Innovation
UofL faculty recognized for innovative teaching practices
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UofL’s Teaching Innovation Learning Lab (TILL) recently awarded seven faculty with the 2022 TILL Teaching Innovation Award. The award recognizes teaching excellence among UofL faculty and offers individual recognition to instructors who explore new methods for fostering learning and student success.
The 2022 award recipients are Danielle Franco, associate professor in chemistry; David Johnson, assistant professor in health management and systems sciences; Daniela Terson de Paleville, associate professor in health and sport sciences; and a group submission by Natalie Christian, Rachel Pigg, Mikus Abolins-Abols and Jeffery Masters in biology.
Now in its second year, the TILL Teaching Innovation Award grants winners $1,000 and an invitation to share their work at the annual Celebration of Teaching and Learning conference.
“I continue to be impressed by the innovative methods our faculty are investigating to help students learn,” said Marie Brown, interim associate provost for teaching and innovation. “At the Delphi Center, we see first hand how much work instructors put into designing their courses. We want to recognize those who are exploring new ways to meet student needs.”
“By its nature, teaching is an iterative process,” Christian added. “We always learn from our successes and our failures in the classroom, and can use that information to make our courses better.”
Christian was recognized with colleagues Abolins-Abols, Masters and Pigg for their work restructuring the intro biology curriculum to include course-based undergraduate research experiences.
For Terson de Paleville, who won for designing active learning course activities centered around the flipped classroom and team-based assignments, teaching innovation is critical to creating an inclusive classroom.
“One size does not fit all in education,” she said. “The same material can be presented in many ways, or even better, can be discovered and understood by students of all ages, cultural, ethnic, and previous academic backgrounds, students with disabilities, neurotypical and neurodiverse students.”
Franco found that going the extra mile to provide students with new ways to engage with course material, such as the virtual reality simulations she created for her chemistry course, made the concepts more accessible to students.
“The most rewarding part of implementing this innovation is the feedback from students,” she said. “They thought that the simulations were very engaging and helpful.”
One of the criteria used by the award selection committee is the potential for other instructors to adopt the teaching strategy across diverse academic disciplines. Johnson won for such an innovation, the development of a versatile assignment and evaluation rubric using the principles of the Paul-Elder model of critical thinking.
“Our hope is that by celebrating innovation in teaching faculty across campus will be empowered to explore new strategies in their own courses,” Brown said. “It’s an exciting time for instructional innovation, and I look forward to seeing what strategies, tools and practices our talented faculty implement in the year ahead.”
Innovation
Innovators in Social-Emotional Learning: Dr. Myava Clark and Chris Clark Jr.
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Dr. Myava Clark and Chris Clark Jr.: Pioneers in Empathy and Digital Wisdom
In a world where digital spaces often feel like the wild west, Dr. Myava Clark and Chris Clark Jr. stand as beacons of hope and innovation. Their journey, marked by a blend of personal experience and academic prowess, has led to the creation of a unique social media platform. This platform isn’t just another app on your phone; it’s a sanctuary for children with learning differences and disabilities, a place where empathy meets technology.
Dr. Myava Clark: The Academic Powerhouse
Dr. Myava Clark, with her PhD in Professional Studies specializing in Higher Education and Leadership & Administration, is more than just a list of impressive qualifications. She is the embodiment of a lifelong dedication to education and advocacy. Her academic journey, coupled with her experience as a mother, gives her a unique perspective on the needs and challenges faced by children with learning differences. She’s not just teaching from textbooks; she’s imparting wisdom from the heart.
Her journey in academia is a testament to her commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment. Dr. Clark’s research and work have consistently centered on creating support systems that not only recognize but also celebrate the diversity in learning styles and capabilities. She’s an advocate, a leader, and, above all, a voice for those often left unheard in the traditional educational narrative.
Chris Clark Jr.: The Resilient Advocate
Chris Clark Jr.’s story is one of resilience and determination. As a college student who faced the harsh realities of bullying, both online and offline, he understands the darker sides of our digital age. His experiences, however painful, have equipped him with a rare insight into the struggles faced by many young people today. Chris is more than a survivor; he’s a warrior fighting against the stigma and challenges faced by children with learning differences.
His advocacy is not just about raising awareness; it’s about creating tangible change. Chris’s involvement in developing the social media platform is driven by his desire to ensure that no child feels alone or misunderstood in their struggles. He’s working to ensure that the digital world becomes a safer, more understanding place for everyone.
