Sherwin Tjia

Brian Alters

Department of Integrated Studies in Education

Faculty of Education Award for Distinguished Teaching

The best advice I received was from McGill chemistry professor David Harpp: To ask yourself, "Would I want to be sitting in that class?"

While in high school, I enrolled in some junior college science courses, and one of these courses had an amazing instructor. The students not only learned, but enjoyed attending the classes. I thought if I ever become a teacher, he would be my role model.

My favourite courses are any in which I instruct to-be teachers or those who already are professionally teaching. The potential impact is significant.

One memorable class moment was immediately after a class meeting involving a particularly elaborate demonstration. One student privately told me what was meant to be a compliment: "I'll remember this even after I forget everything else in the course."