(Pollock, Steven J - 2015) -- Robert L. Stearns Award
Overview
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A theoretical nuclear physicist by training, Professor Pollock began teaching at CU-Boulder in 1993 and has taught the full range of physics classes available to undergraduates. Pollock’s passion for teaching influenced his research career, and now he studies the effectiveness of different pedagogical techniques. Widely regarded as a leading scholar in the field of physics education, he has led major curriculum innovations in physics courses at CU-Boulder. Recognizing that some students learn better from other students, Pollock introduced the successful Learning Assistant Program to the physics department in 2003. The program employs advanced undergraduates to provide instructional support to students in beginning level courses. Pollock has received numerous teaching awards, including the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in STEM Education, Innovation and Research; the CU President’s Teaching Scholar Award; and CU-Boulder’s Best Should Teach Gold Award, among others. He was named a Pew Carnegie National Teaching Scholar and the Sigma Pi Sigma Favorite Physics Professor. In 2013, he was named U.S. Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.