A Unified Vision: Empathy in the Digital Age
Together, Dr. Clark and Chris are a formidable team. Their platform is more than just a social network; it’s a learning environment, a community, and a safe haven. It bridges the gap between social-emotional learning in schools and the real world, providing a space where children can grow, learn, and feel understood.
Their work extends beyond the digital realm. Both are active speakers and participants in various events and discussions focused on education, digital safety, and mental health. They’re not just building a platform; they’re fostering a movement.
The Future is Empathetic
As they continue their journey, Dr. Clark and Chris are focused on expanding their reach and impact. They envision a world where children, regardless of their learning styles or challenges, have equal opportunities to thrive both online and offline. They’re not just changing the game; they’re redefining it.
In their relentless pursuit of a more empathetic and inclusive digital world, Dr. Myava Clark and Chris Clark Jr. stand as shining examples of what it means to turn adversity into advocacy, challenges into change. Their story isn’t just inspiring; it’s a call to action for all of us to be more understanding, more inclusive, and more human in this increasingly digital world.
Media Features:
News Outlets: Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, Seeking Alpha, KTLA 5, CISION PR Newswire, BENZINGA, MARKETS INSIDER, FOX 8.
Podcasts:
The Special Ed Strategist Podcast (Wendy Taylor)
Cafe Verve Podcast (Lynee Lopez)
Big Idea to Bestseller Podcast (Jake Kelfer)
Burnout to All Out Podcast with Melissa Henault (Melissa Henault)
«Parent Talk» with Larissa Podcast (Larissa Mills)
Evolve (Dr. Taylor Day)
Reset with Rev. Sherry (Sherry Lupton)
Upcoming Events:
BCALA/LiteracyNation Inc Freedom to Read-A-Thon: November 28, 2023, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm EST.
Book Reading/Signing: December 9, 2023, 11 am at Sharon Hill Library, 250 Sharon Ave., Sharon Hill, PA.
Created Worthy Podcast (Danielle Damrell)
Connect with Them:
Website www.casenllc.com
Linkedin : www.Linkedin.com/in/drmyavaclark
Facebook www.facebook.com/casensocial
Instagram Myava www.instagram.com/drmyava_
Instagram Chris www.instagram.com/christhecool2
Contact: Dr. Myava Clark and Chris Clark Jr. – Email: casenllc@gmail.com
Dr. Myava Clark: Co-founder & CEO
Chris Clark Jr.: Co-founder & President
Innovation
Leo Horacio: A Successful Entrepreneur in the Ecommerce and Online Sales Industry
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Leo Horacio is a name that resonates in the world of entrepreneurship and ecommerce.
His journey is a testament to determination and success, and his story inspires many.
As an immigrant who arrived in the United States at the age of 11 after losing his father in a tragic car accident, Leo faced significant challenges from a young age. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to create his first business at the astonishing age of 17. Surprisingly, before turning 22, he had already reached his first million dollars. With over 10 years of experience in the ecommerce and online sales industry, Leo Horacio has founded and led four multi-million-dollar companies in the United States.
One of his most notable achievements has been the establishment of a company dedicated to managing ecommerce brands, which generated $10 million in its first 12 months and contributed to $125 million in sales for its clients. Furthermore, he has assisted over 450 investors in earning automated monthly incomes of $6,000 to $8,000 through his team.
But Leo has not only excelled in the business world. He has also shown his social commitment by donating to local foundations that rescue abandoned dogs and provide toys for needy children.
Leo’s motivation for entering the ecommerce industry is clear: it is a trillion-dollar industry that continues to grow, and more Latin American countries are adapting to online sales. This means that opportunities continue to expand every day.
His achievements have earned him recognition and awards, including plaques for taking eight stores to reach $1 million in less than 12 months. Additionally, in 2023, he will receive an award for reaching the astounding figure of $25 million in sales in a single year.
Leo’s personal experience as an immigrant in the United States, where he had to leave school to work and support his family after losing his father, has been a fundamental influence on his journey.
Leo’s impact in his field and in society is undeniable. He has been invited to major conferences where he has inspired hundreds of thousands of Latin American entrepreneurs with his story and impressive results.
Looking to the future, in 2024, Leo plans to expand his foundation to build homes for needy families in low-resource countries and continue growing his personal brand to share his story and expertise with a wider audience.
