Seven Faculty Members Receive TeamUSA Awards

Seven faculty members will use internal grants for a variety of classroom projects to enhance South’s team-based learning program, TeamUSA.

Three reviewers with expertise in team-based learning, research and/or scholarship of teaching and learning evaluated the proposals based on specific criteria, said Dr. Julie Estis, director of quality enhancement plan and associate professor of speech-language pathology.

TeamUSA faculty members focus on creating a team-based learning environment where students are held accountable for coming to class prepared and ready to participate in discussions. It includes reading before class, taking tests as individuals and teams, using the latest audiovisual technology, discussing challenging questions, practicing by doing and students solving real-life problems in teams.

Recipients met Thursday, Jan. 26, with Estis; Dr. David Johnson, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; and Dr. Angela Coleman, associate vice president for institutional effectiveness.

Recipients, award amounts and their programs:

• Dr. Elizabeth Allison, assistant professor, leadership and teacher education; “Team-Based Learning for a New Generation of Science Education: A Proposal for the Elementary Robotics Team-Based Learning Module," $2,336.20.
• Dr. Phil Carr, Chief Calvin McGhee Endowed Professor of Native American Studies and professor of anthropology; “Instituting and Assessing the Impact of TBL in a General Education Course: AN 101," $2,500.
• Colleen Lynch, MSN, RN, CNL, instructor of adult health nursing; Dr. Theresa Wright, vice chair and associate professor of adult health nursing; Dr. Debra Swanzy, RN, assistant professor of adult health nursing; and Kimberly Jordan, MSN, RN, instructor of adult health nursing; “Integrating Clinical Situations to Improve Students’ Attitudes Toward the Elderly Population and Identification of Common Healthcare Needs of a Vulnerable Population," $1,980.
• Dr. Zoya Khan, associate professor of Spanish; “Assessing Real-World Performance of TBL Students in Spanish Intermediate and Advanced Courses," $1,300.