Each year the UBC Faculty of Medicine recognizes excellence in clinical teaching by awarding clinical faculty who demonstrate: a) Excellence in teaching performance as evidenced by evaluations of students and/or residents and/or peers, and b) Contribute to the development of effective teaching methods or materials for clinical teaching and to course development. This year, our very own Mary Clark takes home the award demonstrating significant achievements in both criteria.
In the online Master of Rehabilitation Science (MRSc) program, Mary has been instrumental in the development and adaptation of the online course curriculum (in collaboration with Susan Stanton and McMaster University); responsible for learner support; providing expertise in program evaluation; motivating in marketing and dissemination; as well as being pivotal in the development and teaching of two courses: RHSC 503 Reasoning Decision Making and RHSC 581 Writing to Enhance Practice.
Her teaching style is student-centred – focused on gentle facilitation of discussions, constructive feedback, and creating a safe and effective virtual community that encourages learning. In teaching, she has received exceptional student evaluations:
“Of all the online courses I’ve done to date, this was by far the most interactive, and it really felt like I was part of a class. Mary obviously understands teaching online courses very well, and is able to use the medium well.”
“I can’t say enough about Mary Clark as an instructor –she is supportive without being intrusive in discussions – she went above and beyond expectations I had of a prof – and that made me feel that my learning was important to the whole university faculty, not just myself or her.”
“Mary doesn’t hand the information to you, but does provide assistance by guiding you. She is the best part of the course.”
Indeed, teaching and developing an effective online learning environment at a graduate level takes creativity, innovation, a deep understanding of the subject matter and adult pedagogy. These are all strengths of Mary’s, and are what made her a shoe in for the award.
Congratulations Mary!