UC professor receives award for excellence in teaching
Philosophy instructor recognized for significant impact on students
The American Philosophical Association recognized a University of Cincinnati professor with its Excellence in Teaching Award.
The organization honored Assistant Professor Melissa Jacquart for her outstanding contribution to student learning in undergraduate and pre-college settings.
The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes professors who have had a significant impact on their students’ understanding of philosophy. The association advocates for the discipline of philosophy and its development both within academic spaces and the public sphere. It also seeks to promote the visibility and appreciation of philosophical inquiry.
Melissa Jacquart. Photo/Provided
To be considered for the award, a candidate must first be nominated by members of the American Philosophical Association.
Jacquart was nominated by two previous winners of the award.
“It’s flattering but also humbling to know other people who you really value and respect think you deserve an award like this — and that they want to put in the time and the energy to nominate you for something like that,” Jacquart said.
As part of the selection process, semifinalists are asked to reflect on their successful courses and outline key elements that contribute to student learning. Semifinalists must also provide feedback from former students and colleagues.
“It means a lot as an instructor to see how you approach teaching and how you teach your students matters to them and that they themselves see that impact,” Jacquart said. “Helping our undergrad students is so meaningful and important for what doors it opens for them.”
It feels good because it helps me know that it's making a difference for my students.
Melissa Jacquart, UC Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Jacquart’s work as both an award-winning scholar and teacher reflects her belief that philosophy should be accessible to everyone.
Her methodology in teaching highlights the importance of making philosophy accessible while also strategically structuring her classes in collaboration with students and paying attention to their interests to further engage with them.
Jacquart redefines how philosophy is taught by using non-traditional topics to spark philosophical discussions amongst her students. Jacquart teaches a course at UC titled “Philosophy (Taylor's Version)“ which uses Taylor Swift’s art and life as a gateway to explore complex philosophical issues.
Jacquart said the class examines how ideas, emotions and challenges the singer addresses connect with concepts philosophers have contemplated for millennia.
“Like what is the nature of love? What is the nature of revenge? Is revenge ever justified?” she said.
Jacquart has dedicated significant time to securing grants, such as $50,000 from the Whiting Foundation and $25,000 from the university to create opportunities to engage students with the philosophy of science, particularly in schools that receive federal funding to assist students from low-income families in meeting state academic standards.
One of her notable projects involves teaching high school students about the role and methods of science, encouraging deeper, philosophical questions beyond memorization.
Her approach to teaching aims to challenge traditional educational models that reinforce social hierarchies and instead foster critical thinking and curiosity in environments where these skills are often overlooked.
Jacquart's teachings in public schools have garnered praise from public school teachers who have expressed the positive impact on their students and requesting that the project expands.
“It feels good because it helps me know that it’s making a difference for my students.” she said.
Featured image at top: Rodin's The Thinker.Photo/jstarj for Pixabay.
By Skylinn Jenkins
Student Journalist, College of Arts and Sciences Marketing and Communication
artscinews@uc.edu
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