German: Jennifer Bjornstad – CELT Teaching Award

CELT Teaching Award 2017

Prof. Bjornstad, associate professor of foreign languages and literatures in the College of Arts and Sciences, was awarded the honor for her work in the pedagogy category. She was nominated by Douglas Tougaw, Ph.D., professor of electrical and computer engineering, and a student in Jennifer’s beginning German class. “I can testify firsthand that Professor Bjornstad’s pedagogical style is exceptionally interactive, with many opportunities for students to demonstrate the skills they have just learned and to interact with each other in conversational settings that help to build both their proficiency and their confidence with German speaking.” Doug says his experience in Jennifer’s class has extended beyond his German language skills. “She demonstrated several innovative pedagogical methods that I have “borrowed” for my own classes.” According to Jennifer, “One of the most demanding tasks is engaging with the scholarship of teaching and learning and applying what I have read to my pedagogy. Doing this right takes mental effort and a lot of experimentation.”