Student Tribune
Jason Anderson Selected as 2023 Dr. Wesley T. Hanson Award for Teaching Excellence
Congratulations to Jason Anderson, Associate Professor, Chemistry and
Geosciences, as this year's recipient of the Dr. Wesley T. Hanson Award for
Teaching Excellence. In his fourteen years at the college, Jason has been
a staunch advocate of student learning. Dr. Anderson primarily teaches
organic chemistry, perhaps some of the most rigorous courses offered at MCC.
In order to improve student learning, Dr. Anderson moved away from the
lecture format of instruction and instead implemented a flipped classroom
approach and other active learning based models of instruction. With two
support grants from the National Science Foundation, Dr. Anderson has
collaborated with both RIT and University of Rochester Collegues to imrpove
student learning, including peer-led team learning models and undergraduate
research. Dr. Anderson consistently seeks high-imapct learning practices
to improve student engagement and, thereby, increase learning. He has
created animations on Powerpoints, developed additional online excercises for
students to further practice, and adopted an interactive text. In
addition to his commitment to classroom practice, Dr. Anderson serves as the
Chemistry Coordinator where he mentors adjunct faculty and supports their
teaching effectiveness.
Liberal Arts student, Chiara Giraldo, says this about Jason:
Dr. Anderson fosters an inclusive learning environment working
constructively with students when they make mistakes. He provides students the
opportunity to solve synthesis problems in front of the class; if mistakes are
made, rather than emphasizing what’s incorrect, he explains the results
of students’ misunderstandings. By using errors constructively, he
helpfully guides students’ creativity in synthesis problems and
encouraging multiple approaches to solving problems. Learning in [an]
environment accepting of mistakes allows students to participate without the
pressure of perfection, making organic chemistry accessible and diminishes the
intimidating nature often associated with the course.
Please join the Faculty Senate Professional Development Committee in
congratulating Jason Anderson as the 2023 recipient of the Wesley T. Hanson
Award for Teaching Excellence!
Salsburg Taylor, Judi
ESOL/TRS and Chair of Faculty Senate Professional Development Committee
04/20/2023