, Professor of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy, is continuing this great tradition. Students deem Professor Whittet's courses, Origins of Life, Earth and Sky, Observational Astronomy, and Tour of the Solar System, to be "fun, exciting, excellent, enjoyable and cool." They appreciate his use of various forms of media, refer to him as a "phenomenal educator," and praise his unique ability to stimulate discussion. Many cite his counsel and research projects, and one called him "a true asset to the student body and Rensselaer." Arriving from the United Kingdom in 1991, Doug Whittet chose Rensselaer for its high-quality students and commitment to excellence in research. He finds teaching rewarding when students move beyond concern about grades and demonstrate interest in and excitement for the topics being taught. He enjoys the pleasant surprise of consistently improved performance from students he had initially thought unmotivated. For him, it is exciting to generate a really engaging discussion on a fundamental question, with no known "correct" answers. He believes students should be able to express their ideas freely, uninhibited by the presence of a professor. Clearly, Professor Whittet is committed to creativity and excitement in the classroom. He says, "In advanced classes, I often find that I am learning with the students, rather than expounding prior knowledge. In the lower-level classes, I am continually updating and renewing the course material, so it always feels fresh, never stale. I think the students recognize and appreciate my enthusiasm." The Rensselaer Alumni Association salutes Professor Whittet and is honored to present him with its 2002 RAA Teaching Award. |