You can follow Leo Horacio on his social media platforms, where he shares his vision and knowledge in the world of ecommerce and entrepreneurship. His story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and determination to overcome challenges and achieve success.
Innovation
Mehdi Manoochehrzadeh: A Visionary Language Educator Transforming English Learning with Puzzling Method
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Meet Mehdi Manoochehrzadeh, a pioneering language educator whose relentless pursuit of native-like proficiency in English led to the creation of a revolutionary teaching method known as the Puzzling Method. As a native Persian speaker, Mehdi’s determination and innovative approach have empowered over a hundred thousand language learners to master English in record time.
From the ages of 8 to 11, Mehdi attended various language classes in pursuit of his dream to become fluent in English. He believed he had attained a high level of proficiency during those years. However, his first encounter with an English-speaking person at the age of 11 exposed a glaring flaw in the traditional language education system—the materials he had learned were of little practical use, leaving him unable to form even a basic sentence in English. This experience ignited a passion within Mehdi to find a more effective way of learning the language.
In his quest for a better approach, Mehdi discovered the Grammar Translation Method (GTM), a teaching method that resonated with him. Embracing the GTM, he experienced a remarkable transformation, achieving fluency in English within just six months and shedding all his negative feelings and insecurities.
Recognizing that many of his friends faced similar challenges in their language learning journey, Mehdi took it upon himself to help them. He began teaching English to his friends using the GTM, and to his delight, they too experienced rapid progress and newfound confidence in their language skills.
Fueled by his friends’ success and driven by a growing demand for effective language learning methods, Mehdi was inspired to refine the GTM.
He created the Puzzling Method to address the shortcomings of conventional language teaching. This groundbreaking approach focuses on practical communication skills, encourages active student engagement and interaction, and provides a more immersive cultural experience.
The Puzzling Method has since proven to be a game-changer in the world of language education. Mehdi’s unique approach allows learners to visualize their progress after each session, encouraging motivation and dedication. Instead of directly learning English grammar, learners construct sentences in their native language and then translate them into English using puzzle pieces.
In 2010, Mehdi’s unwavering commitment to effective language education led him to establish the Manoochehrzadeh Language Academy. Through this institution, he has successfully taught English to over a hundred thousand language learners, providing comprehensive educational packages tailored to individual needs.
Mehdi’s contributions to the field of language education have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized and celebrated for his achievements, earning accolades and awards throughout his career. Some of his notable milestones include:
- Education Management Certificate from LEEDS University, England in 2014.
- Establishment of the Manoochehrzadeh publishing company in 2016.
- TTC Certificate from Petrel College, Canada, in 2017.
- Paper Presentation Certificate at the International NTELT Conference in 2018.
- Article Publication and Presentation at NTELT titled «Exploring the Relationship between EFL Learners’ Self-Efficacy Belief and their Language Proficiency: The Case of Reading Comprehension in Focus,» in 2018.
- Article Publication Certificate in the LTRQ Journal in 2019.
- Article Publication and Presentation at ICSLS exploring the interplay between Iranian EFL teachers’ perceptions of research and their academic degrees in 2019.
- Article Publication and Presentation at SSYJ titled «The Interplay between Young Learners’ Sense of Self-Efficacy in Reading Comprehension and English Language Proficiency» in 2019.
- Book Publication: «Fundamental Terms in Language Teaching Methodology» explaining English language teaching terminology, published by Society Publications in Canada in 2021.
- Book Publication: «Syllabus Design and Material Development» regarding curriculum design, published by Society Publications in Canada in 2021.
- Book Publication: «101 Key Points in Language Teaching Methodology» about various language teaching methods, published by Lambert Publishing in Germany in 2022.
Mehdi’s commitment to continuous improvement and future endeavors is evident in his dedication to learning and developing other languages. He remains focused on expanding his expertise and knowledge in language education to empower even more learners worldwide.
Stay connected with Mehdi and his transformative Puzzling Method on Instagram, where he shares valuable insights and updates @demanoochehrzadeh. For more information and to explore Mehdi’s work, visit his official website at drmanoochehrzadeh.com.
Through his exceptional contributions to language education, Mehdi Manoochehrzadeh is leaving an indelible mark on the world of English learning, making proficiency achievable and accessible for learners of all backgrounds.
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