Chemistry instructors learn about performance techniques to improve teaching

Whether you’re an experienced instructor teaching hundreds of students in a large classroom in CCIS, or a graduate teaching assistant leading a discussion to a smaller group of students, it can be nervewracking if you don’t feel confident about public speaking.  To help develop better skills for communicating science in lectures and labs, Arthur Mar, a professor in the Department of Chemistry, enlisted the aid of Josh Meredith, an accomplished voice instructor from the Department of Drama, and Quinn Contini, an improvisational actor from Rapid Fire Theatre, to organize a W.E. Harris Teaching Workshop.  About 25 instructors and graduate students from the Chemistry department participated in this full-day workshop held on May 24, 2024 at the Timms Centre for the Arts.

Gathered around in their bare feet, participants ran through a gauntlet of games and activities designed to break down inhibitions, build confidence, and become authentic.  We took turns reading aloud “left foot, right foot, left foot, right” from Dr. Seuss to improve intonation.  We walked around like zombies and if someone made a mistake, we shouted “Oopsy poopsy” to learn to accept failure.

After learning these skills, we were put to the test by giving mock lectures.  “It’s okay to be average,” Qichao (Jennifer) Wu says.  “The important thing is that I realized that the audience is on your side.  They want to see you succeed and that change in mindset will make me feel more comfortable talking to students.”

The event was such a success that the workshop will likely be offered more regularly to other instructors in Science.  It was exciting to see all the participants having fun and letting loose, and the hope is that this energy transfers back to the classroom.