 David Collingwood
Distinguished Teaching Award
Department: Professor of Mathematics;
12 years at UW.
Courses Taught: Math 120 (Pre-Calculus), Introduction to Modern
Algebra, Topics in Applied Analysis, Theory of Optimal Control, Special
Topics in Algebra
Achievements: With some students having a difficult time with
a required pre-calculus course, he wrote a textbook in a colloquial style,
closer to language students actually use. He set up weekly meetings for
all instructors, employed role playing for TAs, convinced the department
of the need for more resources in the pre-calculus class to cut class size
from 700 to 160, and consulted constantly with students, TAs and teachers
to improve his textbook. The result: many more students now pass the pre-calculus
course.
Quote: "Professor Collingwood's unwavering commitment to
his students has enriched my views of teaching. It is unusual for a professor
to become personally invested in his students' learning, but Professor Collingwood
does so without reservation. His respect for students and his faith in their
abilities is phenomenal."--Linda Martin, former student
Biography: B.S., Wichita State University, 1978; Ph.D., University
of Utah, 1983. | 